The sun cast its radiant glow, enveloping the landscape in a warm embrace as the sleek black car glided effortlessly along the winding road. On either side, a verdant tapestry of lush greenery and majestic trees stretched out, creating a picturesque scene that seemed to belong in a storybook.
Within the car's plush back seat, a man gazed out the window, his eyes drinking in the breathtaking view. He wore wireless earphones, the melodies of his chosen music providing a fitting soundtrack to the unfolding panorama before him.
In the distance, a towering mountain loomed, its imposing presence dominating the horizon. A series of cascading waterfalls adorned its rugged face, their crystalline waters shimmering like liquid diamonds as they tumbled gracefully into the valley below.
As the car continued its journey, a stately manor came into view. The vehicle slowed to a halt before the imposing entrance, and after a brief pause, the massive black wrought iron gates swung open with a silent grace. The car proceeded forward, crossing the threshold into the house of his brother-in-law.
***
As the car came to a gentle halt, three individuals gracefully emerged from within.
Michael, clad in a sleek black turtleneck sweater, donned a sophisticated brown single breasted coat that draped elegantly over his frame. His ensemble was completed with form fitting black jeans and a pair of polished chelsea boots, exuding an air of refined confidence.
Beside him, Ashley radiated a sense of youthful exuberance in her pristine white, full sleeve skater dress. A pair of chic sunglasses perched atop her head. Their mother, a vision of timeless elegance, was adorned in a striking red dress with a self-tie belt and ruffled hem. Draped over her shoulder, a tasteful shoulder bag complemented her ensemble.
The door swung open, revealing a strikingly handsome man with broad shoulders. His auburn hair was neatly styled, and a well groomed, short beard framed his strong jawline. His eyes sparkled with joy as he greeted his mother-in-law, "Welcome, Mother Kayla."
Taking her hand gently, he pressed his forehead to the back of her hand in a gesture of deep respect. "Please, come in. I trust your journey was comfortable?"
Mother Kayla smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you, Travis. The trip was indeed quite pleasant."
They exchanged pleasantries, discussing trivial matters as they settled in.
Nearby, Ashley playfully jabbed her elbow into her brother Michael's shoulder. He glanced at his elder sister, removing a wireless earphone from his ear and slipping it into his pocket.
"What was that for?" he inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Ashley's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Care to make a bet?"
Michael said, "What are you talking about?"
With a cheeky grin, Ashley explained, "Who do you think cousin Ivy will approach first – you or me?"
Michael pondered the proposition for a moment before asking, "What's the wager?"
"How about one week of dishwashing duties, both morning and night?" Ashley suggested, her grin widening.
As Michael's fingers brushed against a small object concealed in his pocket, he suppressed a sly smile.
"Let's make it two weeks," he countered, his voice unwavering and poised.
Ashley scrutinized her brother, her intuition warning her that something was amiss.
Michael goaded her, "What's the matter? Changed your mind?"
With a determined glint in her eye, Ashley agreed. "Fine. Two weeks it is."
Kayla surveyed the surroundings with a discerning gaze before inquiring, "Travis, where is Mila?"
Travis remarked, "Mother Kayla, she has already begun preparing the lavish feast in the kitchen."
Without hesitation, Kayla responded, "Alright, I shall briefly return to our temporary room before making my way to the kitchen to offer her my assistance."
Travis offered a discreet nod and respectfully replied, "As you wish, Mother Kayla," as she gracefully made her way towards the designated room.
Travis surveyed the pair before him, his gaze shifting between Ashley and Michael.
With a wry smile, he remarked, "Well, Ashley and Michael, it's been quite some time. I see you've both grown taller."
Ashley's eyes sparkled with delight as she exclaimed, "Really?"
"Pffttt…" Michael stifled a snicker, earning him a deadpan glare from Ashley.
He met her gaze, feigning innocence, and said, "Oh, he's obviously talking about me."
He then theatrically gestured to the height difference between them, placing his hand above his head to emphasize his towering stature.
Ashley's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, prompting Michael to quickly turn his attention back to Travis.
"It's been far too long, Brother Travis," he said, his voice a mixture of amusement and sincerity.
Travis exclaimed, "I watched your match against Sa Della University, and it was truly a thrilling experience. When you made that last second, game changing basket, everyone's eyes were glued to the ball as it soared through the hoop. The moment the ball found its mark, the crowd erupted into group of wild beast. I admit, I was elated as well, having placed a wager on your team's victory."
Both Michael and Ashley raised their eyebrows, prompting Travis to hastily amend his statement. "What I meant to say was, I was delighted by your team's triumph, and please, let's keep my little wager a secret from Mila."
Michael and Ashley shared a meaningful glance, both acutely aware of their sister Mila's stringent nature. Sensing their unspoken understanding, they offered Travis a discreet nod of approval, which prompted him to release a sigh of relief, grateful for their solidarity.
With a touch of humility, Michael replied, "Thank you, but I believe luck was on my side during that moment."
Travis countered, "You're downplaying your achievements. Despite not being awarded the title of Most Valuable Player, you were the reason your team secured victory in the championship match."
Michael's lips curled into a subtle smile, and as the conversation appeared to reach a lull, Ashley interjected, "Speaking of which, where is the little Ivy, Travis?"
No sooner had Ashley uttered those words than an enchanting little girl appeared nearby. Her eyes, wide with wonder, remained fixed on the trio as she tightly clutched a tablet in her small hands.
Michael and Ashley exchanged a knowing glance before simultaneously crouching down, extending their arms in Ivy's direction. Travis, the father, watched with curiosity, intrigued by their actions.
With a warm, inviting smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts, Ashley beckoned the young girl. "Ivy, come here, sweetheart. My, haven't you grown even more adorable since I last saw you?" she cooed, her hands gesturing for Ivy to approach.
Not to be outdone, Michael chimed in with a gentle, soothing voice, "This way, Ivy." He discreetly reached into his pocket, producing a chocolate treat and revealing it to Ivy with the stealth of a seasoned magician, careful to keep it hidden from Ashley's prying eyes.
Ivy glanced between the two, her confusion evident as she sought guidance from her father. However, he simply averted his gaze, leaving her to navigate this peculiar situation on her own.
Reluctantly, Ivy set down her tablet and regarded Michael and Ashley with the discerning gaze of a seasoned judge.
As she caught sight of the chocolate concealed in Michael's hand, she began to inch toward them.
Michael's grin widened, his confidence soaring. 'It seems I've won,' he thought smugly.
With only a few steps remaining, he encouraged her, "Come on, just one more step."
However, to his utter shock, Ivy suddenly changed course, making a beeline for Ashley instead.
As Ivy embraced Ashley, the latter patted her head affectionately, her grin stretching from ear to ear as she shot a triumphant glance at the dumbfounded Michael.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Ashley drawled, "Brother, it appears I'll be feasting on far toooo many treats in the next two weeks." Ivy glanced at Ashley, and they exchanged a triumphant high five.
Michael's forehead vein throbbed as he let out a resigned sigh. Noticing the vibrant, intricate vermillion hairclip in Ivy's hand, he accused, "You're cheating."
Ashley replied coolly, "Aren't you hiding chocolates in your pocket?"
Taken aback, Michael asked, "How did you know?"
Ashley halted momentarily, a mischievous glint in her eye, and said sagely, "Did you know that I orchestrated this entire charade?"
Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
With a sly grin, Ashley revealed, "You know that chocolate you found in your pocket? I planted it there earlier."
She continued, "I even consulted Sister Mila about Ivy's favorite color a few days ago, and I've been pulling your emotional strings earlier, making you believe you had the upper hand. I expertly feigned my reaction so you'd extend the bet."
Michael's jaw dropped, "Y-you cunning trickster. I refuse to do the dishes."
In a flash, Ashley whipped out her cellphone and played a recording of Michael's voice: "Let's make it two weeks." Stunned, he realized she had captured their conversation. Ashley taunted, "You're a man of your word, right, Michael?"
Defeated, Michael muttered, "You…"
Ashley interrupted, "From the very beginning, you've been dancing like a marionette in the palm of my hand, brother."
Michael relented, "Alright, alright, I'll do the dishes. Just spare me your manipulative monologue."
Ashley grinned triumphantly, while Ivy, smiling sweetly, approached Michael. She extended her small hand, and he gently patted her head before handing over the chocolate. Hand in hand, Ivy and Ashley sauntered toward the living room, their mission accomplished.
Travis grinned mischievously and said, "You've got quite the dangerous sibling, Michael."
Michael subtly nodded as he remarked, "Yeah, and you married one."
Travis chuckled heartily, "Hahahaha! Well, it's also a part of the charm."
With a suggestion in mind, he proposed, "How about we engage in a game of chess?"
Michael contemplated for a moment before responding, "You do realize you're a regional champion, right?"
He continued, "And I'm barely a thousand elo player."
Glancing to the side, he noticed a chessboard already set up and waiting, and his expression turned deadpan.
As Travis gestured towards the chessboard and began walking over, Michael followed and said, "You're just using me as a stress-reliever, aren't you?"
Travis flashed a disarming smile and countered, "Oh, come now, don't be like that. They'll likely take an hour to prepare the meal, so we might as well pass the time enjoyably."
As he settled into his seat at the chair, Michael reluctantly agreed, "Alright, but I get to play with the white pieces."