The sushi bar was the perfect escape before the dinner they all knew would be filled with tension. Ethan, Olivia, Alex, and Emma settled into a cozy booth, the warm aroma of freshly prepared sushi wafting around them. Olivia was in her element, scanning the menu with bright eyes as she rubbed her small but noticeable baby bump.
"This place is amazing," Emma exclaimed, looking over the dishes as the waitress brought over a platter of beautifully arranged sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.
"Best in the city," Ethan nodded, glancing at Olivia with a smile. "Figured it would be a good idea to treat ourselves before tonight."
"Definitely the right call," Alex agreed, grabbing a pair of chopsticks. "Besides, nothing like good food to take your mind off... family drama."
Olivia chuckled but stayed focused on the sushi platter, her chopsticks already reaching for her favorite pieces. "I think our little one's craving sushi too," she teased, taking a bite and closing her eyes in bliss.
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily, filled with light banter, and for a moment, it was as if the impending dinner with Ethan's family didn't loom over them. They laughed, joked, and enjoyed each other's company—just the four of them, away from all the outside noise.
After lunch, they decided to walk down the street to pick up the gifts. The perfect place, an elegant little boutique, had caught Olivia's eye earlier. The shop was filled with a variety of unique and thoughtful items—something for everyone.
For Grandpa Henry, they settled on an antique leather-bound journal. Ethan knew his grandfather loved to write down memories and thoughts, and the vintage journal, paired with an elegant fountain pen, felt like the right choice.
"I think he'll love it," Ethan said, running his fingers over the smooth leather.
Olivia, meanwhile, found a stunning hand-painted silk scarf for Aunt Linda. "This will be perfect for her," she said, holding it up. The delicate hues of blue and lavender matched Linda's serene personality, and Olivia felt it was a personal touch to show her gratitude for Linda's support.
With gifts in hand, they headed back home to get ready for the evening.
Back at the mansion, the mood shifted as the reality of the evening's dinner set in. Emma and Olivia retreated to Olivia's room, while Ethan and Alex took over the guest room to change and prepare.
Emma watched as Olivia slipped into a stunning navy blue maternity dress, tailored to perfection with a simple yet elegant design. The fabric hugged her baby bump beautifully while still looking sophisticated. "You look incredible," Emma said, smiling as she zipped up the back.
Olivia twirled slightly, admiring her reflection. "Let's just hope I feel as confident as I look," she joked, turning to Emma. "How about you?"
Emma pulled out a soft blush-pink dress, simple and classy. "I'm going for something subtle, you know? I don't want to steal the spotlight from you and Ethan tonight."
Olivia smiled warmly. "You'll always look beautiful, no matter what you wear."
Emma gave a shy smile before turning to the mirror to fix her hair. "You think this will be as bad as we imagine?" she asked, trying to make light conversation as she styled her hair into loose waves.
Olivia sighed. "Honestly? I don't know. But Ethan and I are ready. We've been through worse, and we'll get through this too."
Meanwhile, in the guest room, Alex was adjusting his tie in the mirror while Ethan stood nearby, fixing the collar of his crisp white shirt. Alex, always laid-back, seemed unusually quiet as he straightened his jacket.
"You good?" Ethan asked, glancing at his friend.
Alex shrugged, adjusting his cuffs. "I'm just here for moral support, man. I mean, you've got Martha and Jenna to deal with. But hey, we've survived worse—like that time in high school when you had to dodge every girl in class after they found out you had a crush on Olivia."
Ethan chuckled at the memory, shaking his head. "Yeah, I remember that. But this is a whole different battlefield." He finished buttoning his jacket, looking at himself in the mirror with a deep breath. "But I'm ready."
Alex gave him a reassuring nod. "You've got this. And you've got us."
By the time the group was ready, the sun had started to set, casting a warm golden hue across the mansion. Ethan, in a charcoal-grey suit that fit him perfectly, extended his arm to Olivia as she emerged from the room, radiant in her navy dress.
"You look breathtaking," he whispered, kissing her hand softly. Olivia blushed, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and nerves.
Emma and Alex joined them at the entrance. Emma, glowing in her blush-pink dress, linked arms with Alex, who had chosen a simple but elegant black suit for the evening.
Together, they stepped out of the mansion, the weight of the evening ahead pressing down on them, but the warmth of their friendship keeping them grounded.
Ethan paused as they approached the car, looking at Olivia one last time. "Ready to face the storm?" he asked, his voice soft but steady.
Olivia took a deep breath, her hand resting protectively on her baby bump. "With you by my side? Always."
They all climbed into the car, the tension quietly building as they made their way to the Pierce family estate. This dinner would be a test of everything—love, loyalty, and family.
And they were ready.