The warm, golden light of the setting sun streamed through the tall windows, pooling on the marble floors and lending the room a softness that felt almost unreal.
Outside, Crescent Ridge lay in serene stillness, its pristine lawns and stately homes bathed in a tranquil hush that suggested all was well with the world.
But inside the Coles' new home, the air was alive with a quieter kind of excitement—the kind that fills a space where disbelief hasn't yet caught up to joy.
Ethan stood near the large windows in the living room, his hands resting loosely in his pockets as he gazed thoughtfully at the estate beyond.
Jessica lingered by the entrance, her bag hanging loosely over her shoulder. Her posture betrayed a slight hesitation, as though some invisible tether kept her from fully stepping out of this moment.
From the kitchen, Elise's voice rose above the gentle clatter of pans and utensils. "Jessica, are you sure you won't stay for dinner? I'm making something special tonight. It would mean a lot to us—you've done so much for our family."
Jessica glanced over, already preparing the polite refusal she had perfected over years of similar invitations. But there was something in Elise's tone—something genuine, unpolished, and warm—that gave her pause.
This wasn't the rehearsed courtesy of a host fulfilling an obligation. It was something real, and for a moment, Jessica hesitated. Still, she managed a polite smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Cole, but I wouldn't want to intrude. It's your first evening in your new home—it should be a special time for your family."
Elise exchanged a brief glance with Ethan, her smile deepening with a touch of mischief. "Jessica," she said, leaning casually against the counter, "Ethan's told us all about how much you've helped him. He said none of this would've been possible without you."
Ethan turned at once, his eyebrows shooting up in alarm. "I didn't say that!" he protested quickly. "I mean—I said she was helpful. Very helpful. But I didn't say—" He faltered, realizing there was no way to backtrack without sounding entirely ungrateful.
Elise gave a soft laugh, clearly enjoying her son's flustered defense. "Please, Jessica," she continued, ignoring Ethan's indignation. "You've worked hard enough—you deserve a moment to relax. I'm sure Ethan has been running you ragged."
"I have not!" Ethan interjected, his voice rising slightly in pitch. "Everything went perfectly smoothly. No ragged-running at all."
Jessica raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching upward in amusement. "Oh, really?" she said lightly. "And here I thought those late-night calls and last-minute paperwork might suggest otherwise."
Before Ethan could muster a reply, Lily bounded into the room, her energy as bright and uncontainable as the evening sunlight spilling through the windows. "You have to stay, Jessica!" she declared, her enthusiasm shining in her wide smile. "Mom's cooking is the best in the whole world. You'd seriously regret it if you left now."
Jessica hesitated, her practiced professionalism faltering under the sheer warmth of the child's invitation. The truth was, it had been years since she'd sat down to a proper home-cooked meal.
Her dinners were usually hasty affairs—something reheated and eaten in solitude, the hum of a microwave her only company.
But still, she hesitated. "I don't want to impose," she said softly, almost as though to herself.
"No," Elise replied, her tone kind but firm. "It's no trouble at all. In fact, it would be a pleasure to cook for you."
Jessica turned to Ethan as if silently asking him to intervene, but he only smiled, his voice gentle and persuasive. "Come on, Jessica," he said. "You've earned this. Stay."
There was a long pause before Jessica finally sighed, a reluctant but genuine smile breaking across her face. "All right," she said, her tone softening.
Lily grinned, visibly relieved. "Great. Let's make sure Mom has everything she needs, Ethan."
Ethan could only chuckle at Lily's order. He quickly took out his phone and ordered groceries from Crescent Ridge's renowned 24-hour mall. By the time the delivery arrived, the kitchen had transformed into a culinary treasure trove.
Fresh produce in vibrant colors, fragrant herbs, and cuts of meat so fine they might have been selected for a royal banquet filled the space. Jacob stood by the counter, watching his mother with mock seriousness as she sorted through the bounty.
"You could be on TV with all this, Mom," he said, gesturing toward the neatly arranged ingredients. "Next thing we know, you'll be hosting a cooking show."
Elise laughed, shaking her head. "Let's not get carried away," she said, picking up a jar of saffron and holding it up to the light with an almost childlike wonder. "But I will admit—it feels a bit magical cooking with all this and here."
The laughter rippling through the room softened the grandeur of the space, making the high-end appliances and gleaming countertops feel less imposing and more like part of a home.
Elise moved through the kitchen with the quiet confidence of someone who had spent years feeding her family, her hands steady and sure even as the luxury around her felt almost surreal.
When dinner was ready, Elise called everyone to the table with a warmth that made it feel like an occasion in itself. "Dinner's ready!" she announced, and the family gathered eagerly, their excitement palpable as the tantalizing aromas filled the air.
Jessica hesitated for a moment before taking her seat, her gaze drifting over the cheerful faces around the table. The laughter, the warmth—it was achingly familiar, stirring memories she hadn't allowed herself to visit in years.
As the family passed plates and shared lighthearted jabs, she felt an unexpected lump rise in her throat. It had been far too long since she'd been part of something like this.
The moment swept her back to memories of her own family in Novan City—meals shared around a humble table, the quiet camaraderie of people who loved one another despite life's imperfections. The nostalgia was so sharp it nearly brought tears to her eyes.
Elise, ever attuned to others' emotions, noticed Jessica's quiet demeanor. Wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, she stepped over and gently placed a hand on Jessica's shoulder. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.
Jessica blinked rapidly, forcing a laugh that was half genuine, half deflection. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice wavered slightly. "It's just… your cooking reminds me of home. I haven't had a meal like this in ages, and I guess it made me miss my mom."
Elise's eyes softened, and she gave Jessica's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Well, you're always welcome here," she said warmly. "Anytime you need a break or just want some company, our door is open. I'll be at home more now, so you don't even need to call ahead."
Jessica's expression softened further, and her voice grew hushed as she said, "That's so kind of you, Mrs. Cole. Thank you."
At this, Ethan, who had been half-listening from across the room, straightened in surprise. "Wait... You'll be at home more?" he repeated, his brows furrowing. "Mom… have you—have you resigned?"
Elise nodded, her serene smile radiating contentment. "I have. I called the clinic and sent in my resignation letter via email this morning. It's time for a new beginning," she said simply. "I want to focus on our family and embrace this next chapter in our lives. And, of course, I'll have plenty of time to cook for all of you."
Aaron, seated at the far end of the table, cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair, a playful twinkle in his eye. "Well, don't expect me to follow suit just yet," he said with mock seriousness. "I'm not ready for retirement. I think I've got a few productive years left."
From her end of the table, Lily piped up with a mischievous grin. "Come on, Dad! You should start living it up like a proper rich retiree. Isn't that what wealthy dads do? Golf, tennis, sitting on the board of some fancy charity?"
Jacob leaned forward, unable to resist joining in. "Yeah, Dad! Picture it: you on the golf course, wearing one of those preppy outfits, chatting about stocks and sipping iced tea."
Aaron groaned theatrically, rolling his eyes. "Golf? Do I really strike you as someone who has the patience for a five-hour stroll chasing a little white ball?"
The table erupted into laughter at the image, and Aaron, despite his protests, couldn't help but chuckle along.
As the laughter subsided, Elise turned to Jessica with a playful glint in her eye. "So, Jessica, you're such a lovely young woman. Is there someone special in your life?"
Jessica froze, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh, um, no," she stammered, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Not right now. I've just been so focused on studying before and now work… I haven't had much time for that sort of thing."
Lily gasped, her eyes wide with exaggerated disbelief. "But you're so pretty! How is it even possible that no one's snatched you up yet?"
Jessica laughed, more genuinely this time. "Thank you, Lily, but... You'll understand later that life isn't always that simple. Sometimes other things take priority."
Elise leaned in conspiratorially, her voice dipping but still loud enough for everyone to hear. "Well, you should keep an eye on our Ethan. He's quite the catch, you know—especially now that he's doing so well."
"Mom!" Ethan nearly choked on his water, his face turning a deep shade of red as he coughed awkwardly.
The laughter that followed was infectious, Jessica joining in even as she hid her face behind her hands, her cheeks burning. "I was just teasing," Elise said, winking at Jessica. "But you never know. Life has a funny way of surprising us."
Jacob, never one to miss an opportunity to poke fun, leaned over with a wide grin. "So, Ethan," he said, nudging his brother, "when's the wedding?"
Groaning, Ethan buried his face in his hands. "You're all impossible," he muttered, though the hint of a smile tugged at his lips.
As the teasing subsided, Jessica found herself looking around the table, her heart full. The warmth of the Cole family was something she hadn't expected, but it wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. For the first time in years, she felt a sense of belonging.
Elise leaned closer to her as the meal wound down, her voice gentle. "Remember, Jessica, you're always welcome here. Always."
Jessica blinked, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "I'll definitely take you up on that."
Later, as dinner ended and Jessica helped Elise clear the table, Ethan stood by the large window, staring out at the serene night sky. The stars seemed unusually bright, scattered like a thousand tiny promises across the vast expanse.
For a brief moment, all the worries that had weighed on his shoulders—the secrets, the dangers, the unknowns—faded into the background. His family was safe, happy, and together.
And for tonight, that was enough.
Ethan let out a slow breath, his resolve strengthening as he watched the stars. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he was just Ethan—a brother, a son, and a young man daring to hope for something better.
Author's Note:
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