What?
She is coming today?
Brandon was startled to hear this and his gaze narrowed. If anyone hates him in this world, it would be his Big Sister, Charlotte.
Just like Elize, Charlotte is also not his blood relative.
She is the younger sister of Elize, so she is also like another aunt to him, but from a young age, he calls her Big Sister.
However, Charlotte hates Brandon to her core.
With a sigh, Brandon placed that bottle on the counter 'She thinks that Elize wasted her youthful life because she took care of me.'
And, in a way, Charlotte wasn't wrong.
When his mother passed away, Elize took in.
She had stepped into the role of his guardian with a level of care and dedication that went beyond simple responsibility.
She could have lived a different life... without the burden of raising a grieving boy.
Yet she chose him. She loved him. And in return, he loved her more than he could ever express.
'I owe her a lot, that's why I can't ever bring myself to voice my feelings to her.'
As he turned to look at Elize, a little smile creased across his lips.
Elize who was busily cooking was surprised as suddenly a pair of hands hugged her from behind.
Hm? She turned her gaze to look at Brandon in surprise "Kael?"
Brandon didn't say anything and placed his chin on her shoulder as he caressed his cheeks with hers.
There was something deeply soothing about being close to her... the scent of lavender mingling with the aroma of the food she was cooking, the softness of her hair and the steady rhythm of her breathing.
Elize's eyes crescented in worry seeing him like this "So, tell me... did you guys fight or something? Or did she discard you after using her for 8 months?"
As his grip on her waist tightened, he spoke "The latter, she suddenly called me and told me that she doesn't love me anymore."
"In the first place, she said she loved me because my Sister is an Empyrean."
Hearing this, Elize's eyes quivered in shock but then she took a deep breath to control her anger "I see..."
She doesn't know what to say or how to console him in this situation.
So she just let him hug her for a few minutes as they stood in a comfortable silence.
Brandon also felt his heart at ease in her presence as her scent muddled his senses... the unique scent of Elize which he loved the most.
A few minutes later, he pulled back from the hug and sighed "Seems like I got a bit... emotional."
Elize turned to look at him and cupped his cheeks as a kind smile appeared on her face "It is okay to show your vulnerable side to me, darling."
"You can always come to me if you need anything."
Brandon let out a chuckle and leaned forward placing a kiss on her cheek "Thank you, Aunt..."
Feeling his lips, a smile bloomed on Elize's lips "Now, now.. go and play your favorite game to ease your mind. Dinner will be ready within half an hour."
Brandon nodded and quickly exited the kitchen and his heart was light.
Looking at his back, Elize's gaze narrowed as a cold glint passed through her eyes,
She quickly took her mobile from the counter and dialed a number.
Within two rings, the call connected "Char..."
Charlotte who was on the other side of the call spoke "Big Sister?"
"Where are you now?"
Hearing the question, Charlotte replied "Just got off the flight and I am in the car right now I will be there in an hour."
With a sigh, Elize spoke "That Yeon broke up with Kael."
Upon hearing this, Charlotte smiled faintly "Are you for real? Well, I always know that he is a loser."
However, Elize is not in the mood to share her humor "Char, I have told you many times not to belittle him like that."
Charlotte's smile faded, but the amusement lingered in her tone "What do you want me to do about it?"
"I want that Yeon dead by tomorrow."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow "Tomorrow?"
Elize's eyes squinted "What? With your power... that should be easy."
Scratching her head, Charlotte replied "Alright, consider her dead."
"Good..."
As the call cancelled, Elize gripped her mobile tightly 'Dared to hurt Kael.. and be alive?'
Elize had thoroughly investigated Yeon before Kael moved in with her.
From what she collected, Yeon seemed to be a good woman and she expected them to have a good love life.
But she never thought, it would end up like this.
---
The dining table had been set with a variety of dishes... grilled lemon herb chicken, garlic butter shrimp pasta, roasted vegetables, and a fresh arugula salad topped with shaved parmesan and cherry tomatoes.
There was even a loaf of crusty sourdough bread on the side, along with a small dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Elize had outdone herself as always.
Brandon stepped into the dining room and couldn't help but chuckle "Smells like a five-star restaurant in here. What's the occasion?"
"Told you we are celebrating your breakup."
Shaking his head helplessly, Brandon took his seat and Elize sat beside him.
They both dug in.
The first bite of chicken melted in Brandon's mouth... tender, juicy, with just the right hint of lemon and rosemary.
"As usual, Aunt Elize's cooking is the best."
"Hahaha... I am glad you like it."
They continued eating, their conversation light and playful.
Brandon reached for the garlic butter shrimp pasta next, scooping a generous portion onto his plate.
The buttery sauce clung to each noodle, and the shrimp were plump and flavorful. He polished off half of it in minutes.
"Pace yourself, Kael, You'll choke."
"I can't help it," he said as his mouth was stuffed with food.
"This is the best thing I've eaten in weeks."
"Are you saying your ex couldn't cook?"
Brandon gave her a deadpan look "Her idea of cooking was ordering takeout."
Elize snorted "Tragic. No wonder you came crawling back to me."
With a sigh, he spoke "I forgot how much I missed your cooking,"
Elize's eyes softened at his words "And I missed cooking for you."
However, as they were eating suddenly they heard the front door opening and Elize smiled "Oh, seems like Char is back."
A few seconds later, a woman stepped into the dining hall wearing white coat and white pants, as her heels clicked against the floor.
She had long blonde hair like Elize and burning green eyes.
Her cold gaze flickered to Brandon who was eating his food "What a pathetic loser are you? Lost your only girlfriend..."
"I am pretty sure she found a better man than a loser like you."
Brandon looked at the breathtaking woman and stayed silent.
Because he knows what kind of power Charlotte holds, the title 'Empyrean' is only given to the strongest awakeners in the world.
However, before Charlotte could speak any further, she felt a chilling tingle run down her spine and glimpsed at Elize who was glaring at her.
Charlotte lowered her gaze slightly and let out a soft sigh "Big Sister..."
Elize gave a nod and asked "Want to have a meal with us?"
With a shake of her head, Charlotte spoke "No, I am tired... I guess, I will take a bath and then sleep for today."
"Mhm..."
With that, Charlotte left the dining hall and went to her room upstairs.
After she left, Elize looked at Brandon "Kael, don't mind her..."
With a shake of his head, he continued eating "No, I have been hearing the same from her for years now. I have grown numb."
Hearing this, Elize raised her hand and patted his head affectionately "No matter what anyone says, I don't regret it..."
"I don't think I wasted my life taking care of you. I am very happy that I could raise you, Kael."
Brandon smiled upon hearing this "Thank you, Aunt."
---
Walking up the stairs, Brandon made his way to his room.
As he opened the door to his room, he was taken aback to see Charlotte standing inside.
She was wrapped in a light pink towel, the material clinging to her curvaceous figure.
Droplets of water traced lazy paths down her skin, accentuating the flush in her cheeks from the bath.
Her damp hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves.
The towel was just a shade too short, revealing her toned, shapely thighs.
The knot securing it at her chest barely seemed to hold, and the cleavage exposed by the towel was hard to ignore.
Charlotte glimpsed at him and her gaze narrowed "As it's been a while, the heater in my bath was not working... so I came here."
Brandon nodded his head as his eyes darted around her plump body but he quickly regained his composure.
Charlotte didn't dwell there much longer and walked past him.
The towel swayed slightly with each step, and Brandon unbashedly stared at her chest.
As she passed him, she paused for a moment, "You've gotten taller," she commented, her gaze briefly scanning him.
"And... broader."
The unexpected observation caught Brandon off guard, and he turned his head slightly to look at her, "Uh... thanks?"
"Mhm..."
---
Meanwhile, below Elize was preparing for them to have drinks all night.