The soft, warm glow of the setting sun bathed the sprawling estate in Crescent Ridge, casting long shadows across the pristine lawn.

Inside their new home, Ethan’s family was still in awe of the beauty around them. They were gradually getting used to the splendor of their new lifestyle, yet it all felt like a dream they were scared to wake up from.

Ethan was standing by the large windows in the living room, talking in low tones with Jessica, who was near the entrance, her bag hanging loosely on her arm.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for dinner, Jessica?” Elise called out from the kitchen, her voice warmly and inviting. “I’m making something special for all of us tonight. You should stay and enjoy it.”

Jessica glanced at Elise, already having a polite refusal at the ready, but she paused. There was something about this family—something genuinely warm and inviting that made it hard to decline.

And the truth was, she hadn’t enjoyed a proper home-cooked meal in a long time. Her busy schedule and work commitments meant that dinners were usually takeout or something quickly heated up in the microwave.

“Thank you, Mrs. Cole, but I don’t want to intrude,” Jessica said, managing a soft smile, trying to keep her voice cheerful. “This is your first night in your new home. It should be a special time for your family.”

Elise looked at Ethan and then back at Jessica. “Jessica, you’ve been a huge help to us. We couldn’t have done this without you. Please, stay and relax for a while. You’ve more than earned it.”

Before Jessica could politely refuse once more, Lily chimed in with a big smile. “You must stay, Jessica! You’ve got to try my mom’s cooking—it’s the best!” She gave two enthusiastic thumbs up, clearly proud of her mother’s culinary skills.

Jessica was about to decline again, but the genuine warmth in Lily’s voice and the inviting looks from the whole family made her hesitate. Her family was far away, and enjoying a meal with such a kind and welcoming group touched her deeply.

"I don’t want to be a bother," Jessica whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. Despite her hesitation, Elise was already adding another plate to the table.

"Don't think of it like that, dear," Elise reassured her, her smile warm and genuine. "You've been such a big help to us. It's really no trouble. I insist you stay for dinner. It would be my pleasure to cook for you."

Jessica looked uncertain, her eyes flickering towards Ethan, hoping for his support. His encouraging nod was all she needed to let go of her reservations.

Ethan chimed in with a supportive smile, "Come on, Jessica. You’ve earned a moment to relax."

Finally, Jessica gave in with a soft sigh, "Okay, but just this once. It feels strange being on this side of things."

Seeing her agree, Ethan’s face lit up with a smile. "Perfect. I'll get the groceries ordered. We'll make sure Mom has everything she needs for dinner."

He quickly got on his phone and ordered the necessary groceries. In no time, a delivery truck pulled up, and soon, the kitchen was brimming with fresh groceries—vibrant fruits and vegetables, select meats and seafood, and an assortment of spices.

Jacob watched with a playful smile as Elise carefully sorted the ingredients. He teased her, saying, “You can cook like the chefs on those cooking shows now, Mom.”

Elise chuckled, modestly shaking her head, “I’m far from being a celebrity chef, but this will certainly be fun to cook with.”

The playful remark made the whole family laugh, and soon, the kitchen was alive with the delightful scents of herbs, spices, and roasting vegetables.

Amid it all, Elise hummed quietly, sorting through various spices, ready to prepare the first family meal in their new home.

Her hands moved confidently, though the luxury of the high-end kitchen, complete with marble countertops and stainless steel appliances, was a far cry from what she was used to.

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Every now and then, she paused, a small, incredulous smile on her lips.

"Food is ready," Elise announced.

Immediately, everyone hurried to their seats, eager to start eating.

Seated next to Ethan, Jessica watched the family interact, her heart filled with a whirlwind of emotions.

She hadn’t realized how much she missed these moments—sitting down to a home-cooked meal, surrounded by her family, with laughter echoing around the room. It felt like forever since she’d felt this kind of warmth.

This scene took her back to her own family, miles away in Novan City, sparking a wave of homesickness within her. She blinked rapidly, fighting back tears.

Noticing Jessica’s sudden silence, Elise left the kitchen and gently touched Jessica’s shoulder. “Are you alright, sweetheart?” she asked with evident concern.

Jessica let out a shaky laugh, her voice slightly strained. “I’m fine. I just… I miss my mom. It’s been ages since I’ve had a meal like this. Your cooking makes me think of home.”

Elise offered a warm smile and gently squeezed Jessica’s shoulder. “You’re always welcome here, Jessica. Whether you need a break from work or just want to unwind, our door is open to you,” she said, her voice warm. “I’ll be at home from now on.”

Hearing this, Ethan quickly looked up, surprise evident in his eyes. He hadn’t expected his mother to announce something so significant.

“You’ve… resigned?” Ethan asked, his voice low and filled with disbelief.

Elise nodded, her lips curving into a serene smile. “Yes. I’ve sent out my resignation letter. It’s time for a new beginning. I want to focus on cooking for my family and embracing this next chapter of our lives.” Turning back to Jessica, Elise’s voice was earnest. “So please, feel free to come over any time. I really mean that.”

Tears welled up in Jessica’s eyes, and she could no longer hold them back. She nodded, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you, Mrs. Cole. That means so much to me.”

Aaron cleared his throat at the other side of the table, attempting to lighten the mood. “I don’t think I’m quite ready to retire just yet,” he said lightly. “I believe I’ve got a few more productive years ahead of me.”

Lily, seated at the table's far end, flashed a mischievous grin. “Dad, come on! You should start enjoying life like a wealthy retiree. Isn’t that what rich dads do? You could pick up golfing or play tennis with the other business folks.”

Jacob leaned forward, his grin wide, as he teased Aaron. “Yeah, Dad! You’ll be hitting the golf course before you know it, chatting about stocks and investments while decked out in one of those fancy golf outfits.”

Aaron playfully rolled his eyes. “Golf? Do you really think I have the patience for that?”

The whole table burst into laughter, Aaron included, as he pictured himself in a ridiculous golf outfit.

Elise turned to Jessica as the laughter settled, her tone light and teasing. “So, Jessica, you’re such a wonderful young woman. Is there someone special in your life?”

Jessica was taken aback by the abrupt question. She blushed slightly and laughed nervously. “Oh, um, no. Not right now. I was so focused on my studies before, and now with work… I haven’t really had the time for, you know, that kind of thing.”

Lily gasped dramatically and leaned in, her eyes wide with surprise. "But you're so beautiful, Jessica! How is it possible you don't have someone special?"

Jessica shook her head; her laughter was more genuine this time. "It's not that simple, Lily. Life gets busy, and some things must take a backseat."

Elise leaned in closer, lowering her voice slightly, though still loud enough for everyone to hear. "Well, you know, you should watch our Ethan here. He's quite the catch, and now that he's moving up in the world..."

"Mom!" Ethan choked, nearly dropping his fork as his face turned red. He reached for his water glass, coughing awkwardly.

The entire table burst into laughter again, and Jessica, her cheeks burning just as red, couldn't help but laugh along, even as she hid her face behind her hands.

"I'm just teasing, dear," Elise said, winking. "But you never know. Life has a funny way of working things out."

Jacob leaned in, nudging Ethan with a smirk. "So, big brother, when's the wedding?"

Ethan groaned, hiding his face in his hands. "You guys are impossible."

As the laughter subsided, Jessica felt a warm feeling spread through her. This family had a way of making her feel so at ease, so welcome.

She caught herself watching Ethan, noticing how much he had changed recently. His newfound confidence, determination, and commitment to his family's future impressed her more than she had initially realized.

"Alright, enough teasing," Aaron said, sitting back with a content smile. "Let's eat. Elise, this meal smells amazing."

The family fell into a leisurely, comfortable pace, enjoying the meal and each other's company. Jessica enjoyed the food, each bite reminding her of the meals her mother used to make, filled with love and warmth.

She hadn't realized how much she missed this feeling—the comfort of a home-cooked meal and surrounded by people who genuinely cared about her.

Elise leaned closer to Jessica, her voice gentle yet filled with warmth, "Remember, Jessica, you’re always welcome here. I mean that."

Jessica smiled, her eyes glossy with tears she was trying to hold back, "Thank you. I’ll definitely take you up on that offer."

The house was filled with a warm, familial glow as the evening progressed. Laughter and a sense of belonging permeated the air. For the first time in a long while, Jessica felt like she had found a place where she belonged.

Despite still feeling a bit sheepish from the teasing he'd received earlier, Ethan couldn't help but be thankful for how things were turning out in his life.

Later, after dinner, while Jessica helped Elise clear the table, Ethan stood by the large window, looking out into the serene night sky. The stars shone brightly, offering him peace for the first time in days.

His family was safe and content, and everything seemed to fall into place. Yet, he was aware that this was just the start.

There were still challenges to face, battles to be fought, and secrets that remained hidden. But for tonight, he decided to let all that go.

Tonight, he was Ethan—a son, a brother, and a young man whose future was as promising as the stars twinkling above.