Chapter 44: Father and Son? No, Sworn Brothers

A while later, Ethan and Evelyn returned to the living room, more relaxed. Ethan felt his parents’ worried gazes fall on him, and he smiled reassuringly.

"It’s getting a little late, Dad. Seems like we’ll be staying here. You won’t disagree, right?"

Jason rolled his eyes. "What do you take me for? I’m not a wicked person. Your old room is always tidied so you can stay there for the night. Though... Nora has to stay with us. I’m going to miss my little princess."

The little girl turned to him in surprise, but didn’t show displeasure or disagree. It seemed she didn’t mind sleeping with her grandparents.

Ethan nodded with a faint smile. "Alright, alright. You can have her for now. But you shouldn’t worry too much. We’ll visit you often."

"Oh? That’s good. I’ll say you said that."

After that, they chatted idly until nightfall, with Jason eagerly sharing embarrassing memories of Ethan’s childhood while watching his son cringe and his daughter-in-law smile.

It was a heartwarming sight.

"There. You two can have some private time to yourself. We’ll keep Nora occupied for the night," Maria said to them and winked before she walked away to her own room.

Ethan chuckled lightly and entered, stretching his arms as he took in the sight of the familiar room. He had never lived here, yet the memories of the place were vivid and undeniable.

’I had a good childhood.’

Holding a pair of pajamas he had already prepared for them, he handed one to Evelyn and began to change.

Evelyn did the same, and they lay on the bed in silence. Ethan dimmed the lamplight, letting it barely illuminate the room as he prepared to sleep.

"Ethan...?"

Evelyn called quietly, causing him to respond with a hum. The next moment, he felt her lips on his, and she kissed him deeply.

Ethan was a little startled, as he had never touched a woman in his life. At least, not to this extent.

Unaware of that, Evelyn drew close and whispered. "I... let’s do it."

Despite his inexperience, Ethan had the memories of this body, so he wasn’t at a disadvantage. Although it felt a little early, he let go of his inhibitions and agreed.

’Cynthia... it’s about time I let go of my obsession with you. Rest in perfect peace.’

That night, the young man and his wife engaged in passionate acts of intimacy.

(One million words censored)

......

The next morning, Ethan was subjected to the sharp glare of his father who had dark circles under his eyes.

Once they were alone in the kitchen, the man immediately became a ferocious lion and began lecturing his son.

"You could have at least kept your voice down! What if Nora had heard?"

Ethan lowered his head, embarrassed and guilty. "I’m sorry, dad. But you should also keep your voice down. Nora might hear you now."

Jason growled. "Are you telling me what to do?"

He lowered his voice, then released a snort. "Whatever. It’s not my business to meddle in your affairs with your wife. Still..."

He eyed his son suspiciously. "Did you take some energy drinks?"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Why would you say that, old man?"

"Why wouldn’t I?" Jason grunted. "You two went on for hours! Christ! I thought you wouldn’t stop until dawn. Do you want to kill that young lady? She hasn’t even woken up yet."

Ethan smiled shamelessly. "Ah... I guess I’m just talented."

Jason stared at him, unimpressed. "Brat, you’re definitely lying. What did you drink?"

This time, it was Ethan’s turn to be suspicious. "Why do you want to know?"

Jason’s stern facade crumbled, and he coughed into his fist. "It’s nothing important. If you’re going to say it, just say it. If not, forget about it."

Ethan’s smile widened into a grin, and he nodded. "I understand, dad. I completely understand."

Then, he hooked an arm around Jason’s shoulder and whispered something into his ear.

The older man slowly nodded, not ashamed in the slightest that he was taking advice from his son.

"Good, good." He nodded. "I know I raised a good son. Now, let’s prepare a meal for everyone before your wife wakes up."

With unity that could only be found between sworn brothers, the man and his son dedicated themselves to cooking a wholesome breakfast for the family.

By the time they were done, Evelyn had just woken up, feeling a little sore. She rubbed her eyelids and looked at the meal on the dining table with Ethan standing by it, wearing an apron.

Her heart fluttered with joy, and she smiled. "Good morning, Ethan."

He smiled back, "Morning. Come and eat."

Jason stood beside his son, wearing an apron and looking at his wife with a wide smile.

Maria felt a little uneasy and turned to her son. "Ethan, what’s wrong with your father?"

Jason took a seat beside her and frowned. "What do you mean?"

She shot him a glare, forcing him to close his mouth, before she turned to her son again.

Ethan gave her a reassuring smile. "Mom, you should know that regardless of what happens, I always want the best for you."

Maria grew even more uneasy, but with Ethan refusing to elaborate on it, she could only drop the matter.

"Whatever you two are planning, it will come to light eventually."

Evelyn and Ethan sat beside each other and began their breakfast.

A while later, Ethan, Evelyn, and Nora stood at the gate, ready to depart. Jason and Maria escorted them to the gate and saw them off with smiles.

"Son, don’t forget what I told you yesterday, you hear me?!" The old man shouted, causing Ethan to wince.

Grinning, he shouted back. "You shouldn’t forget everything I told you this morning too, alright?!"

With that, they separated and went their separate ways. Jason and Maria went back into the house, accompanied by their old dog while Ethan, Evelyn, and Nora boarded a taxi to the train station.

The visit had been short, but it was undeniably relaxing.

’We should really come here often to unwind.’

Ethan smiled.