"Let’s get inside," Axel said smoothly. "Ethan is already waiting for us."
Evelyn opened her mouth to protest, but the warmth of the house spilled out as they stepped inside, silencing her.
The interior was nothing like she had imagined. The stone walls radiated a cozy warmth, and the faint scent of wood and winter fragrance filled the air.
Evelyn’s fingers tightened around Axel’s hand as they stepped deeper into the farmhouse. She could feel her heartbeat racing, a mix of nervous anticipation and restless curiosity about Aunty Martha’s son.
She tried to steady her breathing, reminding herself that this eting was long overdue and filled with hope, not fear.
Just as she managed to calm herself, another wave of shock crashed into her without warning.
Near the woodstove stood a tall man, his posture relaxed yet guarded, sharp eyes fixed on her with unmistakable alertness. The warm firelight cast soft shadows across his familiar face.
Evelyn froze.
Her mind went blank for a heartbeat.
’What...?’ her thoughts scread. ’Aunty Martha’s son is Ethan Wright? The owner of Wright Group—?’
Her grip on Axel’s hand tightened unconsciously.
This couldn’t be real.
She blinked once. Then twice. Even a third ti, hoping her eyes were playing tricks on her.
But the man didn’t disappear.
Ethan Wright was still standing there. The sa Ethan Wright she had once seen years ago at a grand gala dinner in Nevalis City. The composed businessman who commanded rooms with a single glance. Strangely, Ethan has Axel’s aura in him.
"Eve..." Axel’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts.
She startled slightly and tore her gaze away from Ethan, turning to Axel. "Hmm?"
"Are you alright?" Axel asked softly, concern evident in his eyes.
"I’m fine," she replied quickly, forcing a smile that she hoped looked convincing. "Just... a little surprised."
Axel studied her for a brief mont before nodding. "Co. Let introduce you to Ethan."
He squeezed her hand gently and guided her forward.
Evelyn swallowed and followed him, her gaze inevitably drifting back to Ethan.
Up close, she could see subtle differences from the man she rembered. He looked leaner, his face slightly paler, and his movents showed a restrained stiffness that hinted at lingering pain. Yet his eyes held warmth, curiosity, and unmistakable nervousness.
"Ethan," Axel said calmly, his voice steady as ever, "this is my wife, Evelyn."
Ethan straightened instinctively and offered a polite smile. "It’s nice to finally et you, sister-in-law," he said, his voice warm but edged with tension. "Axel talks about you... a lot."
Evelyn let out a small, awkward laugh. "Hopefully not all bad things."
Ethan chuckled, the sound genuine, though he winced slightly afterward. "Mostly good things. Very good things."
Axel gestured toward the seating area. "Let’s sit."
They settled onto the couches near the fireplace. Evelyn perched slightly stiffly beside Axel, unsure of where to place her hands or where to look.
Across from her, Ethan mirrored her awkwardness, sitting carefully as if mindful of every movent.
Evelyn didn’t know how to start the conversation. She was worried about asking him about his injury, especially since Axel had warned her not to bring it up.
She also hesitated to inquire about what had happened to him after he lost in the Sunflower country.
Every sentence she had prepared since last night was suddenly abandoned. Her mind felt blank after knowing Noah was actually Ethan Wright.
For a brief mont, silence lingered between them.
"So..." Evelyn finally spoke, breaking the tension. "What should I call you?"
Ethan blinked, clearly not expecting the question. He glanced at Axel, then back at her.
"Just call Ethan," he replied gently. "Noah... sounds foreign to . I know it’s my real na, but I’m more comfortable with Ethan."
Evelyn nodded, understanding flickering in her eyes. "Alright, Ethan."
Hearing his na spoken so naturally made Ethan relax a little.
After a pause, Evelyn hesitated before asking, "When... when do you think you’ll be ready to et your mother?"
Ethan’s expression softened instantly, but a shadow passed through his eyes.
"I want to et her," he said honestly. "Very much. But not now..." He gestured vaguely toward himself. "I don’t want her to see like this. I don’t want her to worry."
Evelyn’s chest tightened.
"She worries every day," she admitted softly. "But she’s also patient and perseverant. She kept you in her mind, even though it hurt, and it was easier to let you go and move on with her life. In the past, when I was still in Willowcrest, she told stories about you every ti I visited her. How you used to run around the house. How stubborn you were as a child. How smart you are."
Evelyn paused to see his reaction before continuing, "Ethan, your mother, she always believes you’ll co back soday."
Ethan lowered his gaze, his jaw tightening as emotion welled in his chest.
"How... how is she now?" he asked quietly.
"She’s living alone in Willowcrest," Evelyn replied. "She never wanted to leave the house. She said if she moved, you wouldn’t know where to find her. And every year, she still celebrates your birthday."
The room fell silent again.
Axel watched them quietly, allowing the mont to unfold while remaining their anchor.
"I promise," Evelyn added gently, her gaze never leaving Ethan, "when you’re ready to et her, she’ll be the happiest woman in the world."
Ethan looked up, his eyes glistening with restrained emotion. He nodded slowly.
"Thank you for telling about her. But, to be honest with you, I feel worried about eting her because I don’t have a single mory of her." He said, lowering his gaze, unable to et Evelyn’s eyes.
"I’m sorry, Ethan..." Evelyn paused to take a deep breath, searching for the right words to comfort him. "Don’t be too hard on yourself. Aunty Martha will understand... she’ll help you recover your mory."
Ethan said nothing but nodded in agreent with her.
Evelyn smiled warmly at him, the initial shock finally giving way to relief and quiet happiness.
Despite the awkwardness, despite the secrets and wounds still unhealed, she knew this mont marked the beginning of sothing important.
Family.
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