บท 23: More to Come
Ethan's family sat in a surreal silence as the luxury SUV glided smoothly down the road toward Crescent Ridge.
It was the kind of vehicle they'd only seen in glossy magazines or distant daydreams, its leather interior soft and immaculate, the sort of extravagance that seemed almost absurdly far removed from their daily lives.
For people accustomed to worn-out buses and the occasional cramped taxi, this felt more like a spaceship than a car.
"Whoa… This car is so comfortable," Lily said, her fingers running across the leather seat as though she couldn't quite believe it was real.
Ethan turned in his seat, smiling at his little sister's awestruck expression. "Do you like it?" he asked, his tone teasing but gentle.
"Like it?" Lily exclaimed, her voice practically bouncing off the plush interior. "I love it!"
"Well," Ethan said with a grin, leaning back with an air of exaggerated nonchalance, "maybe I'll get one of these for us soon."
Lily's eyes sparkled, but the rest of the family exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with disbelief. A car like this? For them? It was as likely as finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
For years, owning even the humblest car had been an unattainable dream for the Cole family. Their world revolved around walking everywhere—work, school, the market—relying on their own two feet or, when absolutely necessary, squeezing into public transport.
Visiting relatives was a rare event, not just because of the logistical hassle but because such visits often came with their own share of unpleasantness.
Ridicule and judgment were served as freely as tea, particularly from Elise's parents, who had never quite forgiven her for marrying Aaron.
To them, it had been the gravest of mistakes—a sentiment they never tired of reminding her of.
What the family didn't know—couldn't have imagined—was that Ethan, with his newfound wealth, could buy a car like this and the entire company that manufactured it.
If they'd known, their faint smiles of disbelief would have turned to outright shock.
As they approached the gates of Crescent Ridge Estates, the atmosphere inside the car shifted. Aaron, Elise, Jacob, and Lily leaned forward, their faces pressed against the windows like curious children seeing a carnival for the first time.
The neighborhood was unlike anything they had ever seen up close. Pristine lawns stretched endlessly, perfectly trimmed hedges lined the immaculate streets, and grand houses peeked out from behind tall, wrought-iron gates. The very air seemed to hum with quiet, deliberate luxury.
"Jacob… Look at that," Lily whispered, pointing toward the gated entrance.
Two guards in spotless uniforms stood at attention by the gates, their faces impassive but watchful. As the SUV approached, one of the guards saluted smartly.
Instinctively, Jacob and Lily saluted back, their movements awkward but earnest. Ethan stifled a laugh as he caught their expressions—equal parts pride and sheer wonder.
"This feels like a dream," Elise murmured, her voice soft as if afraid speaking too loudly might wake her.
Aaron nodded, though his jaw remained tight, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Whatever thoughts were running through his mind, he kept them to himself, his silence as telling as any words.
When the SUV finally turned into the driveway of their new home, the family stepped out one by one, their movements slow and hesitant as though they didn't quite trust the reality before them.
The house wasn't just a house—it was a statement. Its modern design gleamed in the sunlight, its glass-paneled windows reflecting the pristine surroundings.
The front yard was a symphony of color, its flowers, and trees arranged with such precision that it looked less like landscaping and more like artwork.
"This…" Ethan said, stepping forward and spreading his arms, his voice filled with quiet pride. "This is it. Our new home."
Aaron stepped closer, his gaze fixed on the house as though afraid to blink. "It's incredible," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elise raised a hand to her mouth, her eyes glistening with tears. "It's too much, Ethan. Too beautiful."
Jacob and Lily needed no encouragement. They ran toward the front door, their laughter breaking the stillness as they marveled at every detail.
"This is ours?" Jacob called back, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yes. It is," Ethan said firmly, his gaze softening as he looked at his parents. "Mom, Dad... This is ours."
As they approached the house, the front door swung open, revealing Jessica, the real estate agent who had made it all possible. She stood there with a bright smile, her professional poise blending seamlessly with a genuine warmth.
"Welcome home," she said, her voice carrying the kind of joy that made you feel the words were truly meant.
Inside, the house was as stunning as the exterior promised. Jessica had ensured every detail was perfect, from the carefully chosen furniture to the elegant decor.
Ethan introduced Jessica with a warm smile, his voice calm but carrying a note of pride. "Everyone, this is Jessica. She's the one who made all of this happen so quickly."
Jessica stepped forward, her smile gracious and genuine as she extended her hand to Ethan's parents. "It's lovely to meet you all," she said, her tone warm yet professional.
Elise, still recovering from the shock of their new surroundings, shook Jessica's hand with both of hers. "Thank you so much, Jessica," she said, her voice trembling with sincerity. "We couldn't have done this without you."
Jessica's smile brightened, though her eyes betrayed a deeper understanding of the moment—of just how much this meant to the family she had worked with.
There was something almost maternal in her expression, as though she could feel the weight of the joy and disbelief hanging in the air.
Lily, ever curious, leaned closer to Ethan, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "She's so beautiful. Ethan, is she—?"
Ethan's cheeks turned crimson almost instantly. "Lily!" he hissed, glancing toward Jessica as if she might have overheard. His family's barely concealed amusement did little to help.
"Jessica is an amazing agent," he said firmly, shooting a pointed look at his sister. "She's the reason we're able to move in so quickly. You should be thanking her for her skill and efficiency."
Jessica, her own cheeks slightly flushed from the compliment, responded modestly, "I was just doing my job, Mr. Cole."
Jacob and Lily, clearly unfazed by any formalities, grinned and chimed in unison, "Thank you, Jessica!" Then, before anyone could stop them, they bolted past her into the house, their excited laughter trailing behind them as they raced from room to room.
Jessica chuckled softly, shaking her head. "They're wonderful," she said, watching the siblings with an affectionate smile.
Aaron and Elise followed their children inside, still moving slowly as if afraid the dreamlike atmosphere might vanish if they walked too quickly.
Aaron paused by the doorway, turning to Jessica with a quiet sincerity. "Thank you," he said simply. "For everything."
Jessica nodded, her smile unwavering. "It's my pleasure," she replied.
When the doorway finally cleared, she turned back to Ethan, who lingered behind with an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Aren't you coming in, Mr. Cole?" she asked lightly, though there was an undertone of formality she couldn't quite shake.
Ethan raised an eyebrow at her, the faintest hint of mischief in his expression. "Jessica," he said, his tone playful, "I've told you already—drop the formalities."
Jessica hesitated, her professionalism momentarily at odds with the casual warmth Ethan seemed to invite. She had called him by his first name before, over the phone or in text exchanges.
Still, somehow, standing here in person, in front of a man so obviously distinguished, it felt more difficult. Despite his down-to-earth demeanor, there was an unspoken gravity about him that made casual familiarity feel out of place.
Finally, she nodded, her voice soft but resolute. "I'm sorry. Ethan," she corrected herself, the word feeling oddly intimate.
He smiled, clearly pleased, and gestured for her to follow him inside. The house was alive with the sounds of joy and discovery. Jacob and Lily's delighted voices echoed through the grand hallways as they explored, their footsteps a cheerful cacophony against the marble floors.
Aaron and Elise moved more deliberately, taking in every detail with awe. Elise lingered in the sleek kitchen, running her hand over the polished counters.
At the same time, Aaron paused by the expansive windows, staring out at the backyard's sparkling pool. It all felt impossibly perfect, like stepping into the pages of a magazine they had no business opening.
Ethan stood near the doorway, quietly watching his family. Their joy and wonder radiated through the house, filling it with a warmth that made the grandeur feel less overwhelming. Jessica stepped beside him, following his gaze.
"Seeing them this happy makes me happy, too," she said softly. "It feels good to have been part of this."
Ethan nodded, his eyes never leaving his family. "They've given everything," he said, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "Their whole lives, they've sacrificed. They deserve this. They deserve to have everything."
Jessica studied him for a moment, her curiosity piqued. "You've been incredibly busy these past few days," she remarked. "Two properties this grand in such a short time—it's impressive. I don't think I've ever seen anyone move this quickly."
Ethan chuckled, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "There's more on the horizon," he said, his tone casual but carrying a quiet intensity. "This is just the start."
Jessica tilted her head slightly, intrigued. "What's next for you?" she asked. "I can't even begin to imagine what could top this."
Ethan didn't answer immediately. His thoughts were already racing ahead, filled with plans for NovaTech, his growing ambitions, and the unrelenting drive to secure his family's future. Finally, he offered her a small, enigmatic smile. "You'll see," he said simply.
He moved toward the living room's expansive windows, his gaze drifting to the security patrols outside. Their steady movements were a reassuring reminder of the safety he had worked so hard to provide. A deep sense of relief washed over him.
"They're safe," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "They're happy. And it'll stay that way."
From her place by the doorway, Jessica watched him quietly. There was something about Ethan—something unspoken but undeniable. Though she couldn't yet grasp the full scope of his plans or the forces driving him, one thing was clear: Ethan Cole was far from ordinary.
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