Looking over Ethan's shoulder, Avan stared into the shop and said, "Is it forbidden to let others inside?" Seeing the jovial look on Avan's face, Ethan frowned slightly, and then he shook his head, saying, "No. It's just that I am in the middle of something important and is not ready for visitors.""I see. My grandfather wants to see you." Avan said.Ethan just stood there, dumbfounded, as he blinked at him. After a few seconds, he shook his head and asked, "Why does he want to see me?""I don't know. The old man barely explains himself and treats me like his errand boy." Avan said, scratching his head. "All I know is that he wants me to pick you up and take you to see him."Then his eyes traveled past Ethan, and he gave a faint smile, making Ethan turn to look back, his gaze resting on Nina."Hey," She said softly, stopping beside Ethan as she hugged her arm and returned a smile at him, and Avan nodded at her."So I take it that the General wants to see me now," Ethan said."That'
As the Rider family sat around the dining table, it was silent as a graveyard while they ate their breakfast.Madam Rider kept eyeing her husband since his demeanor had been off lately, but he remained steadfast in his silence and refused to make eye contact with anyone besides his food. Suddenly, the silence was broken when Bobby walked in, and Madam Rider scowled at the sight of him because he brought back memories of Ethan."Why are you ruining our appetite with your face? Get out now!" She lashed out, glaring at him.Bobby's gaze dropped to the floor, and he announced, "Ethan is here, Sir, and he's asking to speak with you."Immediately, Madam Rider stood to her feet, but Mr. Rider suddenly commanded, "Sit down."His demands embarrassed her, and she huffed but did so anyway.Looking at Bobby, who dared not to lift his head, Mr. Rider ordered, "Let him in.""Father!""Honey!""Dad!"Both Madam Rider, Savannah, and Tyler shouted in rage, glaring at Mr. Rider as he stared impassiv
When her doorbell rang, Ms Coral dried her wet hand on her apron and then headed out of the kitchen. When she got to the door, she asked, "Who is it?"No one answered, and she sighed, opening the door, and then a look of shock crossed her face before a big grin overtook her features."Ethan! Son!" Ms. Coral cried, throwing herself at him in a hug which he returned with enthusiasm, holding onto her tightly. "My son.""Mom," Ethan said, pulling away from the hug, but keeping his arms locked around her shoulders as he gazed down at her. She gave him a beaming grin and stepped back, giving him a quick once over, and then she looked behind him, smiling faintly at Nina, saying, "Oh dear, Come here."A feeling of relief washed over Nina as she approached Ms. Coral, and she felt like melting right into Ms. Coral's embrace when the older woman hugged her in return, giving her another warm squeeze that Nina never wanted to end.Ms. Coral pulled away first, stroking Nina gently on the cheek, th
Two years Later... On the day of deployment Homecoming, the sun rose on the scene of soldiers getting ready to go home to their families, and the base was in an uproar. The chow hall was crowded with men and women chatting over the first meal of the day, and then it all went dead silent as the atmosphere changed, and everyone's eyes turned toward the doorway. "PSST," A soldier whispered to his friend. "It's Deathstroke and his guys... Why is he eating here again?" "I think he's humble." One of the squad members said with a smile on her face, and he rolled his eyes at her. "Close your mouth. You are drooling." "I ain't simping for him. Also, he is married. I just think it's admirable that even after ranking E-5 in just three years, he still sits and eats in the chow hall with his subordinate, although he's now a sergeant." Nodding in agreement with her, the other squad member forced his food down his throat and said, "The dude is a beast. Rumors have it he's mad and had not turne
The house that was once so quiet was now echoing with the sound of footsteps, and Ms. Coral couldn't help beaming at her son when he walked through the kitchen door."Good morning, Mom." Ethan greeted her."Morning, son." Ms. Coral said. "I should get started with breakfast now that you guys are awake.""Leave it. You don't have to stress yourself. Remember. You are sick.""B-ut.""We will grab something to eat on our way back." His words left no room for argument, so Ms. Coral sighed in defeat and nodded. "Have you seen Mr. Hester?" Ethan asked."He left for the store." Ms. Coral informed him. As he turned to leave the room, he said, "Thanks, Mom.""Are you guys going somewhere?""I need a new suit, so yeah. I will be out with Drak and Nina for a while."*******Within the two years, Mr. Hester had upgraded from the shop to the two stories store, dedicated to making fancy clothing, and he had acquired himself a lot of very elite clients over the years, and the store was busy as al
A couple of maids soon stopped in the hallway as Avan walked towards them, and they greeted in unison, “Good morning, sir Avan.”“Morning, ladies!” He said with a wink as he walked off, leaving them blushing at his backside. When he got into his kitchen, he was shocked at the sight of a lady in there, wearing his t-shirt, and. making scrambled eggs on his stove.“Am I still hallucinating from the hangover or what?” Avan thought, squeezing his eyelids as he watched her.When she turned to look at him, a flashback from last night's party hit his head like a ton of bricks – a million tiny little needles stabbing into his brain, all trying to make him remember her.“Morning sleepyhead,” She whispered as she took the frying pan down.Then she walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him.“Hmmm, Good morning, gorgeous.” Avan hummed against her lips before pulling away.He had this weird look that made her slightly frown, and then she asked, “Are we still going?”“Hu
When Nick didn't shake, they looked over at Ethan opening Avan’s locker, and one of them shouted, "Hey, you just killed the son of the Carters. Do you know how much trouble you're going to get yourself in for that?!” "If I wanted to kill him, I would have done it swifter than going through the trouble of beating his ass," Ethan said as he reached into the locker. "He's unconscious. Give him a few minutes for the factory reset to kick in. Hopefully, that would bring back his sense of respect." After getting Avan's bag out, Ethan unzipped it, going through his stuff, and soon he found the invite, taking it out before opening the next locker and taking his jacket out, wearing it. Then Ethan shoved the invitation into his pocket and zipped Avan's bag, turning to face him and the other, tossing the backpack to him as he said, "I am going home." Just then Nick's groan echoed in the room, causing everyone else to turn toward his direction, watching him lay there, moaning in pain. "You m
As Ethan adjusted his tie around his shirt collar, Nina approached him, wearing a stunning high neck, lace applique beaded elegant modest dress with a detachable train on it, and glowing with a nude makeup look. He was so caught up in getting ready that he didn't notice her until the moment she stopped in front of him, saying, "Let me help you with it." Suddenly, Ethan started gasping for air, and a look of worry sparked in her eyes as she cried, "What's wrong? Do you feel unwell?" Looking like she was about to cry, Nina hit him firmly on his back with the heel of her hand between his shoulder blades. As she was about to go in for a second hit, Ethan grabbed her wrist and said, "I am fine. It's just that you are so damn breathtaking that you stole the air out of my lungs." He looked so proud of himself, and Nina stared at him, silently. Then she started laughing, slapping his arm as she cried, "You scared me, you jerk!" Still grinning, Ethan winked, and Nina rolled her eyes, re