Chapter 48: Aunt Linda, Memories, and Burnt Eggs

Alex and Ethan entered the kitchen, gathering ingredients for dinner. Ethan seemed unusually quiet, lost in thought, which didn't go unnoticed by Alex. After a few moments of silence, Alex leaned against the counter and asked, "Everything alright, man?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment before replying, "I ran into Aunt Linda at the mall today. She… convinced me to bring Olivia over for dinner tomorrow."

Alex raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Wait, really? Are you sure about that, Ethan?"

Ethan sighed deeply, shaking his head. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I just… don't know what to expect." 

Silence filled the kitchen as Ethan's mind drifted back to his childhood, the memories flooding in like a relentless tide.

Ethan's mother had passed away when he was just six years old, leaving a void in his heart that no one could fill. His father, Mathew Pierce, remarried two years later, to Martha, a woman who initially seemed to embrace her role as Ethan's stepmother. But that facade quickly faded after she became pregnant with Patrick, her biological son. 

Ethan was only eight when Martha began showing her true colors. She wanted him gone, out of the house, before Patrick was born so that she could have Mathew's full attention. Ethan was too young to fully understand what was happening, but he felt the tension, the cold stares, and the whispered conversations that took place behind closed doors.

That was when Aunt Linda had stepped in. She and Henry, Ethan's grandfather, became his lifeline during those turbulent years. Linda, despite living in a different state, always made sure Ethan was cared for, and Henry was the quiet pillar of support that Ethan needed. His grandfather had been ill, too weak to stand up to Mathew and Martha, but he had always been there, offering quiet comfort.

Ethan met Olivia during high school, and from the moment they crossed paths, he had felt a connection. She was like him—strong, independent, and determined to make her way in the world. And after Ethan turned eighteen, he made the decision to leave his father's home. He couldn't stand Martha's manipulations, especially when she and Mathew tried to force him into an arranged marriage with Jenna. That had been the final straw.

With nothing but determination, Ethan had founded *Pierce Enterprises*, building it from the ground up without a single dollar of his family's inheritance. He became completely independent, free from Martha's control and Mathew's indifference. Although Henry had been proud of Ethan's success, his declining health left him powerless to stand up to Mathew and Martha's schemes. 

Aunt Linda remained a distant source of comfort, but she had always been one of the few people Ethan could truly rely on. That's why her invitation for tomorrow's dinner weighed so heavily on him now. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face the past again, especially with Olivia by his side.

Suddenly, Alex's teasing voice snapped Ethan back to reality. "I don't think the girls are gonna enjoy burnt eggs," Alex said with a smirk, pointing to the pan where the eggs were turning a crisp shade of black.

Ethan blinked, realizing he had completely spaced out. "Damn it!" he muttered, quickly tossing the ruined eggs and starting over.

Alex chuckled, patting him on the back. "Don't worry, man. We'll get through tomorrow. You've got Olivia now. No one's gonna mess with you."

Ethan smiled faintly. "Yeah, you're right."

Once the eggs were redone and the rest of the meal prepared, the two men called out, "Dinner's ready!" 

The girls emerged from their cozy pillow fort, still laughing and chatting like old friends. Olivia immediately beelined for the food, her eyes lighting up as she sat down and eagerly began stuffing her mouth. Her enthusiasm was evident, as she hummed softly in satisfaction with each bite.

Emma couldn't help but poke fun. "Wow, Liv, your baby has a *huge* appetite!"

Olivia laughed, her cheeks stuffed with food. "Don't blame me, blame the little one!" she joked, reaching for another helping. Ethan watched her with a soft smile, feeling grateful for this moment—simple, peaceful, and full of love.

The group enjoyed the meal, their laughter filling the room as they talked about everything from work to childhood memories. Olivia, despite her earlier appetite, slowed down a bit, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied sigh. Ethan reached over, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his heart swelling with affection.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight was theirs.