The New Start

Nathan's mom looked at Jennifer, a little surprised. "And who is this young lady?" she asked politely.

Nathan smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah… she's just a friend, Mom. She was free, so she came along to hang out."

Jennifer smiled and waved gently. "Hello, Auntie."

His mom gave a soft nod and smiled kindly.

That night, they all had dinner together. It was a simple homemade meal, but Nathan hadn't tasted something this comforting in a long time. They laughed, talked about old memories, and even joked about how Cynthia still kept fighting with her classmates just like before.

Cynthia seemed really happy to talk to Jennifer. They clicked fast. She even dragged Jennifer into her room and said, "You'll sleep with me! We got so much to talk about jenny!"

Nathan chuckled and went to sleep in his mom's room. It felt strange… this small house, these soft bedsheets… but peaceful.

Next morning, everyone got up early. They freshened up, bathed, and got dressed. Nathan then said, "Mom, Cynthy… get ready. We're going out."

They both looked at him confused but nodded.

When they stepped outside… Cynthia froze.

There was a sleek black BMW standing in front of the gate.

"Brother… w-who's car is this?" she asked, blinking fast.

Nathan smiled proudly. "Mine."

They both stared at him in shock. His mom's voice lowered. "Nathan… but wasn't there financial problem? How did you…?"

Nathan patted her hand. "Don't worry, Mom. I started a business. It's going really good now."

They got in the car, and his mom still looked unsure.

They reached a nearby city mall. It was big, with lots of shops and brands. Nathan parked the car and said, "Let's go. Pick anything you want. I'm paying."

His mom and sister looked at each other and then entered… a cheap clothing store.

Nathan smacked his forehead. "Seriously…"

He ran after them. "You guys don't have to go to these shops now!"

He pulled them out gently and then took them to a branded store. He bought his mom and sister a pair of stylish heels, shoes, warm cardigans, some traditional wear, perfumes, and even a branded purse.

"Isn't this expensive?" his mom asked nervously.

Nathan smiled and said, "From now on, you don't need to worry. Just enjoy."

Then he bought Cynthia a new laptop. She was still using an old one, and even the keys were missing. He also gave her a branded wristwatch and a few dresses.

Jennifer helped them choose everything and even picked some accessories. They looked like a happy little family.

After shopping, they ate outside at a fancy restaurant. Cynthia ordered like she'd never seen a menu this big.

Later at home, Nathan made a serious announcement.

"Mom… I bought a new house in the city. A big one. I want you and Cynthy to move there with me."

His mom's eyes widened. "No… we'll become a burden. You're young, you should live freely—"

Jennifer suddenly spoke up with a laugh, "Auntie, trust me… if you don't move with him, he'll be crying alone thinking there's a ghost in that big house!"

Nathan laughed awkwardly. "Not true!"

But his mom chuckled and sighed. "Fine… I'll think about it."

He also said to Cynthia, "And you need to change your college. Apply to a better university near our new house. I want you to quit all part-time jobs. From now on, both of you can just rely on me."

His mom looked like she was going to cry… but held it back seeing Jennifer.

Cynthia hugged Nathan tightly. "Thank you, brother… I love you!"

The next day was her birthday.

They all celebrated with cake and breakfast. Cynthia got ready for college in her new clothes. "Brother… I need some money. Gonna treat my friends."

Nathan nodded and transferred $20,000 to her account.

Her eyes widened. "W-WHAT?! This is too much!"

"Use what you want, keep the rest," Nathan smiled.

He also said, "I'll drop you to college. I need to talk to the admin too about your transfer."

She agreed, and they both got in the car.

At college, the moment Cynthia stepped out of the BMW, her friends spotted her.

They saw the car. Then saw her branded clothes. Then saw Nathan walking out in a designer shirt and sunglasses.

They rushed over, wishing her "Happy Birthday!"

"Who is that?" one of them asked, pointing at Nathan.

Cynthia smiled. "My brother."

Nathan smiled and waved. "Hi girls."

Cynthia went with them, and Nathan walked to the admin block. He spent over an hour finishing the procedure for her transfer.

When he came back home, Jennifer was helping his mom cook. They were chatting and laughing.

Seeing that scene… Nathan's heart felt warm.

By evening, Cynthia returned. She told everything that happened, and they all laughed again.

Nathan said, "Alright, start packing. Tomorrow we leave this place."

Next morning, they packed everything—just the important stuff. Clothes, documents, a few photo frames.

Nathan dropped Jennifer at her place on the way. His mom gave him a look in the car and asked directly, "Nathan… is that girl your girlfriend?"

Nathan sighed. "No, mom. She's just a friend."

His mom didn't press but smiled secretly.

When they reached the penthouse, both mother and sister froze.

It was huge. Fancy furniture, glass walls, soft lighting, a city view. Everything looked so clean and luxurious.

"Is this even real…?" Cynthia whispered.

Nathan laughed. "Come in, you two. This is your new home now."

His mom's eyes looked emotional, but she didn't say anything.

Nathan told her to rest and get used to the house. He took Cynthia out to check new universities and talked about options.

By night, everything was settled. They had dinner together, and finally… Nathan laid on his bed.

His heart felt calm. Like a big weight was lifted.

"I did it… I helped them. Now I won't let anything bad happen again."

Next morning, he dressed up and went to Evelyn's office.

He stepped inside and paused.

Evelyn stood near the window… wearing a sexy formal outfit. A white button-up shirt tucked in a tight black pencil skirt that hugged her hips. The shirt's top two buttons were open, showing her soft cleavage. She wore black heels and her hair was in a clean ponytail.

Nathan stared.

Evelyn turned and smirked. "What? Still not enough for your eyes, Nathan?"

He coughed, embarrassed. "Uhh… I-I was just…"

She walked slowly toward him, her heels clicking, then stopped close. She leaned in a little, and in a soft, low voice said, "You can look all you want… that's why I got ready like this."

Nathan blinked, a little too lost to even process that line properly.

He just blurted, "You're looking… really gorgeous today. I really can't take my eyes off you."

Evelyn gave a small smirk, then looked at him sideways. "Then keep watching me."

Nathan felt his heart skip a beat.

And he knew… the day was going to be long.