Chapter 57: A Family Outing
Kayla’s brain had stopped functioning, unable to resist Ethaniel’s advances, which had her on the verge of tears. When he finally left her body, satisfied, she felt like she was falling apart. Her waist ached terribly, worse than any life-and-death fight with criminals, leaving her both mentally and physically exhausted.
Ethaniel held her limp body, gently massaging her sore waist. Looking at her flushed face and nearly closed eyes, he whispered, “Tomorrow is the weekend. Ollie’s school is organizing an outing and inviting parents. Why don’t we go with him?”
Kayla, her consciousness fading, barely registered Ethaniel’s words. She just heard Oliver’s name and mumbled, “Go back to the next room in the morning… don’t let Oliver find out.”
She was completely missing the point.
Ethaniel didn’t mind, kissing her flushed cheek lightly. “Alright, sleep now.”
Kayla nestled into his arms, finding a comfortable spot, and quickly fell asleep.
…
“An outing?”
The next morning, Kayla almost spat out her juice, her eyes wide in surprise at Ethaniel. “Oliver’s school is inviting parents. Why do I have to go?”
“Because you agreed.” Ethaniel replied casually, sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper.
Kayla was stunned. “When did I agree?”
“Last night,” Ethaniel said nonchalantly. “Last night, we…”
“Stop!” Kayla quickly interrupted him, glancing nervously at Oliver.
She tried to recall last night… she was almost asleep, and Ethaniel mentioned something about Oliver… but she had no memory of agreeing to an outing.
Ethaniel was Oliver’s parent. What was she?
Ethaniel folded his newspaper. “You two, go change your clothes.”
“Change into what?” they both asked simultaneously.
“For the outing, of course, we need to dress as a family.” Ethaniel said.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.
Oliver obediently went to change, while Kayla, less compliant, tried to resist. “I haven’t agreed yet.”
Ethaniel sipped his coffee, unperturbed. “you said ‘mm’ seventy-nine times last night. I’ll take that as your agreement.”
“Seventy-nine times?” Kayla was confused.
Ethaniel’s smile. “Do you need me to repeat? You usually say ‘mm’ and ‘ah’ together.”
“!” Kayla’s face turned bright red as she realized what he meant. “Ethaniel, could you be more shameless?”
Ethaniel proved he could be by trying to help her change clothes himself, prompting Kayla to kick him out of the room.
Although she had succumbed, Kayla fell into silence as she looked at the identical casual wear on the three of them, except for the size.
Ethaniel packed the bento box into his backpack. “Don’t like this set? There are other options.”
But no matter what she chose, Kayla knew it would be a family outfit.
Understanding Ethaniel’s intentions, Kayla still couldn’t accept becoming Oliver’s stepmother.
Outside, car horns honked. Ethaniel shouldered his backpack, grabbed Kayla’s hand, and signaled Oliver with a glance. “The school bus is here. Time to go.”
After seeing his father’s gaze, Oliver took a deep breath and held Kayla’s other hand. “Let’s go, don’t let the bus wait too long.”
Kayla was pulled onto the bus by the father and son before she could protest, becoming the center of attention immediately.
Oliver was already eye-catching at school, and with Ethaniel’s striking looks and demeanor, the trio drew even more stares.
Feeling like an ugly duckling next to them, Kayla thought she was out of place. Yet, in reality, the finely tailored outfit softened her usual police uniform demeanor, highlighting her delicate features. Standing between Ethaniel and Oliver, she looked like a heroine adored by two princes-a picture of a happy family.
“You must be Oliver’s parents?” a woman in the first row stood up, smiling and extending her hand to Ethaniel. “I’m Oliver’s teacher, Tara Sewell.”
“Hello, Miss Sewell.” Ethaniel shook her hand briefly and turned to introduce Kayla. “This is Ollie’s mo-”
“Miss Sewell!” Kayla interrupted loudly, grabbing Tara’s hand and shaking it vigorously. “Nice to meet you, Miss Sewell.”
Ethaniel watched Kayla’s comical behavior with a smile, while Oliver rolled his eyes dramatically: idiot…
Miss Sewell, startled by Kayla’s enthusiasm, replied, “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Han. Please, have a seat.”
Mrs. Han?
Kayla wanted to correct her. “No, you misunderstood. Actually, I’m not-”
“Kayla,” Ethaniel interrupted, leading her forward. “You’re blocking the way.”
Kayla turned and saw a mother and son waiting to board. She quickly moved.
…
At the destination, Kayla stepped off the bus, admiring the beautiful beach and lush forest.
Her reverie was broken by a familiar voice, “Kayla!”
Kayla turned around and saw Aria in a red dress. One of the reasons she didn’t want to come was because Perez and Oliver were classmates, then she would likely run into the Green family today.
“What are you doing here?” Aria was surprised to see Kayla.
Ethaniel used his actions to explain why Kayla was here. He walked over to her and interlaced his fingers with hers.
Aria’s face changed color instantly, glaring at them.
“Daddy.” Oliver joined them.
Aria was stunned. Identical brown curls, purple eyes, and an aristocratic air.
Ethaniel had a son? Did this mean Kayla was just his mistress in Seatowne?
Believing she had the truth, Aria ignored Kayla and smiled at Ethaniel. “Mr. Han, what a surprise. Is this your son? He’s adorable.”
Ethaniel’s indifferent purple eyes glanced at Aria. “Thank you.”
“I’m here with my brother. It seems he’s in the same class as your son.” Aria called out to Perez. “Perez! Come here!”
Perez, not fond of Oliver, tried to ignore them but was dragged by Aria. “Perez, this is Mr. Han, a friend of Dad’s. You and his son are classmates. Say hello to Uncle Han.”
Ethaniel’s imposing presence scared Perez into retreating several steps.
“Perez?” Aria pushed him. “Don’t be rude. Say hello.”
But before Perez could muster the courage, Ethaniel was already leading Kayla away, completely ignoring them.
Aria angrily poked Perez. “Useless, they’re already gone!”
“What’s so great about them? I hate Oliver the most,” Perez muttered. As the only son of the Green Family, he was accustomed to being the center of attention. But ever since Oliver transferred, everyone’s focus had shifted to him.
Aria watched Ethaniel and Kayla walking away. Ethaniel said something to Kayla that made her glare at him and playfully punch his arm.
Frowning, Aria asked Perez, “Have you ever seen Oliver’s mom?”
“No,” Perez answered impatiently. “I’m not close to him. He’s a transfer student. Who wants to be friends with someone whose family has no money?”
“No money?” Aria looked at Perez in surprise. “Who told you they have no money?”
“He’s with Kayla, so how could he have money? Didn’t you tell me Kayla is poor and to stay away from her?”
“Kayla is poor, but Oliver’s background is very significant,” Aria said seriously. “You need to find a way to be friends with Oliver. The future of the Green Family’s wealth depends on you becoming friends with him.”
“I don’t want to!” Perez shouted. “I hate Oliver! I hate Kayla!”