Chapter 160: Family Dinner (2)

Ethan looked at his own pizza, which he had assembled rather carelessly.

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Mine has a special design."

"What design?" Nora asked peeking at it.

"A secret one."

She stared at him suspiciously. "I don’t think you know how to make it."

Evelyn laughed, covering her mouth.

Ethan placed a hand over his chest as though deeply wounded. "What an insult. I’ve been cooking for this family, and now my own daughter doubts my abilities."

"Because yours looks funny!" The little girl laughed heartily m

Shrugging, Ethan replied casually, "That’s because you’re not mature enough to appreciate it."

Nora stuck out her tongue.

Evelyn shook her head, amused by their exchange, before helping Nora prepare the remaining pizza bases. Once everything was ready, Ethan carefully transferred the tray into the oven.

"Alright. Now we wait."

Nora stood on her toes, trying to peek through the oven’s glass door.

"Is it ready?"

"Not yet," Ethan answered.

"How long?"

"A little while." He shrugged.

She sighed and looked at her mother. "Cooking takes so long."

Evelyn smiled and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "That’s why we have to be patient."

While they waited, Ethan and Evelyn tidied the counter and put away the ingredients they no longer needed. Nora helped by carrying a few lightweight items to the sink, though her parents made sure she stayed away from anything sharp or hot.

Eventually, the pizzas were ready.

Ethan put on his oven mitts and carefully removed the tray. The melted cheese had settled over the toppings, and the bases had turned a pleasant golden colour.

Nora’s eyes widened. "They look so good!"

"That’s because we have a talented little chef in the family," Ethan replied.

Nora smiled proudly.

They allowed the pizzas to cool for a few minutes before arranging them on plates. Soon, the three of them were seated around the dining table, ready for dinner.

Nora immediately reached for her portion.

"Careful. It’s still a little hot," Evelyn reminded her.

"I know, Mom."

She blew on a small piece before taking a bite. Her expression brightened almost immediately.

"Mmm! It’s delicious!"

Ethan smiled. "Really? How does it compare to the ones you buy outside?"

Nora chewed before answering. "I think ours is better."

"That’s what I wanted to hear."

Evelyn took a bite of her own pizza and nodded in agreement. "It turned out quite well."

Nora looked between her parents, clearly pleased with herself. "I helped make it!"

"Yes, yes, you did." Evelyn smiled at her. "You did a wonderful job, sweetheart."

Ethan nodded. "And you were very careful with the ingredients. I think we have a future chef here."

Nora lowered her head slightly, a happy smile spreading across her face.

She continued eating, occasionally looking at the pizza she had prepared as though she still couldn’t believe she had made it herself.

For Ethan, the sight was more satisfying than the food itself.

It was a simple dinner, nothing particularly special. Yet watching his wife and daughter enjoy something they had prepared together gave him a quiet sense of contentment.

After dinner, Evelyn began clearing the table while Ethan helped put away the remaining food. Nora offered to assist, but her mother told her to leave the dishes to the adults.

"Go brush your teeth and get ready for bed," Evelyn instructed.

Nora nodded and hurried toward the bathroom.

Ethan followed shortly afterward, intending to tuck her in once she was done. He helped her settle beneath the blanket and adjusted her pillow before sitting beside her.

"Did you enjoy cooking today?"

Nora nodded. "It was fun."

"Then we can do it again sometime."

"Really?" She blinked.

"Of course. But next time, you’ll have to help us decide what to make."

Nora thought about it for a moment before smiling. "I want to make something sweet."

"Something sweet? Like what?"

"I don’t know yet."

Ethan chuckled and gently patted her head. "Then you have some homework. Think about it and tell me next time."

"Okay!"

He leaned down and kissed her forehead before switching off the bedside lamp.

"Goodnight, little chef."

"Goodnight, Dad."

Ethan left the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him.

A little later, Evelyn came out of the kitchen after finishing the dishes. She glanced at her husband in the living room before heading into the bedroom to join Nora.

Ethan remained on the sofa for a while, enjoying the quiet. He picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found Cole’s number.

It had been some time since they last spoke, and with the events of the past few days, he hadn’t had much opportunity to check on Evelyn’s brother.

He pressed the call button and waited.

The phone rang several times before someone finally picked up.

"Hey, Brother-in-law! It’s been a while. I’m sorry I haven’t been in contact with you. Work at the site is progressing rapidly, and it has been consuming my time."

Ethan laughed lightly. "It’s fine. I’m also at fault for not checking up on you. I’ve been occupied with a few things myself."

"Well, I understand." Cole chuckled on the other end. "I know you’re busy taking care of my little sister. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your quality time together."

Ethan’s lips twitched. ’This single assed dude.’

"That’s true. Speaking of which, have you finally gotten yourself a spouse?"

There was a brief silence before Cole replied. "No."

"Still no?" Ethan sighed.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

Ethan leaned back against the sofa, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Nothing. I was just wondering whether you’ve finally found someone willing to put up with you."

"Brother-in-law, that’s unnecessary." Cole grumbled.

"Come on. Be truthful with me. Are you sure there’s no one?"

"I’m sure!"

Ethan hummed thoughtfully before lowering his voice.

"Why are you gay?"

For several seconds, Cole didn’t respond. Then his voice suddenly rose.

"What?!"

Ethan pressed his lips together, struggling to contain his laughter.

"What are you talking about?" Cole demanded. "I’m not gay!"

"Really?" Ethan frowned.

"Of course! I’ve slept with women before!"

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes! I’m definitely not gay!"

Ethan hummed again, sounding unconvinced. "But this is sounding very colorful. Very, very colorful."

"Brother-in-law!"

"Hmm?"

"I’ve had enough. I’m ending this call."

Ethan finally burst into laughter. "Alright, alright. I’ll stop teasing you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight. And please, stop saying ridiculous things!"

"Sure."

The call ended shortly afterward.

Ethan shook his head, still smiling at the exchange. He placed his phone on the table, switched off the television, and headed into the bedroom. It had been a rather peaceful day.