Chapter 68: Teach Me To Cook

After closing at the shop and sending Cassandra off, Ethan got onto his new motorcycle, strapping the helmet on.

He helped Nora wear the small helmet, then had her sit behind him while Evelyn sat behind her. Together, they sandwiched the little girl between them.

It wasn’t uncomfortable, though. After all, the bike was large enough to accommodate them. Revving the engine, Ethan drove the bike away from the shop, taking them back home.

Nora rested her head against Ethan’s broad back, enjoying the blissful evening ride. It felt like a dream—riding on a bike with her parents.

Her loving parents.

’It... it can’t be real, right?’

She tried to deny it, but the warmth in her heart wasn’t something she could dismiss. In the end, she smiled faintly.

’Even if it isn’t real, I’m enjoying it.’

Soon, they got back to the house, and everyone immediately went to have a change of clothes.

Cleaning his wet hair with a towel, Ethan appeared in the living room at the same time as Evelyn did. He stared at her for a few seconds, making her blush.

Catching himself staring, he cleared his throat and picked up the ingredient bag he was carrying earlier, taking them with him to the kitchen.

"I’m going to start preparing dinner."

To his surprise Evelyn rushed after him and held his hand. "Wait."

He turned to her, curious. "Mn?"

"You’ve been cooking for us for so long. I think it’s time you taught me," She said, her black eyes glittering with eagerness.

Although she liked watching Ethan cook, she still felt like it was her responsibility, and neglecting it left a bad taste in her mouth.

Even though she didn’t say this, Ethan understood. He smiled and nodded. "Alright. You’re going to be doing it tonight. I’ll only give you pointers."

He had planned on preparing stir-fried beef with vegetables and rice, so he simply let Evelyn take over. The soup was to be prepared first, so he watched her handle it, occasionally giving one or two instructions.

"Lower the heat a little. Let it simmer, not burn."

Evelyn nodded and adjusted the heat.

"Add only the salt for now. Wait about two minutes before adding the spice."

Once again, Evelyn nodded, not arguing or questioning him in the slightest. After eating all the meals he had prepared, she was sure that her husband was the best cook in the world.

Well, at least she believed so.

Ethan repeatedly gave her tiny instructions, guiding her and making sure she did everything perfectly.

By the time she was done, even Evelyn herself was surprised by her creation.

"Wow... it tastes different," She said as she licked a tiny drop from her hand.

Ethan smiled and patted her head. "You did well."

She puffed her cheeks cutely, and a proud smile appeared on her lips. "Yes!"

Ethan chuckled and watched her start the preparation of the rice. It was the simplest, so he didn’t need to give her any pointers at all.

Suddenly remembering something, he lightly smacked his forehead.

"Ah, right. I forgot to tell you."

Pausing what she was doing, Evelyn turned to face him. "What’s that?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, he answered casually. "Your parents came over today."

She froze. "Wait, what?"

Ethan nodded. "They didn’t stay for long, though."

"Why didn’t you tell me?" She asked indignantly.

Knowing her father’s behavior, he had probably come to insult and threaten Ethan.

"No, I didn’t want to disturb you." He shook his head. "Besides, he only asked for a Maybach and ate some pancakes."

"A Maybach?" Evelyn felt her world spinning. "What the...?"

Laughing lightly, Ethan placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head. "He was a little demanding, but I just told him I’ll think about it... after he takes some tests in the hospital."

Evelyn froze, confusion replacing her shock. "Tests? What happened?"

"Nothing, actually." He shrugged. "James simply thought the pancakes were poisoned and rushed off to take the tests. He’s fine, don’t worry."

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Are you sure you didn’t tell him it was poisoned?"

Knowing her husband, it was something he could do.

Ethan blinked innocently, then shook his head. "What? No, not at all. I definitely didn’t tell him it was poisoned."

Pursing her lips, the young woman turned away. "Alright, I’ll call him after dinner. But honestly, asking for a Maybach... ugh."

Ethan chuckled lightly but said nothing.

Soon, dinner was served and the family of three sat around the table. Evelyn looked at Nora and Ethan expectantly, awaiting their verdict.

Taking a spoonful into his mouth, Ethan chewed on it, then nodded.

"How is it?" Evelyn asked with an anxious smile.

Closing his eyes, Ethan savored the taste and swallowed. "It’s not bad."

She blinked, unimpressed. "Just... not bad?"

Chuckling, he said, "Not bad is an improvement. You surpassed my expectations by a slight margin."

Snorting, she pretended to be displeased and turned to her daughter.

Sensing her mother’s gaze, Nora straightened and said seriously, "This is delicious, Mom. It’s better than the ones you used to make before."

Evelyn’s smile widened, and she patted her head. "This is why I love you the most."

Nora closed her eyes and smiled back, enjoying the pat.

Ethan watched their interaction with a warm gaze, then snorted and looked away. Both mother and daughter turned to him, and seeing his expression, they laughed.

Evelyn nudged his shoulder slightly, then said in a gentle voice. "I love you too, you know?"

Instantly, Ethan’s displeasure vanished, and he barely managed to suppress a large smile.

After they finished eating dinner, Evelyn and Ethan carried the plates to the kitchen, clearing up the utensils they had used for cooking.

As she washed the dishes and he rinsed them, she suddenly said, "I’m preparing breakfast tomorrow."

Ethan blinked, surprised. "Why?"

She shrugged and passed him a plate. "I obviously need to practice consistently. Who knows? Maybe I’ll open a restaurant in the future."

Ethan shook his head and smiled. "Hm, alright. We’ll see about that."

After they were done tidying up the kitchen, Evelyn went ahead to call her parents while Ethan returned to the living room just in time to receive a call from Cole.