Chapter 134: Wedding (8)

As the wedding gradually came to an end, the guests began saying their goodbyes and making their way out of the venue. Ethan, Evelyn, and Nora had also decided it was time to leave, especially since they still had a long drive home ahead of them.

After making sure Nora had collected her belongings, Ethan took Evelyn’s hand and led his family toward the parking area. Jason, Maria, Richard, Helen, and Albert accompanied them, continuing their conversation as they walked.

When they reached the BMW X5, Albert stopped in his tracks and stared at the vehicle with undisguised admiration.

"Bro, when did you buy this beauty?" He asked, circling the front of the car to get a better look. "Look at the design! And this is an X5? You’re hiding things from me now?"

Ethan took the keys from his pocket and spun them around his finger with a smug smile. "What can I say? A man has to enjoy the finer things in life."

"Since when did you become this flashy?" Albert demanded, looking at him suspiciously. "Last time I checked, you were still the same old Ethan."

"People grow, Albert. Some of us grow in wisdom, while others remain stuck admiring cars."

Albert scoffed and gave him a playful shove. "Just let me drive it one day."

"Absolutely not." Ethan shook his head, decisive.

Mortified, Albert recoiled. "You didn’t even think about it!"

"I didn’t need to."

While the cousins bickered, Jason and Maria exchanged a brief glance as they examined the vehicle. Neither had expected Ethan to own a car like this. They had known he was helping Evelyn with her business, but he had never mentioned buying such an expensive vehicle.

Jason folded his arms, studying the BMW with a thoughtful expression.

’That brat has been keeping some things to himself,’ He thought, a quiet sense of satisfaction rising in his chest.

He wasn’t about to ask where the money had come from in front of everyone, but he couldn’t deny that seeing his son doing better was a welcome surprise.

Maria wore a gentle smile as she looked from the car to Ethan. ’He’s really changing,’ She thought. ’And he’s taking better care of his family, too.’

Neither parent said anything about their surprise aloud, but the approval in their expressions was difficult to hide.

Evelyn noticed their reactions and smiled quietly. She had grown accustomed to Ethan’s habit of doing things without much warning, though she still found it amusing whenever other people discovered another unexpected side of him.

After Albert had finished admiring the vehicle, Ethan opened the passenger door for Evelyn and helped Nora settle into the back seat. He then turned toward the others, who had gathered beside the car to see them off.

"Alright, we’ll be going now," Ethan announced as he closed the door. "Thanks for coming out to see us off."

Jason immediately narrowed his eyes at him. "You’re talking as though you’ve been away for months. You’re just going home, brat."

Ethan sighed. "And here I thought you would miss me."

"Miss you? I’d finally get some peace and quiet."

Ethan placed a hand over his chest, feigning hurt. "Old man, that’s a terrible thing to say to your only son."

"Then stop giving me reasons to say it!" Jason scowled.

Richard laughed at their exchange while Helen shook her head with an amused smile.

Maria stepped forward and reminded Ethan to drive carefully, especially since they still had a considerable distance to cover. Evelyn thanked everyone for seeing them off and promised they would get home safely.

Albert approached Ethan one last time and pulled him into a quick hug. "Call me when you get home, bro. And don’t forget what you told me earlier."

Ethan patted his back before releasing him. "How could I forget? I spent several minutes giving you free marriage advice. The least you can do is pretend to remember it."

Albert rolled his eyes, but his smile remained. "Just go before I change my mind about letting you come to my wedding."

"Too late. I’ve already eaten your food."

With that final jab, Ethan slipped into the driver’s seat and started the engine. He waved through the open window as Evelyn settled beside him, while Nora waved enthusiastically at her grandparents and relatives from the back seat.

Jason raised a hand in response, then watched as Ethan drove away from the parking area. Once the BMW had disappeared down the road, he let out a quiet breath and glanced at Maria.

"That brat seems to be doing better than I thought," He remarked, keeping his voice casual.

Maria smiled knowingly. "You sound pleased."

"Don’t make things up. I’m just saying it’s good that he’s finally acting like a responsible adult."

Richard chuckled as they turned back toward the venue. "Whatever you say, Jason."

Jason shot his brother an irritated look, but he didn’t bother arguing. The small smile at the corner of his mouth remained even as they walked away.

.......

Inside the BMW, the wedding venue soon disappeared behind them as Ethan joined the main road. The afternoon traffic was manageable, and the journey began peacefully, with Evelyn occasionally pointing out interesting sights while Nora leaned back in her seat.

For the first few minutes, everyone was content to enjoy the quiet after the lively reception. Then Ethan glanced at Nora through the rearview mirror and remembered the remarkable performance she had put on at the dining table.

A mischievous smile spread across his face.

"Nora, I have a question for you," He said, keeping his eyes on the road.

Nora looked up from the view outside her window. "What is it, Dad?"

"Do you have a black hole in your stomach?" He asked.

She blinked at him, clearly confused. "What?"

Evelyn immediately turned toward him, already suspecting where the conversation was going.

Ethan chuckled as he continued driving. "I’m serious. I’ve seen people eat at weddings before, but I’ve never seen anyone attack food the way you did today. I was beginning to wonder whether you planned to eat enough for the entire family."

Nora’s cheeks puffed slightly as she folded her arms. "I was hungry! Besides, the food was delicious."

"Of course it was. But I think the caterers deserve a medal for surviving your appetite."

"Dad!" Nora protested, glaring at him through the gap between the front seats.

Evelyn covered her mouth to hide her laughter, though the amusement in her eyes betrayed her. "Ethan, leave her alone. She was enjoying herself."

"I’m not criticizing her. I’m genuinely concerned. If we attend another wedding next week, should I warn them to prepare extra food?" He asked, tilting his head.

Nora leaned forward as far as her seat belt allowed and gave him an indignant look. "I’m never sharing my food with you again!"

Ethan laughed. "That’s fine. At least now I know where to find you if we ever get lost in the wilderness. I’ll just follow the sound of your stomach."

Evelyn burst into laughter, and even Nora struggled to maintain her angry expression. She eventually turned toward the window, muttering something about how unfair her father was, while Ethan continued smiling to himself.

For a while, the journey remained peaceful. The scenery changed as they left the busier part of the city behind, and Ethan settled into a steady driving rhythm. Evelyn leaned back in her seat, looking relaxed after the day’s activities, while Nora gradually returned to watching the passing buildings and trees.

It was only when Ethan checked the rearview mirror that he noticed something unusual.

A dark sedan had been following them for several minutes.