Chapter 164
Chapter 164
Mia was on her laptop that evening, eyes slightly squinted. She was trying to finish up an assignment that had been dragging on for days.
She has been juggling school and her part time online gigs while taking care of Aiden.
The front door opens. Moments later, her brother, Ethan, strolled in, looking like he had just walked off a magazine cover–tattoos visible under his rolled–up sleeves, confidence in every step.
Ethan’s tattoo shop had really taken off. What started as a small shop tucked in the corner of a busy street was now something of a local sensation.
He was already talking about expanding to another city. Mia was genuinely proud of him. He had worked hard, and she had seen him struggle, just like her. Now, things were finally falling into place.
Ethan gave her a small nod before heading to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water. He took a sip and walked over to the couch, falling on it with a tired sigh. “School?” he asked, gesturing to her laptop.
Mia nodded, not taking her eyes off the screen as she typed another line. “Yeah. Almost done with this one.”
“How was work?” she asked back, glancing briefly at him.
Ethan let out a long breath, stretching his body until his joints cracked. “Hectic. Joey didn’t come in today, and I had to take three walk–ins myself. I swear I need new workers, but I also want people I can trust. And with this whole expansion thing, I’m all over the place.”
“You still want to expand to another city?” Mia asked, curious.
Ethan shook his head, a tired smile playing on his lips. “Not another city. Another country.”
“What?” Mia blinked, sitting up straighter. She hadn’t expected that.
Ethan laughed softly at her expression. “Yeah, a friend of mine started a barber shop in Singapore like two years ago. Now the guy’s swimming in money. He says the market is crazy out there. He’s even offered to help me set things up if I’m serious.”
Mia blinked again, trying to take it in. “Uh… okay.”
Sensing her hesitation, Ethan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Before the whole process of getting a place and starting up there even begins, you’ll probably be done with school. I mean, I won’t leave tomorrow or anything. It’ll take time.”
Mia looked at him and smiled. She could tell he was worried about leaving her and Aiden behind. He always worried, even when she assured him
everything was fine. That was just who he was.
“We’re fine now, Ethan. Aiden is a big boy now, and I’m okay. Don’t let us hold you back,” she said softly.
“Stop saying nonsense,” Ethan replied, a small smile pulling at his lips.
Mia chuckled. It felt good to talk like this..to share, to dream, even if it scared her a little.
“Where though?” she asked.
“Where what?” Ethan replied, a bit distracted.
“What country are you expanding to?” she repeated, chuckling.
“Oh–Singapore.”
Mia raised her brows. Singapore: That was far. Really far. But it wasn’t a bad idea. It wasn’t some wild thought from a restless young man.
Ethan had always been smart with his decisions.
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Chapter 164
But still, deep inside her chest, a knot formed.
Ethan was her anchor…..
And now, he might be leaving. Not immediately, but still… leaving.
0413
Her eyes drifted to the corner of the room where Aiden’s Iron Man toy stood proudly on the shelf. His first birthday had been simple, but perfect. Aiden had squealed in delight when he tore the wrapping paper and saw the toy. That moment alone made all the sleepless nights worth it.
Ethan had been the one to bring balloons that day, even when Mia had insisted they didn’t need them. He’d made sure Aiden had a tiny cake and had even forced Mia to take pictures, even when she didn’t feel like smiling.
His brother deserves to do something for himself.
She closed her laptop halfway, looking at her brother. “Singapore, huh?”
He nodded, sipping from his bottle again. “Yeah. I mean, it’s still just an idea. I haven’t even started the paperwork or anything. Just thinking out loud for
now.”
“You’ve always been brave,” Mia said, surprising herself.
Ethan looked at her, his expression softening. “And you’ve always been stronger than you think, Mia.”
It went quiet for a moment, both of them lost in their own thoughts.
“Mom wants Aiden to stay with her and the girls,” Mia said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Ethan looked up. “Yeah? You thinking about it?”
“I don’t know. Visiting her is fine, but staying back home… I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”
He nodded in understanding. “Aiden loves his grandma, though. He’ll probably love it there.”
“I know,” Mia said softly. “But I just don’t want to be too far away from him, you know? Or having to change home again for him.
Ethan didn’t push..
“I just want what’s best for him,” Mia whispered.
“You’ve been doing great, Mia. More than great,” Ethan said, reaching out to gently nudge her arm. “You’re raising a good kid. He’s happy. He’s safe.
That’s what matters.”
Mia blinked back tears.
“Thanks,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He smiled, leaned back on the couch, and sighed. “So… wanna come to Singapore with me?”
Mia burst out laughing, shaking her head. “You’re insane.”
“Just think about it. You, me, Aiden. New place, new people, fresh start.”
Mia looked at him, her heart full. Maybe the future wasn’t so scary after all.
She smiled and nodded. “I’ll think about it.”
“Singapore,” Mia murmured to herself.
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Chapter 164
A/N
I wonder why Ethan is pushing so much for Singapore.
Does he know….
Does he know who is there?
