Ethan was speeding down the road, his thoughts racing faster than the engine. He knew he was already late for the mystery meeting. The frozen peas were starting to melt, leaving a cool, damp patch on his shirt.
[
So, what do you think about that service?
] the System asked, sounding eager. [
It all sounds pretty sweet, huh? Just call a number and get whatever you want.
]
Ethan mulled it over for a moment, then shook his head sharply. "
It would be the last thing I ever did,
" he stated.
"
Why?
" the System sounded confused.
"
Because if they control the inside of my houseâif they supply the staffâand they also hold all my secrets... they could try to blackmail me, or worse,
" Ethan replied, gripping the steering wheel.
[
Whoa.
] The System made a noise of genuine astonishment. [
Damn, I guess you actually
do
have a brain in that little head of yours. Youâre absolutely right. How the hell did I miss that?
]
Ethan just rolled his eyes, ignoring the backhanded compliment, and sped up.
After a long drive, he arrived at a relatively upscale neighborhood where the familiar restaurant was located.
He pulled
into the parking lot.
He entered
, and the pizzeria was exactly as he remembered: greasy, yes, but very clean and organized. Everyone looked happy, laughing and chatting.
He walked toward the counter. A beautiful young woman with striking green eyes was working there, serving customers with a huge smile and loudly calling out orders for ready pizzas.
The moment he saw her, Ethan froze. The little girl he used to see helping her parents had grown up into a stunning young woman. She looked gorgeous in the work uniform, which fit tightly over her curves. As he watched her deliver an order, he couldnât help but notice the clear lines of her panties visible beneath the fabric of her tight pants.
[
Hahahahaha!
] The System erupted in roaring laughter. [
I didnât even have to say anything this time, and you canât take your eyes off that ass! Youâre already imagining having her in your bed, arenât you? You canât lie to me, kid!
]
Ethan smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "
Alright, alright, you caught me.
When we used to come here, I always played with her. We were close. Even when we were kids, I had a thing for her, even though sheâs a little younger than me. Thatâs
Lilly
."
[
Who cares if sheâs slightly younger? Fresh fruit is just as good as ripe fruit, and sheâs definitely of legal age to get what she deserves, Hahaha!
] The Systemâs voice was full of lewd encouragement.
Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "
Okay, okay, you win. If I wanted to screw her? Who knows, maybe I will.
"
He took a deep breath, composed his expressionâwhich now held a confidence it never had beforeâand started walking toward the counter.
Ethan reached the counter. Lilly, who was busy bagging an order, looked up, her bright green eyes widening instantly.
"
ETHAN!
" she shrieked, dropping the order and launching herself over the counter. She didnât bother using the aisle; she scrambled over the top, latching onto him like a koala. She hugged him fiercely, burying her head against his chest like a happy puppy.
From the kitchen, another voice yelled,
"Ethan?!"
Alfred
, a large man with flour dusting his apron, came barreling out. He grabbed Ethan, lifted him clean off the floor in a massive bear hug, and spun him around, laughing.
Then came the beautiful woman from the back,
Martha
, Alfredâs wife. She embraced Ethan with the warmth of a mother, pulling his head firmly between her
enormous, comforting breasts
, muffling his words.
"
Oh, my boy! We missed you!
" Martha cried, pulling back to squeeze his cheeks.
Everyone was laughing, the warmth of the scene filling the greasy, cheerful pizzeria.
[
Damn, thatâs a hell of a welcome,
] the System snickered, clearly enjoying the show. [
I bet if you asked, theyâd all say yes to a quick screw! All three of them, hahahaha!
]
Ethan rolled his eyes internally.
Seriously, System?
"
I would never lay a finger on Aunt Martha,
" he silently told the System. "
Uncle Alfred always treated me and my dad like family, even when I lost everything. They fed me, they offered me a place to liveâI never took it, but I know they would have treated me like a son. I couldnât be such a goddamn bastard as to screw his wife.
"
The System laughed again. [
Alright, alright, you win. You wouldnât screw his wife. But youâd screw his daughter, though.
]
Ethan coughed loudly, trying to look innocent. "
Well, well, thatâs different. I bet theyâd be happy if I hit that.
"
Alfred gave Ethan another massive, bone-crushing slap on the shoulder that, despite his new boxing knowledge, still hurt a little but warmed his heart immensely.
"
Itâs so good to see you, son!
We missed you so much," Alfred boomed, his eyes shining. "
Lilly here wouldnât stop crying when you left! We missed you, kid. We honestly didnât know where to even start looking for you. How have you been, son? Tell us everything!
"
Ethanâs shoulders were throbbing, but his heart felt full. These people really had always been this kind-hearted, treating him like a son and his father like a brother since forever.
Lilly was still clinging to his arm. "
We were so worried, Ethan! You just vanished!
Did you finally find a good place to stay? You look... different. You look really
good
." She ran a curious hand over his new, sharper jawline.
"I found a place," Ethan said, giving her a gentle, genuine smile. "Iâve been busy, building something up. I had to focus, you know?" He turned to Martha. "Aunt Martha, you look as beautiful as ever! Whatâs the secret? More of that amazing dough, I bet?"
Martha giggled, pleased. "
Oh, stop, you sweet talker!
Just glad to see your face. We were so heartbroken when you went quiet. You better come back and eat more often. And no more of that âI canât accept your helpâ nonsense, you hear me? You are family!"
Alfred slapped his back again. "
Thatâs right! Family! Now, come on, you need to eat! Iâm putting a âCapitĂĄn Specialâ on the houseâextra cheese! Tell us everything thatâs happened. Why are you suddenly so muscular? Did you join the military?
"
The laughter continued, sweet and sincere, making Ethan feel more grounded and more
real
than any million dollars or Lux point ever could.