Grandpa Harrison set down his chopsticks with a meaningful glance at Ethan.

The unspoken tension thickened the air.

Ethan rose expressionlessly, adjusting his cuffs with slender fingers. "An urgent matter at the office."

Grandma Blanche slammed her chopsticks down, porcelain clinking sharply.

"This is your home, not a hotel!" She glared at him. "Jenna worked all morning, and you're just leaving?"

Jenna frantically waved her hands. "Grandma, I'll clean up—"

She stole a glance at Ethan's stormy expression, a cold sweat breaking down her spine. Offending him meant she and Milo would be homeless.

Grandpa Harrison sipped his tea leisurely. "Ethan, do the dishes."

The sudden clatter of plates echoed from the kitchen.

Jenna's eyes widened. Ethan was actually clearing the table!

Grandma Blanche winked triumphantly at Milo. "Let's give the newlyweds some privacy."

Flustered, Jenna hurried in to find Ethan stacking dishes by the sink.

"I'll wash them," she whispered.

He shook water droplets from his hands, his crisp pine scent enveloping her.

"Suit yourself."

As he turned, his shirt hem brushed her knuckles, sending shivers down her spine.

Watching his retreating figure, her heartbeat stuttered.

Water gushed from the faucet, suds foaming around her slender fingers.

Outside, Grandma Blanche's voice carried deliberately loud: "That's how you train a man!"