After preparing a simple but warm dinner— pan-seared salmon, a side of vegetables, and miso soup—Lena set the table for two and lit a small candle in the center. She smiled faintly at the sight of the two sets of utensils, the quiet symbolism not lost on her.
Feeling a little flushed from the kitchen heat, she grabbed a fresh towel and stepped into the shower.
Wrapped in a soft robe, her hair damp around her shoulders, she checked her phone and spotted a message from 15 minutes ago.
Ethan:on my way.
Her heart gave a little jump. She quickly put on her favourite homewear- a pink spaghetti straps silky dress with a matching thin outerwear.
Just as she stepped out her room, the doorbell rang. Excitement rushed through her. She hurried barefoot to the door, expecting Ethan, a smile already forming on her lips.
But when she opened it, she blinked in surprise.
"Mum?"
Her mother stood there with a soft smile and a small overnight bag in hand.
"I figured if you were too busy to visit me," she said, stepping inside, "then I should come and visit you."
Lena blinked, stunned but happy. "Mum… I'm so sorry. Things have been a little messy lately."
Her mother waved it off as she took off her shoes. "I know, sweetheart. That's why I came. I just wanted to see with my own eyes that you're alright."
They sat briefly on the couch, and her mother asked the question Lena knew was coming.
"So… how have you really been? After the breakup?"
Lena inhaled. "Honestly? Relieved. I didn't know how much I was holding together until I let go. He… cheated on me. With more than one woman. For three years."
Her mum's eyes widened. "Oh, Lena…"
"And I am so ashamed that I did not notice at all," Lena admitted. "But I'm just glad I found out before I made the mistake of marrying him."
Her mother reached out and held her hand gently. "I'm proud of you."
Just then, her mum glanced toward the dining table—and the two place settings.
"Expecting company?"
Lena hesitated, caught.
"Actually…" She tucked a strand of damp hair behind her ear. "I've… started seeing someone."
Her mother raised a brow, but before she could respond, the doorbell rang again.
Lena froze. "That's him."
"Perfect timing," her mum murmured, clearly amused.
Lena opened the door and tried to give Ethan a warning look, subtly gesturing behind her.
But Ethan only smiled, stepped in close, and planted a kiss on her temple, pulling her into a quick embrace.
Lena's breath caught—too late.
A distinct ahem echoed from the living room.
Ethan turned, spotting the older woman now rising slowly from the sofa.
"My mum came to visit me," Lena said, her voice a mix of embarrassment and nerves.
Ethan didn't miss a beat. He stepped forward, offered his hand, and said warmly, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ethan. I should've introduced myself sooner—I'm dating your daughter, with every intention of marrying her."
Lena's cheeks flushed crimson. "Ethan!"
Her mother eyed him up and down, assessing. Then finally, she smiled. "Well. That's quite an introduction."
They sat down together at the table, and the awkwardness soon melted into easy conversation.
"That smells incredible," Ethan complimented.
Lena couldn't stop the smile that pulled at her lips. "It's just a simple meal. Nothing fancy."
Lena's mum asked about Ethan's background, and he answered openly.
"We were actually high school classmates," he said. "I left to study abroad, then joined a special unit force. I've only just come back… after my father passed. I'm taking over the family business."
"I'm sorry for your loss," her mum said gently.
"Thank you," Ethan replied. "I have a younger brother—James. We look out for each other. It's just been the two of us for a while."
Her mother gave a small, approving nod. "Family is important. It's nice to hear how close you are."
Lena watched the exchange quietly, something fluttering in her chest. She'd never had a moment like this with Anthony. He had always been distant with her family, half-listening, half-judging. Anthony never cared for home cooked food. He always preferred high-end restaurants and fancy wine lists. She used to think it was just because of his upbringing… that maybe she wasn't used to his world.
But Ethan sat at her table like he belonged here with her.
At the end of dinner, Lena stood up to clear the plates and Ethan got up with her.
"I'll handle these," he said with a soft smile. "You two should have some time to catch up."
Lena started to protest, but her mother waved her hand. "Let the man clean, Lena. It's rare enough as it is."
Ethan chuckled as he disappeared into the kitchen with the dishes, sleeves already rolled up.
Lena and her mum sat back down on the sofa. The moment they were alone, her mother leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to keep it between them.
"He's a good one," she said. "I can see it in the way he looks at you. Calm, steady. Like he's not going anywhere."
Lena smiled faintly, her heart fluttering in quiet agreement.
Her mum continued, softer now, "He's better than Anthony ever was. I didn't want to say anything back then… but there was always something in that boy's eyes. Too proud. Too cold."
Lena exhaled, her smile tinged with something bittersweet. "I think I knew it, too. I just didn't want to admit it."
Her mother reached over, gave her hand a squeeze. "This one... he sees you. And he's proud to. That matters more than anything."
From the kitchen, they could hear the water running and the soft clatter of plates being rinsed.
Lena looked toward the sound, warmth blooming in her chest.
"He really is something," she said softly.
When the last dish was tucked away, Ethan wiped his hands on a towel and walked back toward them, glancing at the clock.
"I should get going," he said gently. "Let you two have some time together."
Lena started to protest, but he gave her a quiet look that said he meant it. Then he turned to her mother and gave a small, respectful nod.
"It was a real pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Kim," he said sincerely. "Thank you for the warm welcome—and the company."
Her mother smiled warmly. "You're always welcome here, Ethan."
He nodded, his voice steady but kind. "I'll ask Lena to bring me to visit you soon. And often, if she'll let me."
Lena blushed, caught between a laugh and something that tugged deeper in her chest.
Her mum smiled knowingly and patted Ethan's arm. "You take care of her."
"I will," he promised, his voice quiet.
A few minutes later, Lena walked him down to the carpark.
"I'm so sorry about tonight," she said, hugging onto Ethan's arm. "I didn't expect my mum to show up without notice."
Ethan turned to her, brushing her hair back behind her ear. "Lena. It was perfect. I'm glad I finally met her. She clearly loves you—and she can see how much I do too."
Lena opened her mouth to reply, but Ethan stepped closer, cupped her face gently, and leaned in.
The kiss was slow—hot, tender, and lingering.
Her hands slid up to his chest, fingers curling against the fabric of his shirt, while his other hand moved to her waist, pulling her flush against him.
She tilted her head slightly, deepening the kiss, savoring the way he held her like she was something precious.
When they finally pulled apart, her breath came unevenly, and his forehead rested gently against hers.
"I didn't want to leave without that," he murmured.
Lena smiled softly. "You're getting bold, Mr. Calloway."
He smirked, kissed her again—quick this time—and stepped back toward his car.
"Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight. Text me when you have reached home safely." Lena said.
"I will."
She stood there watching him drive away, heart thudding quietly, a hand brushing where he had kissed her.