The once lively energy that had filled the mansion had faded into silence, leaving behind only the occasional creak of the house and the muffled sound of rain tapping against the windows.

    Ethan walked down the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps quiet as he carried Julie in his arms.

    She was completely knocked out, her small frame limp with exhaustion.

    When they had first started the pillow fight, she had been a force of chaos, running around and giggling like she had an endless supply of energy.

    Now, she was snoring softly, her cheek resting against his shoulder.

    He pushed open the door to one of the guest rooms with his foot and stepped inside.

    The room was cozy, its soft beige walls illuminated by the glow of a bedside lamp.

    Ethan gently laid Julie down on the bed, pulling the covers over her.

    She stirred for a brief moment, shifting to curl into the blankets, but she didn''t wake.

    He exhaled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Sleep well, Jules."

    Turning off the light, he stepped out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

    The rest of the house had already begun to settle for the night.

    Claire had retired to another guest room, mumbling something about needing her beauty sleep before disappearing inside.

    Zack, after dramatically declaring that he wasn''t tired, had immediately stumbled into a room and passed out.

    Ethan made his way back to the living room, expecting to find it empty.

    Instead, Vanessa was still there, stretched out on the couch, her head resting against the armrest.

    Her eyes were closed, and for a moment, he thought she had fallen asleep.

    He stepped closer, leaning in slightly to check —

    "Boo."

    Ethan stumbled back slightly, caught off guard.

    Vanessa cracked one eye open, a lazy grin tugging at her lips.

    He huffed, running a hand through his hair. "Real mature."

    She chuckled, sitting up slowly. "You were so close to flinching."

    "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, shaking his head before taking a seat on the couch across from her.

    Vanessa stretched her arms above her head, letting out a small yawn. "So, the great Ethan Grey takes care of his little sister like a doting parent, huh?"

    It had been a long day — longer than Ethan had expected.

    But he wasn''t complaining, everything happened for a reason and as long as everybody was happy, he didn''t need anything more.

    He glanced at Vanessa.

    She was lying comfortably against the cushions, her long hair spread out over the couch, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion but still sharp.

    "I''ll show you to your room," he said, standing up.

    She stretched one more time before pushing herself upright. "Lead the way, Grey."

    Ethan shook his head but didn''t argue as he led her through the hall.

    The mansion was massive, and despite how often he moved through it, the sheer emptiness of the space always made it feel bigger than necessary.

    His sisters and Zack brought life to it, and tonight, Vanessa had as well.

    He stopped in front of one of the guest rooms, pushing the door open.

    The room was spacious but simple — dark wood furniture, cream-colored sheets, and a window that overlooked the vast lawn outside.

    Vanessa stepped inside, looking around with an approving nod. "Not bad. Definitely better than the couch."

    Ethan leaned against the doorframe. "You should get some rest. Long day."

    She turned back to him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, yeah. You''re not gonna tuck me in too, are you?"

    Ethan rolled his eyes. "Not unless you want a bedtime story."

    She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Maybe next time."

    He turned to leave, but before he could step out, she called his name.

    "Ethan."

    He paused, glancing back.

    Vanessa looked at him, her expression softer now — still playful, but without the usual teasing edge.

    "Thanks. For today. It was fun."

    He held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. It was."

    "Our next date will be better though," Vanessa said.

    "Can''t wait,"

    With that, he pulled the door shut behind him, leaving Vanessa to rest.