GTA V : The golden

Ethan drove to his father's house. He had called him several times, but there was no answer.

"Hmm… is he busy?" he thought while waiting at the red light.

Ethan took a moment to smoke. He pulled a cigarette from his fancy tobacco pack, then lit it effortlessly. He savored every puff he took as the smoke rose inside the luxurious cabin. The rich scent of premium tobacco filled the air with every exhale, as if it was part of his daily routine.

The light turned green, and he continued his way.

After a moment, the signal turned green. Ethan lifted his foot off the brake and pressed the gas pedal.

The sound of the luxurious engine filled the air, propelling the car forward smoothly and without hesitation.

Ethan turned left, heading toward the street that led to Vinewood Hills, where his father's house was located. He could see the grand estates and upscale houses on both sides of the road.

The car glided gracefully through the quiet streets, with blue and green lights scattering around as he passed through the residential area lined with ancient trees and marble-fronted mansions.

Minutes later, Ethan approached the massive gate of his father's house. The towering iron gate was almost like a fortress surrounding it, with the house sitting at the heart of the luxurious Richmond neighborhood.

He pressed the button next to the gate, which opened slowly as the car slid down the long gravel driveway.

Ethan entered the house without much interest, glancing at the mansion that seemed to carry generations of history.

He parked the car in the spotless garage and stepped out quietly.

Getting out of the car, he shut the garage behind him and began walking toward the front door. His steps were calm, as though this return to the house was more than just a casual visit. His fingertips brushed along the cold edge of the glass door as he approached, taking a moment to glance inside through the windows, where warm lights illuminated the interior.

Pzzzz Pzzzz

Ethan reached out and rang the doorbell.

The sound of footsteps echoed inside. A woman in her late thirties opened the door—a stunning woman with fiery red hair and striking green eyes.

It was Vanessa James, his father's wife.

She looked at Ethan, her eyes widening in surprise before her expression turned into one of contempt.

"What do you want?" Vanessa asked.

"I'm here to see my father," Ethan replied, stepping inside without waiting for permission.

He turned to the left, where the grand reception room was located. The black leather couch seemed to stare back at him, as if inviting him to sit. In the corners of the room, large tropical plants added a sense of calm amidst the extravagant decor.

Ethan approached the massive window, where the view of the garden and infinity pool was nothing short of breathtaking. He stood for a moment, taking in the luxury.

"YOU!" Vanessa screamed in anger.

The sound of her shouting echoed at the back of his mind as he walked calmly through the house, heading toward his father's room.

Vanessa shouted at him to stop, following him and hurling insults.

He ascended the staircase—a grand, royal-looking set of brown steps.

At the top, he was greeted by the wide-eyed stares of a few younger girls.

He glanced at them briefly before continuing.

Vanessa was still following him, fuming with anger.

Finally, he reached his father's office. He opened the door and closed it behind him, shutting out the muffled sound of Vanessa's yelling.

Ethan scanned the luxurious office, with its imposing desk and dark wooden furniture.

There, behind the desk, was a man in his mid-fifties, slumped over a pile of documents, fast asleep.

Ethan sighed and walked over to wake him up.

"Dad," he called softly, patting his father's shoulder.

His father stirred, startled.

Looking up, he said in surprise, "Ethan?"

"Are you still sleeping at your desk?" Ethan asked as he sat in a chair opposite him.

"What brings you here, Ethan? Do you need money?"

Ethan closed his eyes briefly and shook his head.

"I don't need money. I came to see you."

"To see me?" James straightened in his seat, his eyes growing colder, the mask of a seasoned politician falling into place.

Ethan sighed and said, "Is there a problem with a son visiting his father?"

James rested his fist on his cheek and said, "You know I don't believe that. What do you want, Ethan?"

Ethan stood from the chair and said, "I really just wanted to see you. When will you decide to go back to the way things used to be between us—as father and son?"

James froze, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his face.

"You're the one who left the house and walked away. That was your choice. Don't blame me. Do you think I wanted you to leave?"

"I know I left," Ethan said bitterly. "But I had no other choice. I needed you during the hardest times of my life, but you weren't there. You prioritized your work over your family."

Ethan sighed again, then sat back in the chair, offering a faint, bitter smile.

"What would Mom say if she saw us like this?"

At the mention of her, James's cold demeanor shattered, replaced by sadness.

Ethan paused before continuing. "But I'm not here to blame you. I'm here to let you know we still have a lot to talk about. But it's up to you."

Ethan fell silent for a moment before turning to leave. His hand rested on the doorknob, but he paused before opening it.

"If you ever decide you're ready to talk, I'm here. If you're ready to rebuild what we've lost, we'll find a way."

He left James deep in thought.

Outside the office, Ethan came face to face with a young girl with fiery red hair and pale blue eyes—about 18 years old.

"Well, well, my dear sister Eva," Ethan said, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"

"You embarrassed me in front of my friends!" she snapped angrily.

"Alright, I'm sorry," Ethan replied, not in the mood for petty arguments.

Eva blinked in shock. "…You're what?"

"I said I'm sorry," he repeated as he walked past her.

But Eva grabbed his sleeve, stopping him.

"If you're really sorry, come with me," she said.

"Where?" Ethan asked curiously.

Her cheeks flushed as she hesitated. "My friends… they, uh, want to meet you."

Ethan smirked.

"Didn't you just say I embarrassed you?"

Eva looked away awkwardly.

Ethan chuckled. "Fine, fine. Lead the way."

Eva was shocked and became even more embarrassed.

It was the first time she saw him laugh and smile. She couldn't believe it was the same cold older brother he used to be years ago—smiling.

He had grown much taller and more handsome than before, with sharp, striking features.

She quickly turned around and said, "Let's go."

Ethan followed Eva, noticing the changes in the annoying girl who used to call him "the son of a bitch

Her features had become clearer.

The curves of her body had developed significantly.

Ethan snapped out of his thoughts when they reached Eva's friends.

"Everyone, this is my older brother, Ethan," Eva introduced Ethan to her friends.

"Hello, everyone," Ethan said with a calm smile.

The first to approach and introduce himself was a blonde boy, much shorter than Ethan.

"Hello, Ethan. I'm John Edward," he said confidently with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, John," Ethan replied with a smile.

Then came the rest of Eva's friends.

A girl with pink-blonde hair approached, nervous and blushing.

"I-I'm Jennifer Bones," she said, stuttering with embarrassment.

Ethan smiled kindly and said, "Nice to meet you, Jennifer."

Jennifer's face turned bright red as she looked at Ethan up close.

Eva looked at Jennifer, unable to hide her shock. The same thing happened with the rest of her friends—Jennifer, the confident and strong girl, acting this way?

Eva glanced at Ethan, seeing him smile gently. Anger rose within her, and she quickly stepped between Ethan and the dazed Jennifer.

She said, "Ethan is in a hurry today and won't be able to stay."

Jennifer snapped out of her daze and began to step back, as Eva's other friends introduced themselves.

Ethan left the room with a visibly angry Eva.

"What's wrong with you?" Ethan asked.

"You embarrassed me again! I hate you," Eva said angrily before turning and walking away.

Ethan: -_- "What's her deal?"

He shrugged and headed out of the house.

Ethan ran into someone who hated him —Vanessa, his father's wife.

She was sitting on the couch as if waiting for someone.

Ethan descended the stairs quietly and moved toward the door when he heard an angry voice.

"Are you done?" she said angrily.

Ethan turned to her and said, "What do you want?"

Vanessa stood up from the couch, her eyes filled with defiance. "You're not welcome in this house anymore."

"Alright," Ethan replied calmly before heading for the door and leaving.

Vanessa: :'_' She stood silently, staring at the closed door.