Ethan approached the poolside, standing just at the edge as he observed Julia swimming through the water without a care in the world.
She laughed, splashing at the surface as she kicked her legs in excitement.
The sun reflected off the shimmering water, and for a moment, Ethan found himself relaxing.
It was nice seeing her happy, enjoying herself without the weight of expectations or responsibilities that an adult carried.
Then it hit him. Something was off.
His eyes narrowed as he took a closer look, and that's when he realized the problem — she had jumped in wearing her regular clothes.
No swimsuit, no preparation, just pure reckless enthusiasm. It was innnocent but still his brow twitched.
Of course she did.
Shaking his head, he walked over to the ladder leading into the pool.
The VIP kid's pool was exclusive, with only a handful of other children playing in the water.
Unlike the main resort's pool, which was crowded with guests, this one had a calm atmosphere.
Julia had already warmed up to another girl around her age, and the two of them were chatting animatedly while lazily floating on the water's surface.
Ethan climbed a few steps down the small ladder, the cool water lapping at his feet, but he didn't go all the way in.
Instead, he leaned forward slightly and called out, "Jules."
She turned, blinking at him before happily swimming over.
Just as she reached the ladder, Ethan flicked her forehead with a light bonk.
"Ow!" She grunted, rubbing her forehead before looking up at him with wide, betrayed eyes. "What was that for?"
Ethan crossed his arms. "You jumped in with your clothes on."
Julia's face scrunched up in confusion before she glanced down at herself.
Water dripped from her sleeves as her dress clung uncomfortably to her frame.
She blinked once. Then again.
And then — realization dawned.
Her expression crumbled.
Tears welled up in her big brown eyes, and for a split second, Ethan panicked.
"Wait — " He sighed, placing a hand on her head. "It's fine, Jules. Relax."
She sniffled. "But… but now my clothes are all wet!"
"Yeah, that's what happens when you jump into a pool fully dressed."
"I — I didn't think about it!"
"No kidding."
She pouted, her small fingers gripping the ladder as she looked up at him with pleading eyes. "I don't wanna get out. The water's nice."
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"You're lucky we're in the VIP kid section, or Mom would have already dragged you out by now."
Julia shivered at the thought. "Please don't tell her."
"Not planning to." He turned his head and spotted one of the maids passing by in the distance.
With a simple wave of his hand, he caught her attention, and she quickly approached.
"Yes, sir?"
"Can you bring a kid's swimsuit? Something from the Atlas collection."
The maid nodded politely. "Of course, sir. I'll have it brought over shortly."
As she left, Julia tugged at his sleeve. "Do I have to change now?"
"Yes."
"But I like swimming in this…"
"You'll like it less when you get out and realize you're walking around in soaking-wet clothes."
Julia groaned dramatically but didn't argue further.
Instead, she floated backward, arms stretched out as she stared up at the sky.
Her new friend, a girl with short black hair, swam closer. "Are you leaving?"
Julia shook her head. "Nope! Just getting better swim clothes."
The girl looked up at Ethan, tilting her head. "Is he your brother?"
Julia grinned. "Yep!"
"He looks scary."
Ethan raised a brow. "I'm standing right here."
The girl gasped and covered her mouth, eyes widening. "Oh! I— I mean… you look really strong!"
"Nice save," Ethan muttered.
Julia giggled. "Don't worry, he's only scary when he's mad."
The girl's eyes darted back to him warily. "So… is he mad now?"
Ethan rolled his eyes. "I'm not mad."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Really sure?"
Ethan sighed. "Go back to playing."
The girl grabbed Julia's hand and pulled her away, whispering, "I think he's a little mad."
Julia giggled again. "Maybe just a tiny bit."
Ethan sat down on the lounge chair nearby, shaking his head as he watched them splash around.
Kids.
That's how they were.
Melissa, who had been lounging under the shade with a drink in her hand, glanced at him with a smirk. "You really have a way with children."
"Not looking for commentary," Ethan muttered.
Melissa stretched lazily. "You flicked her on the head."
"Lightly."
"She almost cried."
"She was being dramatic."
Melissa sipped her drink. "I think you secretly enjoy being a big brother."
Ethan exhaled. "I don't 'secretly' enjoy anything."
She smirked. "So you're saying you do enjoy it?"
Ethan gave her a flat look. "Go away, Melissa."
She laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "Alright, alright, I'll leave you alone. For now."
Moments later, the maid returned, handing Ethan a neatly folded swimsuit.
It was an Atlas-branded design, sleek and made from high-quality fabric, complete with a small towel.
He nodded in thanks before standing up and calling Julia over.
She swam to the edge, looking up at him curiously. "Is it here?"
Ethan held up the swimsuit. "Time to change."
Julia huffed but obediently climbed out of the pool, water dripping onto the tiles.
As she stood there, shivering slightly, Ethan wrapped the towel around her shoulders.
"Go get changed. I'll wait here."
She looked up at him. "Will you get in the pool after?"
Ethan blinked. "What?"
"You always stand on the side, but you never get in."
Melissa, still eavesdropping, smirked. "She's got a point."
Ethan frowned. "I'm not swimming."
Julia pouted. "But it's fun!"
Ethan sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Just go change first."
"Fine," she grumbled, taking the swimsuit and marching off toward the changing area.
Melissa grinned at him. "You should swim."
"No."
"Why not?"
"I don't feel like it."
Melissa leaned forward, smirking. "Are you a bad swimmer?"
Ethan shot her a glare. "I'm not a bad swimmer."
"Then prove it."
Ethan exhaled, resisting the urge to throw her into the pool like she did so yesterday.
A few minutes later, Julia returned, now dressed in the proper swimsuit. Her old clothes in hand and handed to Ethan.
She twirled around. "Does it look good?"
Ethan nodded. "Yeah. Now go swim properly."
Julia beamed before diving back into the water, her movements much smoother without the weight of wet clothes.
Ethan sat back down, arms crossed as he watched her happily paddle around.
Melissa stretched, enjoying the sun. "You know, if you ever do decide to swim, I'd totally race you."
Ethan snorted. "You'd lose."
"You sound pretty confident for someone who refuses to get in the water."
He glanced at her, smirking slightly. "Maybe one day, I'll make you eat those words."
Melissa grinned. "I'll hold you to that."