A New Life: Redemption of souls

Beatrice went to her room, caressing her baby bump with a gentle smile. She held the locket, talking to Shawn as if he were right there with her.

"Hey, baby daddy," she whispered, "I'm doing okay. Just dealing with Mom's drama, as usual. But I'm managing. And I've got our little bun in the oven to keep me company."

As night settled, Beatrice headed downstairs, deciding to cook dinner for the family. She offered to make pasta with vegetables, and her dad eagerly accepted.

Just as they were sitting down to eat, Ethan arrived at the door. Beatrice's dad welcomed him with a warm smile, and the rest of the family followed suit.

Darana was particularly thrilled to see Ethan. She couldn't seem to get enough of him, flirting shamelessly and batting her eyelashes.

Beatrice rolled her eyes good-naturedly, but inside, she was seething. She didn't understand why everyone liked Ethan so much. To her, he seemed arrogant and self-absorbed.

As they sat down to eat, Ethan regaled them with stories of his music career, claiming to be a successful musician. "I've been playing guitar since I was a kid," he said, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I've even released a few albums, but I'm working on some new material right now."

Darana's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, that's so cool!" she exclaimed. "What kind of music do you play?"

Ethan grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm a bit of a rockstar," he said, winking at Darana. "I play a mix of rock and pop music. I've even had a few songs on the charts."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, skeptical. She didn't believe Ethan's story for a second, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she just smiled and nodded, playing along.

As the night wore on, Ethan continued to regale them with stories of his music career, claiming to have played sold-out shows and rubbed shoulders with famous musicians. Darana was completely smitten, hanging on his every word.

Beatrice, on the other hand, was getting more and more annoyed. She didn't understand why Ethan felt the need to lie about his music career. And she didn't understand why Darana was so taken in by his stories.

As they finished dinner and started clearing the table, Beatrice found herself alone with Ethan in the kitchen.

"Thanks for dinner," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I have to say, I'm loving the family dynamics here. You guys are like a real-life sitcom."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit defensive. "Hey, we're not that bad," she said, trying to sound light.

Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm not saying you are," he said. "I'm just saying it's...entertaining. And I have to say, I'm particularly enjoying the banter between us. You're like a little firecracker, always ready to go off."

Beatrice felt a flush rise to her cheeks, and she looked away, trying to hide her annoyance. "Shut up," she muttered, but Ethan just laughed and continued to tease her.

"I wished I could have a family like that... one who cared", Ethan sadly muttered

Darana walked into the kitchen, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Hey, Ethan, can I help you with anything?" she asked, batting her eyelashes.

Ethan grinned, his eyes locked on Darana's. "Actually, I think I've got everything under control," he said. "But thanks for offering, Darana. You're a real sweetheart."

Beatrice rolled her eyes, feeling a surge of annoyance. "Gag me," she muttered, but Darana just laughed and playfully hit her on the arm.

"Oh, come on, Bea," she said. "Don't be such a party pooper. Ethan's just trying to be friendly."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Friendly?" she repeated. "You call that friendly? He's just trying to flirt with you, Darana. Don't be so oblivious."

Darana's face darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "I'm not oblivious, Bea," she said. "I know exactly what I'm doing. And I'm not going to let you ruin it for me."

As the evening wore on, Beatrice couldn't help but feel a growing sense of discomfort. It seemed like everyone in her family was completely enamored with Ethan, hanging on his every word and laughing at his jokes. Even her parents were fawning over him, asking him questions about his music career and gushing over his supposed talent.

Beatrice felt like she was the only one who saw through Ethan's facade, who recognized that he was just a charming liar trying to manipulate her family. And it made her feel sick to her stomach.

"Hey, Ethan, why don't you sing one of your songs for us?" Beatrice asked, trying to sound casual despite the growing sense of unease in her chest.

Ethan's eyes flickered with nervousness for a moment, but then he smirked and stood up, reaching for the guitar that was leaning against the wall.

"Sure thing, Bea," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "I'd be happy to serenade you all with one of my hits."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, skeptical. She didn't believe for a second that Ethan was actually a talented musician. But as he began to play the guitar and sing, she was shocked to find that he was actually...good.

Really good.

He started to sing, his voice weaving a spell of warmth and intimacy over the room.

"In the silence, I hear your voice

Whispers in the darkness, a haunting choice

To follow my heart, or to flee from the pain

But I'm stuck in the moment, forever in vain"

His voice was enchanting, and Beatrice felt something flutter in her chest. She was stunned to realize that she was actually enjoying Ethan's music.

As he continued to sing, his voice grew stronger, more emotive.

"I'm searching for answers, in the stars up high

Trying to find my way, through the dark of the night

But your memory haunts me, like a ghost in my mind

And I'm forever chasing, the shadows of our past, left behind"

The room was mesmerized, and even Beatrice found herself getting caught up in the emotion of the song. She felt a lump form in her throat, and she was surprised to find that she was actually feeling something.

As Ethan finished his song, the room erupted into applause. Beatrice's family was beaming with admiration, and even she had to admit that Ethan had done a pretty impressive job.

But as soon as the applause died down, Beatrice stood up, yawning. "I'm tired," she said, trying to sound casual. "I think I'm going to head up to bed."

Ethan's eyes flickered with disappointment, but he just smiled and nodded. "Goodnight, Bea," he said. "Sweet dreams."

Beatrice rolled her eyes and turned to leave, but as she reached the stairs, she heard Ethan's voice behind her.

"Hey, Bea?"

She turned back, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

Ethan's eyes were glinting with amusement. "You're not a very good liar," he said. "I could tell you were enjoying my music, even if you didn't want to admit it."

Beatrice's face flushed with anger, but she just shrugged and turned to leave. "Whatever, Ethan," she said. "I'm still not impressed."