Ethan walked alongside Julia as she giggled at almost everything they passed.

    Whether it was the extravagant flower arrangements lining the walkways or the massive water fountains that shot streams of crystal-clear water into the air, her excitement never wavered.

    She pointed at things constantly, her small hand tugging at his sleeve every few seconds.

    "Look, Big brother! That one looks like a bunny!" she squealed, pointing at a cleverly trimmed bush shaped like an animal.

    He glanced at it and smirked. "Yeah, I see it. Looks like it''s waving at you."

    Julia gasped dramatically. "You think it likes me?"

    "Probably."

    She grinned and waved at the bush as they walked past. Ethan shook his head but couldn''t help the amused smile tugging at his lips.

    They eventually reached a small stand where a uniformed employee was serving ice cream, and Julia immediately fixated on it.

    Her eyes grew wide with excitement as she stared at the variety of flavors available.

    "Ice cream!" she practically shouted, tugging at Ethan''s sleeve again.

    He exhaled, knowing there was no way he''d be able to say no. "Alright, go ahead and pick one."

    Julia''s face scrunched up in concentration. "I can''t pick just one..."

    The employee chuckled. "You can mix flavors if you want."

    Her expression lit up even more. "Then... I want all of them!"

    Ethan gave her a dry look. "All of them?"

    She nodded eagerly, and the employee laughed as he started scooping one flavor after another onto a towering cone.

    When he finally handed it to her, Julia held it with both hands, staring at it in awe. "This is the best thing I''ve ever seen."

    Ethan shook his head but ordered a simple scoop of vanilla for himself. As they walked, he started to notice people glancing their way, some more blatantly than others.

    A few even took out their phones, likely snapping pictures.

    He sighed. It wasn''t like he could stop them.

    Julia, however, was oblivious. "I think the pink one''s my favorite," she mused, taking another bite of her ice cream.

    Ethan glanced at the messy rainbow of flavors melting together in her cone. "Do you even know what flavor it is?"

    "Nope." She took another bite. "But it''s yummy."

    He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.

    Soon, they arrived at the pool area, where the resort had fully come to life. The water shimmered under the morning sunlight, and guests were already swimming, lounging, or laughing with friends.

    The kid''s section was particularly lively, with young children splashing around under the supervision of watchful lifeguards.

    Julia''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Can I swim?"

    Unlike the public pool, this one was peaceful, the water perfectly still, and the area lined with luxurious cabanas. Only a few VIP families were present, making the environment much more relaxed.

    Julia gasped. "This is so much cooler!"

    "Told you."

    Without hesitation, she kicked off her shoes and sprinted toward the water.

    Ethan barely had time to react. "Hey, don''t run — !"

    Too late. She jumped straight in, splashing water everywhere.

    Melissa laughed. "She listens as well as you do."

    Ethan sighed, shaking his head. He leaned against the railing, watching as Julia floated happily on her back.

    For the first time in a long while, he actually felt at peace.

    Melissa glanced at him. "You''re good with her."

    Ethan gave her a sidelong look. "Surprised?"

    "A little. You don''t exactly scream ''affectionate older brother.''"

    He shrugged. "She''s different."

    Melissa hummed, resting her chin on her palm. "It''s nice, seeing you like this. Less serious. Less... whatever it is you usually are."

    Ethan smirked. "Charming?"

    Melissa rolled her eyes. "Sure, we''ll call it that."

    Julia swam over to the edge and rested her arms on the poolside, looking up at them. "Big brother?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Can we get more ice cream later?"

    He sighed but smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Just don''t tell Mom."

    Julia giggled and pushed off the wall, floating away again.

    Melissa stretched, glancing at Ethan with a knowing look. "You spoil her."

    "She deserves it."

    Melissa watched him for a moment before grinning. "Alright, fine. If you''re getting her ice cream, you''re getting me one too."

    Ethan raised a brow. "Are you a child?"

    She smirked. "No, but I like free stuff."

    He sighed. "Fine."

    Melissa leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Now, go enjoy your brotherly duties. I''ll be here, lounging in luxury."

    Ethan shook his head, walking closer to the poolside where Julia was splashing around.