Today had already been a whirlwind for Yulia, and she had simply assumed Nathan’s impromptu visit was driven by

his notorious appetite for a free meal.

She hadn’t expected things to escalate so quickly. Or so dramatically.

She was utterly blindsided. Completely unprepared.

Though she and Nathan had laid their feelings bare the night before, Yulia had carefully skirted around the subject

of Anya.b2

Her fear was palpable—if something were to happen between her and Nathan, at least he wouldn’t be quick to hold

Anya back. Now, it seemed she was being cornered into acknowledging Anya’s parentage. It wasn’t paranoia if she

felt like she’d been set up today, was it?

But who could have masterminded such a scheme? Damon and Chloe? A glance at the pair revealed nothing amiss.

Nathan?

If he’d orchestrated this whole scenario, surely he’d have avoided the potential smackdown from his brother, right?

Or was it a conspiracy between Nathan, Damon, and Chloe? Shaking her head, Yulia doubted Nathan would go that

far.

Despite the suddenness of the situation, it seemed to be unfolding quite naturally, but the more natural it felt, the

more Yulia sensed something was off. Yet, without proof, she was stuck in her suspicions.

Her wary gaze lingered on Chloe, who was merely holding her phone with a casual smile. To suspect her of any

wrongdoing felt like a cardinal sin.

“This is a bit hard to explain,” admitted Yulia with a sheepish grin.

Chloe chuckled. “They don’t need an explanation. As long as they’re sure Anya is their beloved granddaughter,

that’s all that matters. As for whatever’s going on between you and Nathan, that’s between the two of you. They

don’t need to be involved.”

Yulia felt the sting of truth in Chloe’s words. Indeed, Nathan’s parents had never meddled in the younger

generation’s love lives. Whether it was Damon, Nathan, Chloe, or herself, none had faced scrutiny or judgment

from them.

Considering Damon and Chloe’s own journey, it was clear their parents were supportive. As long as Damon’s mind

was made up, they had no objections. On the contrary, they showered them all with love. It was rare to find such

understanding family.

and after a few seconds, Chloe seemed to understand her stance and dialed

without further ado.

up, Nathan descended the stairs to find the

including Anya, who clung to Damon’s leg with

attention. A single

a safe distance, he

ran to him, hugging his legs and looking up in

better? Damon said you were feeling under the

twitched in annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic look.

such tales to

down, Nathan scooped Anya into his arms, feigning injury. “The bleeding’s stopped, but my nose

a bit.”

“There, there.

lingering on Anya’s face. She didn’t mind his intense scrutiny and continued her

After a while, she looked up and asked softly, “Does it

nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a gentle

her hands cupping his face, her touch as soft

emotions swirling in his gaze as intense as a

was not lost on

disdain, his

emotion. The

the hardest

the walls she’d built around herself crumbling

been clenching in front

the subtle gesture out of the corner of her eye, focused back on her phone, her

wider.

with her efforts, she patted Nathan’s cheek gently. He grinned

shiver ran down his spine, and he clutched

remembered something urgent. Gotta

doing well these past few days,”

personal. It’s really important personal

was calm yet firm. “What personal matter could

important than seeing them?”

he sought an excuse. But his brother’s piercing gaze bore

he settled

Ever since

snuggle close.

Chloe, who was eager to dote on Anya, then

kicked her legs joyfully, only to be halted by Damon, who gently pressed down her wriggly

glancing at Chloe.

scooted closer with a wide grin,

“My sister-in-law!”

got to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a chuckle. “It’s

From now on,

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

this, Nathan, who had been silent, suddenly looked up at Chloe.

continued to smile at

again, “Aunt

fondly and turned to Damon, “And

at Damon and attempted,

off but utterly adorable. Damon didn’t seem to

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