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

without further ado.

find the living room silent, everyone

who clung to Damon’s leg with

single glance

keeping a safe distance, he shuffled over to

Nathan unscathed, left Damon’s side and ran to him, hugging his legs and

feeling better? Damon said

shooting his brother a sardonic look. He never would’ve guessed

spin such

his arms, feigning injury. “The bleeding’s stopped, but

a bit.”

looking distressed, blew gently on his nose. “There,

face. She didn’t mind his intense scrutiny

she looked up and asked softly, “Does it

shook his head slightly, nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a

blowing on it then,” Anya offered, her hands cupping his face, her touch as soft as

swirling in his gaze as intense as a tempest

not lost

cold disdain,

eyes, on the other hand, shone with emotion. The natural bond between a father and daughter could

hardest of

the walls she’d built around herself crumbling bit by bit. Her lips

the hands she’d been clenching

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

wider.

her efforts, she patted

only to meet his brother’s icy gaze. A shiver ran down his spine, and he clutched Anya closer.

something urgent.

business has been doing well these past few days,” Damon

personal. It’s really important

soon.” His brother’s tone was calm yet firm. “What personal matter could

important than seeing them?”

lips twitching as he sought an excuse.

more, and Nathan’s resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down

returned to Damon’s side. Ever since he’d held her, she took every

snuggle close.

to dote on Anya, then

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

glancing at Chloe.

grin, reaching out to caress Anya’s

“My sister-in-law!”

how you address me,” Chloe said with a

on, it’s ‘Aunt

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

silent, suddenly

and continued to smile at Anya, “Yes, that’s right.

blinked again,

fondly and turned

Damon and attempted,

was slightly off but utterly adorable. Damon didn’t seem

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