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

without further ado.

up, Nathan descended the stairs to find the living room silent, everyone

including Anya, who clung to Damon’s leg with wide, bewildered

inevitably drew everyone’s attention. A single glance from his brother sent

and keeping a

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

better? Damon said you were feeling under

a sardonic look. He

could spin such tales to a

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

a bit.”

“There, there. My breath will make it

on Anya’s face. She didn’t mind

looked up and asked softly, “Does it

head slightly, nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a gentle motion. “Just a little bit,” he

Anya offered, her hands cupping his face,

emotions swirling in his gaze as intense as a tempest roaring at

was not

watched with cold disdain,

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

the hardest of

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

and the hands she’d been clenching in

gesture out of the corner of her eye, focused back

wider.

Anya seemed satisfied with her efforts, she patted Nathan’s cheek

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

remembered something

doing well these

personal. It’s really important

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

important than seeing them?”

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

settled back down next

returned to Damon’s side. Ever since

snuggle close.

at Chloe, who was eager to dote on

only to be halted by Damon, who gently

glancing at Chloe.

grin, reaching

“My sister-in-law!”

change how you address me,”

From now on,

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

been silent, suddenly looked up at

at Anya, “Yes, that’s

again, “Aunt

her head fondly and turned

looked at Damon and attempted,

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

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