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.

after a few seconds, Chloe seemed to understand her stance

without further ado.

cleaning himself up, Nathan descended the stairs to find the living

who clung to

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

keeping a safe distance, he shuffled

side and ran to him, hugging his legs and looking up

feeling better? Damon said you were

annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic

brother could spin such

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

a bit.”

“There, there. My

Anya’s face. She didn’t mind

After a while, she looked up and asked softly,

a gentle motion. “Just a little bit,”

Anya offered, her hands

face, the emotions swirling in his gaze as

not lost on

brother watched with cold disdain, his look one of

shone with emotion. The natural bond

the hardest

walls she’d built around herself

and the hands she’d been clenching in front of her

of the corner of her eye, focused back on her

wider.

with her efforts, she patted

meet his brother’s icy gaze. A shiver ran down his spine, and

remembered something

been doing well these

hesitated. “It’s personal. It’s really important

be here soon.” His brother’s tone was

important than seeing them?”

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

resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down next

returned to Damon’s side. Ever since

snuggle close.

on Anya, then bent down and lifted Anya

to be halted by Damon, who gently

glancing at Chloe.

a wide grin, reaching out to caress Anya’s

“My sister-in-law!”

sweetie, you’ve got to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a chuckle. “It’s not

From now on,

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

Nathan, who had been silent, suddenly

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

again, “Aunt

and turned

looked at Damon

off but utterly adorable. Damon didn’t seem to mind as he

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