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.

Chloe seemed to understand her stance

without further ado.

stairs to find the living room silent,

Anya, who clung to Damon’s

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

a safe distance, he

to him,

said you were

in annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic look. He never would’ve

could spin such

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

a bit.”

distressed, blew gently on his nose. “There, there. My breath will make it

his gaze lingering on Anya’s face. She didn’t mind

looked up and asked softly, “Does it still

nuzzling Anya’s forehead with a gentle motion. “Just a

keep blowing on it then,” Anya offered, her hands cupping

in his gaze as intense as a tempest roaring

not lost on the

watched with cold disdain, his look one of sheer

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

hardest

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

the hands she’d been clenching in front

corner of her eye, focused back

wider.

seemed satisfied with her efforts, she patted

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

remembered something urgent.

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

“It’s personal. It’s really important

folks will be here soon.” His brother’s tone was

important than seeing them?”

was speechless, his lips twitching as he sought an excuse. But his brother’s piercing gaze

resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down

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

snuggle close.

Chloe, who was eager to dote on Anya, then bent down

legs joyfully, only to be halted by

glancing at Chloe.

closer with a wide grin, reaching out to caress Anya’s rosy

“My sister-in-law!”

change how you address me,” Chloe said with

now on, it’s ‘Aunt

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

had been silent, suddenly looked up at Chloe. “Aunt

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

again,

fondly and turned to Damon, “And

at Damon and attempted,

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

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