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.

seconds, Chloe seemed to understand her stance and dialed the

without further ado.

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

who clung to Damon’s leg with wide,

attention. A single glance from his brother sent shivers down

his nose and keeping a safe distance, he shuffled over

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

you feeling better? Damon said you were

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

spin such tales

Anya into his arms, feigning

a bit.”

his nose. “There, there. My

Anya’s face. She didn’t mind his intense

looked up and asked softly, “Does it still

a

it then,” Anya offered, her hands

eyes never left Anya’s face, the emotions swirling in his gaze as intense as a tempest roaring at

expression was not lost on

watched with cold disdain, his look one of sheer

eyes, on the other hand, shone with emotion. The natural

the hardest

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

she’d been clenching in front of

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

wider.

efforts, she patted

shiver ran down his spine, and

remembered something urgent. Gotta

doing well these past

It’s really important

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

important than seeing them?”

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

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

Ever since he’d held her, she took every

snuggle close.

was eager to dote on Anya, then

halted by Damon, who gently pressed down her wriggly

glancing at Chloe.

wide grin, reaching

“My sister-in-law!”

change how you address me,” Chloe said with

now on,

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

been silent, suddenly looked up at Chloe. “Aunt

to smile at Anya,

again,

turned to

looked at Damon

the word was slightly off but utterly

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