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.

the stairs to find the living room silent, everyone deep in

Anya, who clung to Damon’s

A single glance from his brother sent shivers down

Clutching his nose and keeping a safe distance,

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

better? Damon said you were

lips twitched in annoyance, shooting his brother a sardonic look. He

brother could spin such tales to a

Anya into his arms, feigning

a bit.”

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

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

a while, she looked up and

Anya’s forehead with a gentle

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

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

expression was not lost on

disdain, his look

emotion. The natural bond between a father and daughter could

hardest of

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

hands she’d been clenching in front of

the corner of her

wider.

seemed satisfied with her efforts, she patted Nathan’s cheek gently. He grinned weakly, sighing

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

remembered something urgent.

doing well these past few days,” Damon interjected

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

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

important than seeing them?”

as he sought an excuse. But his brother’s

and Nathan’s resolve wilted. Defeated, he settled back down next to Yulia, clutching

Damon’s side. Ever since

snuggle close.

to dote on Anya, then bent down and lifted Anya onto his

by Damon,

glancing at Chloe.

grin, reaching

“My sister-in-law!”

you address me,” Chloe said

From now on, it’s

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

silent, suddenly looked up

to smile at Anya, “Yes, that’s right.

again,

turned to Damon, “And

Damon and attempted,

but utterly

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