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.

remained silent, and after a few seconds, Chloe seemed to

without further ado.

to find the living room silent, everyone

who clung to Damon’s

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

Clutching his nose and keeping a safe distance, he shuffled over to

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

you feeling better? Damon said you were feeling under

in annoyance, shooting his brother a

spin such tales to a

scooped Anya into his arms, feigning injury.

a bit.”

on his nose. “There, there. My breath will

She didn’t mind his intense scrutiny and continued

she looked up and

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

keep blowing on it then,” Anya offered, her hands cupping his face, her touch as soft as

emotions swirling in his

expression was not lost

brother watched with cold disdain, his look one of sheer

emotion. The

hardest

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

been clenching in front

gesture out of the corner of her eye, focused back on her phone, her

wider.

Anya seemed satisfied with her efforts, she patted

A shiver ran down his spine, and he clutched Anya closer.

something

well these past few days,” Damon interjected

personal. It’s really important personal

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

important than seeing them?”

lips twitching as he sought an excuse. But his brother’s

settled back down

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

snuggle close.

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

kicked her legs joyfully, only to be halted by Damon, who gently pressed down her wriggly little

glancing at Chloe.

wide grin, reaching out to

“My sister-in-law!”

got to change how you address me,” Chloe said with a chuckle. “It’s

on, it’s

Anya blinked, “Aunt Chloe?”

Nathan, who had been silent,

smile at Anya, “Yes, that’s right.

again, “Aunt

turned to Damon, “And call him

at Damon

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

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