Chris arrived at the apartment. As soon as he entered, he smelled a delightful aroma wafting from the kitchen.

There, he found Lena busily cooking, tending to a pot of chicken soup that had been simmering for hours. Though soup required patience, she did not seem to mind. She lifted the lid and took a whiff, then used a small spoon to taste it before she smiled in satisfaction.

Chris leaned against the kitchen doorway, a mix of emotions washing over him as he observed her.

He walked over quietly and embraced her from behind, causing her to jump in surprise. He tightened his hands around her waist, and she relaxed upon recognizing his familiar touch.

"What are you doing?" she asked softly.

Chris did not reply. Instead, he took in her scent and kissed her neck tenderly.

Lena shrank into herself, her face flushing.

Chris chuckled. It seemed he had discovered her sensitive spot.

"Even though this isn't for me, it still feels great," Chris said softly.

"What?"

"To come home and see you busy in the kitchen, the house filled with warmth and the aroma of cooking, and to have you beside me. This is the life I want most."

Lena served him a bowl, and Chris acted flattered. "What? Isn't this a treat for pregnant ladies?"

"Are you having it or not?" Lena asked with a casual tone, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.

Chris could not have been happier. He carried it to the dining table as if he were holding a precious treasure and savored every spoonful.

stove and sat across

earlier was exactly what

at her and said thoughtfully, "Lenny, about what

in a hushed tone. "I don't want others to know. If it

lowered his head, hesitating to speak. "Lenny, can I ask you

"Sure."

was taken aback. What could be uncertain about this? Her mother had written all those things in her diary, and they were all based on actual events. Nicholas had saved her mother's life, and her mother had loved him deeply, willing to do anything for him. Did the "anything" not include bearing his

firmly, her gaze unwavering. "I'm

but..." Chris looked a bit anxious. "But she didn't explicitly write that you are Nicholas

you trying

cleared his throat and reached into his pocket for the crumpled DNA test report. He had secretly taken Lena's hair for a DNA

though logical, had taken him by surprise. When he had read Lena's diary and listened to her life story, he had harbored doubts. He

sorrow for Lena. He understood her yearning for a family and the fantasies she had built around it. He wanted to protect her

his lips and

a bit strange today." Lena looked

"I just want to discuss something with

"What is it?"

might sound hasty, but it's what I truly want..." Chris looked into her

was a soft blanket on her, and

can't sleep properly!" Linda chided. "You came back home and collapsed on the sofa right away. Aren't you afraid of catching

smiled apologetically,

spend quality time with them. However, as soon as she stepped inside, she had not even sat down for a moment

want to do is eat and sleep." Lina stretched

sluggish," Linda said, stroking her daughter's head. "But having an improved appetite

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