Chapter 73

Brandon stood in the middle of the paternity test center’s lobby, staring blankly at the bustling staff and clients, feeling a weariness and emptiness like never before.

It was like the beliefs that had propped him up inside just crumbled in an instant, leaving him totally lost.

Then, among all those unfamiliar faces, Brandon spotted Martin on the phone, clutching a folded-up paternity test report.

Martin saw him too, his face just as composed.

Neither of them said hello.

Brandon didn’t greet him either. His gaze lingered on the DNA report in Martin’s hand for a moment before calmly shifting away. After a brief silence, he asked, “Need a lift?”

“No, I’m good,” Martin smiled and declined. “My grandpa and my parents are in town, at the airport. I’m heading there to pick them up.” Brandon nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

“Brandon,” Martin called after him, “why don’t you join us at the airport? You haven’t seen them in a while.”

“No need, I’ve got things to do, Brandon declined.

Martin nodded, not pressing any further.

When Brandon got home, Sophia was sketching design drawings in the living room.

It wasn’t homework or work. She was just doodling in her free time.

She sat in front of her easel on the balcony, wielding her drawing pen with ease, her long curly hair pinned up behind her head, her side-swept bangs curling softly against her cheek. Bathed in the light and shadows, her face was tranquil and gentle, her expression serious and focused.

she was frustrated or just bored, once she sat in front of her canvas, her whole

on anyone else’s emotional support or pep talks.

independence came from balancing herself amidst a long-standing absence

learned to depend on people, to trust them,

and spotted Brandon, who was silently watching her with a calm yet wooden expression, filled

pausing briefly on it before

just looked at her for a while before nodding softly,

“Have

“Yeah, just had

had something

his hand, offering them

got to

nodded quietly, “I’ll drive

the report away.

to school, neither

each had their

Sophia finally turned to Brandon with a smile,

slightly, watching her get out of the car before he too

building, buzzing with people, Brandon

Brandon’s father, Daniel Crawley, and mother, Patricia Crawley.

eyes red and teary, hesitant

watching the tears in

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