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.

remembered she was always like this. Whether she was frustrated or just bored, once she sat in front of

relying on anyone else’s emotional support or pep talks.

of clear-headed independence came from balancing herself amidst a long-standing absence

Yolanda was the darling that everyone doted on, so she learned to depend on

calm yet wooden expression, filled with a hint of regret and nostalgia,

her gaze pausing briefly on it before looking back

a while before

asked, “Have you

just had

had something

test results in his hand, offering them to

smiled, “I’ve got to get

her a look, nodded quietly, “I’ll

tucked the report

to school, neither

their

finally turned to Brandon with a smile, “I’m off

watching her get out of the car before he too

the entrance of the building, buzzing with people, Brandon saw Louis and Martin,

Brandon’s father, Daniel Crawley, and

Marian, their eyes red and

the group, watching the tears in their eyes, especially Louis’s, but

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