Ethan gave me a real compliment, and I felt my cheeks heat up.

"You charmer," I muttered. "You think this is beautiful?"

"Definitely." He leaned in with that grin of his. "You're my wife, and you've had my kid-what's more beautiful than that?"

His sweet words almost made me cry. When did he get so good at this?

Ethan took my hand, and his gaze locked on mine. "I swear, I'll never let anything bad happen to you or Zach. No matter what it takes, I'll make sure you both have a real home."

I nodded and snuggled into his arms. He was right-love would always bring hope. We had to protect our family.

...

The next morning, we took Zachary to the records office to get his birth registered. We had no idea that as soon as we walked into the lobby, we'd run into two very familiar faces-Judas and Julia. What were they doing here?

"Mom, Dad, you..." Ethan's face darkened, and he immediately stepped in front of me and Zachary.noveldrama

Julia gave us a cold look and scoffed. "Well, look who's out and about so early. What's going on? Sneaking off to register the baby, huh?"

I felt a twinge of guilt and looked down. Her tone made it seem like we were up to something shady.

"Mom, we're here for legitimate reasons," Ethan said, his brow furrowing. "Zach is our son, and registering his birth is the right thing to do. Don't you think you're overstepping?"

"Overstepping?" Julia stomped her foot, fuming.I'm his grandmother! I'm not overstepping! And are you even sure he's really yours? You've always been a player-who knows how many kids you've got out there? This one could just be another Woman's kid with some other guy!"

"Julia!" I couldn't hold back my anger anymore. "Watch your words! You're insulting me! Zach is Ethan's and mine, and I swear!"

Julia sneered. "You swear? You're a

woman with questionable roots, and you talk about swearing? I suggest

you remember your place. If you

register that kid as a Grayson without shame, don't say I didn't

warn you about what comes next."

She paused, eyeing me like a predator. Then, she spoke deliberately, "How about we play a little game, Ms. Wiley?"

My heart pounded. "What kind of game?"

"A DNA test," Julia said, flashing a wicked grin, Zachary really is a Grayson, I'll apologize to both of you before everyone. But if he's not, well, congratulations-your marriage to Ethan ends immediately. And as for Zachary, he'll be sent off to an orphanage."

"You!" My whole body shook. I almost passed out from anger. "Are you actually threatening us, Mrs. Grayson? Zach is your grandson! How could you say something like that?"

Julia scoffed. "We'll see if he's really my grandson once we get the test results. If my son's making a fool of himself, that doesn't mean I have to do the same."

Ethan gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "You're crossing the line, Mom! DNA tests can be faked. Why would we trust you?"

"Enough with the nonsense, Ethan. Either take the test or get out of the Graysons. Your call," Judas said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My heart dropped. Was everything really meant to fall apart today?

"Enough of this," I said.

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