It was a certified court order dated six years prior, alongside a private DNA paternity test printed on hospital letterhead.

“Six years ago, right before Julian left for his master’s program in Boston, we spent a weekend together,” Chloe said, her voice dropping to a raw whisper.

“When I found out I was pregnant, I panicked.

I knew how terrified he was of hospitals, of sickness, of anything that reminded him of his brother’s death.

I knew he was building his career.

When I told him, he… he froze.”