Chapter 827

Chapter 826:
But now, everything was different. She could say it proudly—her father adored her. The choice was hers: keep her mother’s last name or take her father’s. Her father wasn’t just anyone—he was the head of the Sun Group. A man of class and brilliance. Far beyond someone like Darin. The thought made her smirk. Paige didn’t stand a chance now. Not even close.
Elliana’s thoughts tumbled around, dizzy with happiness. Then, she caught herself and smiled. Competing over fathers? Really? She reeled herself in. Alright, calm down. An impressive father was definitely something to be happy about, but she didn’t want to seem shallow or silly.
Still, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop grinning. Afraid she’d burst out laughing and get teased, she quickly clapped a hand over her mouth. But Milton had already noticed. “Laugh all you want. I won’t tease you,” he said with a sideways smile.
Embarrassment rushed through her. She playfully leaned into his shoulder, giggling softly. “What if you find out I’m actually that shallow, and that I want to brag about our dad and compete with people? You still won’t tease me?”
He laughed, low and easy. His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. “What would I tease you about that? We’ve got bragging rights. Might as well use them. And if anyone has a problem, tell them to bring their dad along—we’ll see how he stacks up.”
That did it. Elliana burst into full-blown laughter, bright and carefree. She never imagined her cool, polished brother had such a playful side. She leaned against him again, her whole body shaking with laughter. Read complete version only at ͟.net
There was no distance between them, even though they’d just reconnected. With Milton, she could laugh without holding back and lean on him without a second thought. She then realized she was a total sucker for family love. One drop of it, and all her walls came crashing down. She barely knew Milton, but she already felt safe enough to be silly around him.
And Milton, it seemed, didn’t mind one bit. When she leaned into him, she’d felt his joy vividly—he’d even angled his shoulder so she could rest against him comfortably.
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When she pulled away, he’d shifted slightly, almost like he missed the weight of her. His shoulder tilted toward her, quietly asking her to return.
She beamed. So this was what a real family felt like. No effort, no awkwardness. Just comfort and closeness, as easy as breathing. She made a silent promise to herself—to hold onto every moment of it. When her laughter finally subsided, she wiped a tear from her eye.
Milton said with a smile, “And don’t forget, you’ve got your brother to brag about too. Best brother in the world, no contest. If anyone doubts it, send them my way. I’ve got a thousand ways to prove it.”
Milton’s presence carried an easy confidence that made Elliana burst into another lighthearted laugh. She was certain that when it came to having the best father, few could rival hers. Now, it seemed the same was true for her brother.
Hearing her laugh gave Milton a deep, satisfying sense of pride. It was as if he had just pulled off something remarkable, and the victory swelled in his chest.
“Let’s head home,” he said, his tone bright and certain.
The engine roared to life, and the car eased forward in a steady glide. Elliana leaned away from his shoulder and settled into her seat. When she turned to look out the window, the view seemed almost magical. Even the air felt sweeter against her lips.
The buildings stood just where they always had. The streets were still busy. The traffic flowed the same way it did every day. Yet through her eyes today, everything felt new and beautiful. It wasn’t just another road. It was the way home.
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