Chapter 481

Chapter 481

“It’s not the first time,” Josh said flatly. “When I was younger, things like this happened more times than I can count. People always had opinions-some supportive, others accusatory. Cameras everywhere. Every move watched, every step restricted p>

Eli swallowed. “That must be heavy. And really uncomfortable p>

“That’s just how it is,” Josh admitted. “Life keeps going, and I can’t complain recklessly. What’s happening never comes without a reason. Just like now p>

Their drinks arrived. Eli ordered something else to keep him company while he ate, idly stirring her straw as she searched for the right words.

“Josh,” she said softly, “I didn’t ask you to meet me just to add to your burden p>

Josh looked at her. “I know. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come p>

A small wave of relief eased the tightness in Eli’s chest. “Thank you.

They drifted back into lighter conversation-school, teachers who assigned far too much homework, a new restaurant everyone claimed was good. It was simple talk, but it was enough to let Eli breathe a little easier.

“It wasn’t a bad idea to convince my aunt to let me step out for a while,” Josh said. “I won’t be going to school for the next few days until things settle down. And talking to you… it helps. I feel a bit lighter p>

Eli smiled widely. “You’re right. I feel the same p>

“What is it that makes you happy?” Josh asked.

Eli let out a long breath. “You understand exactly what’s been weighing on me p>

Josh studied her closely. “Is it… about that request p>

Eli lowered her head, suddenly too shy to meet his eyes. Just thinking about the burden her mother had placed on her made her feel unworthy of even facing Josh.

“Don’t worry,” Josh said calmly. “I’ve already asked Grandma to meet you when she has time. She’ll contact you

soon.

Eli looked up, staring at him in disbelief. “You’re… not joking, right p>

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Josh asked, chewing the last slice of his pizza. “Isn’t that what made you want to meet me in the first place p>

“No,” Eli protested immediately. “I really wanted to see you to support you, Josh p>

Josh chuckled softly. “Alright. No need to make it so dramatic p>

“You look like you don’t believe me p>

That only made Josh laugh harder. “I do believe you. Relax. You’re not as bad as I thought p>

Eli frowned, but then her smile grew brighter-like a heavy weight inside her had been lifted. “I thought you

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wouldn’t want to help,” she admitted suddenly.

“Help with what?” Josh asked.

“With that,” Eli said honestly. “Asking Grandma to meet me. I thought you wanted me to stay away from your family p>

Josh looked at her for a long moment.

Part of him weighed whether he could really be this open with her. Once the DNA test results were finalized and officially acknowledged, Eli would be part of his family. She would have every right he did to meet Grandma- not just her, but Grandpa too, and even his other uncles.

She might even be asked to live in the Miller family’s main house.

Josh’s hand curled into a fist without him realizing it. A sudden fear washed over him-fear tied to affection and attention. But… he shouldn’t be thinking this way.

He remembered his grandparents’ words. And the support of the rest of his family.

There was no reason to worry about things that didn’t need worrying.

Josh gave a small smile. “Can I ask you something p>

Eli nodded, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “What is it p>

“You’re doing all of this,” Josh said carefully, “because you’re being forced to, right p>

The question made Eli blink in disbelief. It hit far too close-straight to the heart of everything happening in her life. She turned her face toward the window. Images of her mother surfaced at once: her commanding tone, her instructions, promises that always sounded more like threats.

“I… don’t really have much of a choice,” Eli admitted at last.

“I figured it wasn’t an easy answer,” Josh said gently. “But why didn’t you just tell me from the start that all of this was your mother’s idea p>

Eli looked back at him. “You’re not angry p>

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