Chapter 164 Chapter 164
When she fell asleep against my shoulder, I understood something simple yet profound: family could be everything, and sitting there in the quiet glow of home, surrounded by love rebuilt and futures unfolding, I felt that pressure, that guilt I carried with me, disappear bit by bit.
ZAIEL
I hated parties even when they belonged to family because Rhyland gatherings never stayed simple; too many personalities in one place always meant tension hiding behind expensive smiles, and tonight the manor overflowed with relatives and close friends celebrating my father’s birthday while I stood near the entrance, already counting exits and security positions instead of enjoying myself.
Elowen rested against my chest in her carrier, tiny fingers curled into my shirt like she owned me completely, which she did, and every person walking past stopped to admire her while I instinctively shifted her away from wandering hands, earning laughter from the idiotic cousins of mine who claimed I guarded her like a national treasure. They were right, and I didn’t care.
Shea slapped my shoulder laughing while Damon leaned down, making ridiculous noises that instantly earned El’s attention, and betrayal hit fast because she rewarded him with a grin brighter than anything she gave me all morning, which apparently amused the entire room.
Tessa appeared beside me glowing despite exhaustion, dressed simply yet elegantly, hair falling softly while she checked El automatically the same way I did, and that silent understanding between us settled my nerves more than my security team ever could.
My father stood surrounded by Uncle Ross and Aunt Tina near the bar, arguing loudly about something insignificant, while Uncle Damion and Aunt Rosetta laughed nearby, noise filling the manor in a way that felt familiar and grounding, generations layered into one chaotic celebration.
Hannah lingered near the balcony as expected, distant yet present, offering polite greetings without stepping into conversations. She nodded at Tessa kindly but kept emotional distance like always, and I respected that because involvement was never forced in this family. Ever since El was born, she kept her distance. She soaped but never joined the rest of the family when they visited. I would never force her to get along with Tessa; neither would the rest of the family. She was polite, and that was all that mattered to me.
Arthur arrived shortly after, carrying a gift large enough to embarrass my father instantly, and watching him blend into Rhyland chaos still felt surreal considering where we all started, yet now he laughed easily with my uncles like he always belonged; for a moment everything felt calm, safe, and exactly how family should be.
Then my Uncle Charles walked in. I saw tension ripple immediately because invitations were rarely extended toward him and his wife, Suzie, anymore, their children trailing behind, already scanning the room with curiosity that usually preceded trouble, Naya whispering something to Drew while Lizzie and Carrie exchanged smirks that promised irritation. We never invited them to our wedding, nor did we let them know anything.
Tessa stiffened beside me even though she stayed composed, and I felt El shift, sensing the change in my body before anything even happened.
Uncle Charles greeted my father loudly, pretending warmth, while Aunt Suzie kissed cheeks dramatically, and I watched carefully because experience taught me kindness from them always carried intention.
At first nothing seemed wrong; conversation flowed, laughter returned, music filled the hall, and cousins joked while El passed briefly into Mom's arms so Tessa could breathe without baby weight attached. I should have known peace never lasted long.
It started quietly near the dining area, where Suzie spoke just loud enough for nearby relatives to hear, her tone dripping false curiosity while she stared toward El sleeping peacefully against my mother’s shoulder.
“Such a beautiful baby," she said, eyes sliding toward me. "Shame genetics sometimes skip generations; it's hard to tell resemblance at this age, right?” she said, and the room went cold instantly.
I felt it before understanding fully, conversations slowing, attention shifting, and then Charles added casually that powerful families always attracted opportunists, women eager to secure futures through convenient pregnancies, and my vision narrowed.
I crossed the room before logic intervened, my cousins already moving behind me like silent storm clouds, Damon muttering curses while Shea cracked his knuckles openly. Tessa froze where she stood, yet her chin lifted proudly, hurt flashing across her face, though she refused weakness in front of them.
“You questioning my daughter’s origin?” I asked calmly, my voice quiet enough to terrify rather than shout.
Suzie smiled, pretending innocence, claiming misunderstandings happened, and suggesting only that timelines confused outsiders. Outsiders
I laughed once without humor and lifted El gently from my mother’s arms, holding her securely while facing them fully.
“Look carefully," I said, turning her slightly so everyone saw clearly. “My daughter carries my blood, my name, and my entire world, and anyone implying otherwise insults not only my wife but me directly," I said.
Charles attempted backtracking, yet Drew muttered something crude about rumors spreading easily, and that single sentence ended restraint completely.
Uncle Ross stepped forward, furious, while Aunt Tina demanded an apology, Uncle Damion already signaling security stationed discreetly along the walls.
“You will apologize now," I said quietly, because patience ended the moment they targeted my child. Suzie refused, and that mistake sealed their fate.
Security entered immediately, firm yet respectful as the rest of my cousins surrounded protectively, Hannah even stepping closer than usual despite her distance, silent support stronger than words. Charles protested loudly, claiming family rights while being escorted away, and the children argued until doors closed behind them, their voices fading into the night as manor peace slowly returned.
I turned instantly toward Tessa; her eyes shimmered, though she smiled bravely, and guilt twisted inside me because she never deserved questioning after everything she endured to stand beside me. I crossed back, pulling her close carefully around El, pressing my forehead against hers while whispers resumed around us.
“No one touches you or her again," I promised softly, meaning every word with dangerous certainty.
My father raised his glass moments later, restoring celebration, declaring family defined by loyalty rather than bloodlines alone, earning cheers that broke lingering tension. Music returned, laughter followed, and cousins were already exaggerating the drama while teasing me for nearly starting a war during a birthday party. Maybe I did.
But holding my daughter while Tessa leaned into me proved one truth beyond argument: this family protected its own fiercely, and tonight everyone witnessed exactly where my limits lived. El stirred sleepily, unaware of the chaos surrounding her, her tiny hand gripping my finger again, grounding me instantly.
I kissed her head while scanning the room once more, satisfied threats were removed, and peace was restored.
And for the rest of the evening I allowed myself rare relaxation, surrounded by loyalty, love, and undeniable certainty that anyone challenging my family would always lose.