His defenses crumbled immediately. Tristan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. After a long pause, he took out his phone and typed something. Moments later, his own post went live: [Anya's child is mine. I'll give everyone an explanation soon.]

It was his first social media post in six years.

My stomach twisted as I scrolled through the comments that flooded in almost instantly:

[Mr. Anders has cared for a blind woman for six years. He's already done enough.]

[Tristan and Anya make such a perfect couple! Now they can finally have a real family.]

[Lucky Anya! Tristan is the dream husband!]

Anya beamed as she read the comments aloud to Tristan, her voice bubbling with excitement. Then, standing on tiptoes, she kissed his cheek, leaving a faint pink lipstick mark. Tristan smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes.

Suddenly, he glanced at his watch. "Wait here. I need to finish something inside."

By the time he returned to me, his expression was carefully neutral. "Zara, I ran into a friend earlier. Sorry for the delay. Let's get you checked in now."