Vincent Laurent's fingertips trembled slightly as he took a deep breath to steady his emotions.

His gaze settled on the drunken face of Vincent "Ren" Laurent. "So that lie about sperm cryopreservation was actually to help Evelyn? You even froze it twice?"

Ren hiccuped, his eyes unfocused.

The alcohol seemed to loosen his tongue.

"The first batch was for Evelyn." He rubbed his temples. "The second was the real deal. Remember her wedding day? You were blackout drunk, swearing you'd die alone. I thought—what if you changed your mind someday?"

Vincent arched an eyebrow.

"With pollution these days, sperm quality keeps declining." Ren spoke with conviction. "You can afford it—consider it an insurance policy."

A faint smile touched Vincent's lips. "How thoughtful of you, cousin."

Ren puffed out his chest. "Of course. I practically raised you."

"You're only four years older. Stop playing the elder."

Ren chuckled. "I chose you because Evelyn's son has Type AB blood. Superior genes, high IQ, handsome—you were the perfect candidate."

Vincent's eyes darkened. "Why keep it secret?"

"Evelyn had a husband then. You think I'd risk my neck?" Ren lowered his voice. "Now you're together, Sophia's safe—isn't this destiny?"

Vincent clasped his shoulder. "I owe you for this."

"Just invite me to the wedding." Ren waved him off. "Go home before Evelyn worries."

As Vincent left, Ren exhaled in relief.

The decades-old secret finally off his chest, he pulled out his phone with newfound lightness.

"Sylvia, where are you?"

Her bright voice carried through the line. "Rooftop, stargazing."

"Alone?"

"Wanted to ask Kyle Grant, but he left already."

Ren's eyes lit up. "The best man? Good taste."

"He seems to like someone else." Sylvia's tone fell.

"My daughter's brilliant—why worry?" Ren declared. "I'll have your uncle set it up tomorrow!"

Meanwhile, a black sedan raced through the night.

The usually composed Vincent kept urging the driver to accelerate.

His fingers drummed against his knee, heart pounding.

Sophia was his biological daughter!

The realization made his eyes burn.

The villa's master bedroom light still glowed when he returned.

Evelyn sat at the dressing table in lilac silk pajamas, applying hand cream.

She turned at the sound.

Vincent crossed the room in three strides and swept her into his arms.

"What's wrong?" she gasped.

"Evelyn," his voice shook, "Sophia is our daughter."

Her pupils contracted. "What?"

"Ren used my sperm to help you back then." He lowered her gently onto the bed. "She carries our blood."

Evelyn covered her mouth as tears spilled over.

Fragmented memories suddenly connected.

She clutched Vincent's hand, trembling. "Is it true?"

"Absolutely." He cradled her face. "We lost twenty-four years, but heaven returned her to us."

Sobs wracked Evelyn's body.

Vincent tenderly wiped her tears. "I'll shower. Wait for me."

Water pattered in the bathroom.

Evelyn watched his blurred silhouette through the frosted glass, pulse racing.

When Vincent emerged in a robe, droplets still trailed from his hair.

They slid down his collarbone into the neckline.

Evelyn lifted a towel to dry him.

The moment her fingers touched his hair, he seized her wrist.

The hair dryer clattered to the floor.

He captured her lips, palm molding to the curve of her waist.

Twenty-four years of longing erupted in that instant.

Bed curtains swayed beneath the hazy moonlight.

Two weathered hearts finally pressed together, inseparable.