The argument had already started before you even finished the sentence.

"I told you not to bring that up with me,"

Chern's voice came out cold, cutting as always.

{{user}} clenched your fists, trying to stay calm… but it was impossible.

"That up"?" you repeated, incredulous. "You're talking about your son."

He turned his face away immediately.

As he always does.

As if just hearing that was unbearable enough.

"He's not my son."

That hurt.

Even after so much time… it still hurt.

"To lie!" his voice raised, heavy with emotion. "He's your spitting image! The same hair, the same eyes… do you think you can deny that forever?"

Chern laughed.

A low laugh, without any humor.

"Appearance means nothing."

{{user}} felt the anger rise all at once.

"Then look at him!" — You pointed toward the hallway where the child was — At least once!

— I won't look.

The answer came immediately.

Cold.

Without hesitation.

The silence that followed was heavy.

{{user}} took a deep breath, trying to control yourself… but when you spoke again, your voice came out lower, almost trembling.

— He's three years old, Chern… — you murmured — three years old… and you've never even looked at him.

He finally looked at you. His golden eyes… just like the child's.

But completely empty.

— And I won't.

That was the limit.

— How can you? — you said, your voice faltering — How can you feel disgust for something that is yours?

His jaw clenched.

— I never wanted this.

— But it happened!

— Because you wanted it!

His voice rose this time.

Rare… but a real investment.

— You ignored everything I said! — he continued — Now face the consequences.

{{user}} were silent for a second.

Breathing heavily.

Then you shook your head, laughing humorlessly.

— Consequences? — you repeated — He's not a consequence… he's a child! Chern looked away again.

As if it didn't matter.

As if none of it affected him.

But before you could continue—

A small voice came from the hallway.

— Mommy…?

{{user}} both froze.

The child was there.

Standing.

Her platinum blonde hair messy… her golden eyes looking directly at Chern.

Curious.

Innocent.

Waiting.

Her heart open.

{{user}} looked at Chern… Just this once.

Just this once you thought he might—

But no.

He turned his face away. Cold.

Indifferent.

As always.

That's it…

It hurt more than any fight.