**Chapter 10: The Little Boy Looks Like Him** The boy's face was a mirror image of Stanley’s own – the same furrowed brows, the same sharp gaze. It was uncanny, and yet, buried deep within Stanley’s mind was a nagging certainty. He had only been intimate with a woman once, and that singular encounter had taken place five years ago. He had no illegitimate children, no secret heirs. Beside him, Fraser, seated in the front row, felt an unsettling chill as he pondered the implications of this revelation. He noticed Stanley lost in thought, a frown etched upon his features, and decided to break the silence. "Mr. Murphy," Fraser ventured, a hint of urgency in his voice, "should I initiate an investigation into this matter?" Fraser’s instincts had been piqued for some time; he had always questioned the narrative surrounding Phoebe. The way she behaved seemed too calculated when Stanley was around and completely different when he wasn’t. Her disposition carried an air of deception—how could she possibly have sacrificed herself for Stanley? Stanley turned to look at Fraser, his eyes unreadable, yet a subtle nod confirmed Fraser's suspicions. And just like that, the seed of doubt was planted. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the day came to a close. Violet drove back to her apartment, the hum of the engine providing a soft lullaby as the two children nestled sleepily in the backseat. With the help of Jessie, Violet carefully placed them into their cozy room. Watching them drift off to dreamland, a warm smile spread across her face; it filled her heart with joy to see them at peace. After tidying up the house, Violet sank onto the sofa, taking a moment to breathe in the tranquility. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked casually. Jessie appeared with a shimmering glass of red wine, a knowing smile dancing on her lips. "Cheers!" Violet grinned as she accepted the glass. "You seem to be in high spirits!" Jessie's recent trip to meet with manufacturers had yielded promising news: if all went well, Violet’s designs would hit the shelves come next season in J City, marking the official launch of their brand, Voice of Heart. "Yes, we should celebrate!" Jessie exclaimed, clinking her glass against Violet’s in a toast. The sound echoed through the quiet night, an affirmation of their hard-earned success. “Violet, you’ve finally made it through,” Jessie said with genuine happiness. “Thank you, dear,” Violet replied, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. Memories of their first meeting flooded her mind—four years prior, when she was a struggling waitress in a distant restaurant, serving tables without a hint of hope for a brighter future. It was there that she crossed paths with Jessie, an overseas student, and their initial clash over a delayed meal had transformed into a steadfast friendship. Knowing Violet’s struggles had only deepened their bond, Jessie couldn’t help but feel proud of the strides Violet had made. In Violet’s eyes, Jessie was not just a friend but a partner, an invaluable addition to her life’s journey. "So, now that we've taken the first step, what’s next for you?" Jessie inquired, leaning in with curiosity. Violet paused, the question striking a chord deep within. “I don't know,” she finally admitted. The truth was, she hadn’t mapped out her next move. Life had propelled her forward in a relentless rush since discovering her unexpected pregnancy five years ago, and now she stood here, steering her own fate, yet feeling lost. “Have you thought about searching for the biological father of the kids?” Jessie’s voice pierced through Violet's reverie. The question caught Violet off guard. She shook her head resolutely. “No.” It wasn’t merely that she didn’t want to—it was more that she feared what she might discover. That night was shrouded in uncertainty, and the identity of the man remained a haunting mystery. Jessie swallowed her next words, aware of Arya's numerous inquiries about her father in the past. Each time she had concealed the truth, deflecting with gentle reassurances. But as the children grew older, the fabric of that deception began to fray. They continued to sip their wine, lost in thought, until Jessie suddenly recalled something important. “Oh! I forgot to give you this!” After finishing a bottle of red wine, she dashed into her room and returned with a gleaming invitation, intricately gilded and impossibly elegant. “What’s this?” Violet asked, curiosity glimmering in her eyes as she reached for the invitation, unaware of the possibilities it held. With anticipation hanging thick in the air, their lives were about to take another turn, and in ways they could not yet foresee.