?Chapter 1030:


    One evening, the family gathered around the dining table, the clink of silverware filling the air.


    Kristian ate steadily, his movements calm and deliberate.


    Lionel, Isaac, and Melinda had nned ahead, sharing a subtle look while Liam eagerly dug into his meal.


    Melinda set her fork down, her eyes soft but purposeful. “Kristian, can I ask you something?” she said, her voice like a warm hug.


    “Of course,” Kristian replied, pausing mid-bite.


    “Do you know any single women?” Melinda asked gently. “Someone nice?”


    Kristian froze, his gaze flicking to Lionel. Hadn’t they agreed to hold off on matchmaking? What was this?


    “It’s for Liam,” Melinda added quickly, sensing his confusion. “He’s not getting any younger, and it’s time he settled down.”


    Liam nearly choked on his mashed potatoes. So that’s what this was about? He dropped his fork, his face a mix of shock and indignation. “Hold on,” he blurted, “I’ve got a girlfriend already.”


    “Since when?” Isaac shot back.


    “Why didn’t you tell us?” Melinda asked, her tone skeptical.


    “Who is she?” Lionel demanded, leaning in.


    Kristian, watching closely, saw right through his brother’s bluff.


    It was obvious Liam was spinning a tale, and he wasn’t about to let it slide. “He’s making it up,” Kristian said tly, cutting through the chatter.


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    “I’m not!” Liam protested, his words tumbling out faster. “It’s real. We started datingst week. You’ll meet her soon, I swear.”


    “Then show us your schedule,” Kristian challenged, calm but firm. “Prove it.”


    Liam squirmed, his confidence crumbling. What was going on with Kristian? His brother used to have his back, but now he was calling him out.


    He shot Kristian a pleading look, but Kristian didn’t budge.


    “I’ve got a girlfriend,” Liam insisted, doubling down. “We met online and made it officialst week. We just haven’t met in person yet.”


    The table fell silent. Everyone’s raised eyebrows told Liam his story wasn’tnding.


    After dinner, Liam trailed Kristian to the backyard, the cool evening air brushing their faces.


    “What’s with you, man?” Liam grumbled. “You threw me under the bus in there.”


    Kristian walked quietly, letting Liam vent without cutting in.


    They talked about Liam’s fib, but soon the conversation turned to Kristian.


    “Bro, do you wish you’d done things differently with her?” Liam asked, his tone softer now.


    “Yeah,” Kristian admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Regret gnawed at him, a wish to turn back time and fix what went wrong.


    “Mom and Dad are worried,” Liam said, kicking a pebble as they strolled. “They asked me to check on you, make sure you’re not bottling it all up.” He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. “But I know you don’t need my pep talk.”


    Kristian nced at him, curious.


    “You’re the strongest guy I know,” Liam said, his smile bright as the stars above. “No matter what hits you, you’lle out on top.”


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