Who's the father?

Aiden leaned down and kissed her. Unaware that he would deviate from their original plan, he felt compelled to do so for Ryan's sake. Aiden recalled how Ryan had once assisted him during an accident when he couldn't make it to RW hospital in time for first aid.

"After I visit my brother in the hospital, we'll head straight to the hotel. I'll be quick," Aiden reassured as he started the car's engine. He drove towards the hospital, eager to fulfill Ryan's request so he could focus on his upcoming adventure that evening.

***

"Are you certain you need a DNA test, Allen? The uncanny resemblance between you and this little girl seems to be proof enough that she is your daughter," Doctor Eric remarked. He gazed at the young girl, who bore a striking resemblance to Allen, and pondered why Allen was insistent on verifying their relationship through DNA testing.

"I have my reasons, Eric. Just proceed," Allen instructed. A strand of hair was collected from both Allen and Aurora. He agreed to receive the results the following day. Allen nodded in affirmation, then lifted the little girl and walked out of the hospital.

At that moment, Aiden arrived and witnessed his brother holding a little girl in his arms. Without saying a word, he stood there, gazing at her. Was Allen holding a carbon copy of himself? Their facial features were almost identical, the only difference being that Aurora was a girl. What struck Aiden the most was their matching eyes.

"Allen..." Aiden began, but couldn't muster any more words. The little girl also locked eyes with the man before them.

Aiden bore a resemblance to her as well, but it seemed to be stronger with his brother Allen. It seemed likely that they were all related. Aiden reached out and picked up Aurora. Allen allowed him to hold her, and Aiden planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. Aurora couldn't help but bask in all the attention she was receiving.

Was this the girl that Ryan mentioned was his friend's child? Is she truly the offspring of his friend or a member of the Rowan family?

"Who told you I was back?" Allen asked. He hadn't informed him, but he was aware that the news of his return had somehow reached him.

"How did you come across this child?" Aiden inquired, finding it difficult to look away from the joyful little girl in Allen's arms.

As Allen proceeded towards his car, Aiden persisted. He was determined to take the little girl from him and leave promptly.

The bodyguards stepped forward and took Aurora from Aiden's grasp.

"Would you like some ice cream?" Allen offered, and Aurora eagerly nodded.

Aiden trailed behind his brother.

"A friend called me and mentioned that you were with his friend's daughter. I came to return her to him. But it appears she could be my daughter. She bears a striking resemblance to me," Aiden said, already feeling a sense of attachment to her.

Allen glared at him in irritation. Does she resemble him? What about he who brought Aurora for the DNA testing? She seemed to resemble him more.

"You know, brother, that you have a distaste for women these days. Apart from that incident five years ago, you haven't been involved with a woman. But I have... well, you know what I mean. I will take responsibility for her now and request a DNA test. I am convinced she is my daughter," Aiden clarified.

Aurora overheard his words. Was this man going to be her father? Who among these two men was truly her father now? They appeared to be in disagreement over who should have custody of her.

"That incident five years ago could have resulted in me fathering her. I am certain she is mine," Allen asserted, his voice tense with emotion.

The bodyguards couldn't help but exchange awkward smiles. Two brothers vying for custody of the same child, unaware of the identity of the woman who gave birth to the little girl.

"She is mine, brother. Don't try to deceive me. The incident five years ago did not result in this child. I am her father," Aiden asserted firmly, holding Aurora close.

"What happened five years ago? My mommy mentioned something bad happened to her. Do you know about it?" Aurora inquired curiously.

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Aurora," Allen responded calmly, offering her a reassuring smile, to which she nodded in understanding. He shot Aiden a cold glance, prompting the latter to remain silent.

"Hmm... Aurora, do you know Uncle Ryan?" Aiden asked, subtly hinting that he intended to take her from his brother that evening, one way or another.

"Yes, take me to him..." Aurora couldn't finish her sentence. She wanted to say "daddy" but hesitated since it hadn't been confirmed that he was her father.

"That's wonderful. Uncle Ryan is eager to have you back," Aiden remarked, then turned to his brother. "I intend to bring her to my friend who initially brought her to the restaurant where you first encountered her."

"I will personally see to her drop-off," Allen responded, lifting Aurora from his arms and placing her back in the car.

Aiden was captivated by Aurora's charm. She was incredibly adorable and resembled his brother more than himself. Could she be the result of that mysterious night with a woman?

Later, Aiden contacted Ryan to inform him that Aurora would likely be staying with his brother for the night, confirming that she was indeed a member of the Rowan family.

Though he couldn't retrieve her from his brother, Ryan found solace in knowing she was safe. He decided to let go of the idea of seeing her that night.

Ryan nodded, "Okay, but I would love to see her first thing the next morning."

Maureen was quiet and just stared at Ryan, a worried expression on her face.

"Aurora is safe, no need to fret. I'll drop you off at home and then go to work. Don't worry about Lilian; I will handle her and find an excuse to keep her calm without suspecting anything," Ryan assured her.

"Thank you, Ryan. I appreciate your help," Maureen said gratefully, a bit relieved.

Rather than take the little girl back to the restaurant, Allen ordered the chauffeur to drive to his villa.