Roy swallowed hard, watching Evan look at him before gathering his courage to speak again.
"Evan," he began, his voice steady yet carrying a note of vulnerability. "I know it's… it's hard for us to come to terms with all that has happened. But if you're willing, we want to know you and build something with you. And… if you're ready, take the Mahajan name."
The room grew still, a silence settling as Evan's expression shifted. He seemed to weigh his response, his jaw tight with the burden of his unspoken thoughts. Finally, he looked up, his gaze steady yet resolute.
"No."
The firmness of his voice seemed to echo through the room, the silence thickening with the weight of his decision. Roy's face fell slightly, but he nodded, understanding the history that couldn't simply be erased or forgotten. Claire reached out, giving Evan's hand a gentle squeeze, offering him acceptance no matter his choice.
