Jey had faced a lot in his life-big matches, family betrayals, moments where everything was on the line. But as he stood outside his parents' house, holding Malakai's small hand in his, he realized nothing had ever made him this nervous.

Natalia stood beside him, sensing his unease. "You sure you wanna do this today?" she asked gently.

Jey exhaled. "Yeah. They gotta meet him sooner or later." He looked down at Malakai, who was focused on the laces of his sneakers. "You ready, little man?"

Malakai looked up at him, his big brown eyes curious. "Are they nice?"

Jey chuckled, ruffling his curls. "Yeah, buddy. They're real nice."

That seemed to be enough reassurance for Malakai, who nodded confidently.

Jey gave Natalia one last glance before knocking on the door.

It didn't take long before the door swung open, revealing his mother, Talisua, her face lighting up instantly. "Joshua! You didn't tell me you were coming-" Her words cut off when she spotted Malakai.

Her eyes widened, flicking between Jey and the little boy at his side.

Jey cleared his throat. "Ma... this is Malakai." He squeezed his son's hand. "My son."

Silence filled the space for a beat.

Then, Talisua let out a sharp breath, bringing her hands to her chest. "Oh my God."

Jey barely had time to react before his mother reached out, kneeling in front of Malakai, her eyes glassy with emotion. "Malo lava," she whispered in Samoan, smiling warmly. "You look just like your daddy."

Malakai shifted closer to Jey, suddenly shy under her gaze. "Hi..."

Talisua's smile softened even more. "Hi, sweetheart."

Just then, Jey's father, Rikishi, appeared in the doorway, confusion clear on his face. "What's going on?"

Talisua looked back at her husband, her voice thick with emotion. "Joshua brought his son."

Rikishi's eyes locked onto Malakai, processing the words, and for a moment, he just stared. Then, his expression softened, something warm