The buzzing of Mars's phone wouldn't stop. Headlines flashed across every social media platform—MARS TOSIN IS A PARENT? The news had exploded out of nowhere, a tidal wave of rumors and half-truths.

Mars slumped on the couch, running a hand down her face. Billie sat next to her, phone in hand, scrolling through Twitter with a grim expression.

"This is insane," Billie muttered. "They even got pictures of Zaine."

Mars clenched her jaw. "How the fuck did they know? We've been so careful."

The couple had done everything possible to keep Zaine out of the public eye—quiet flights, private entrances, no social media mentions. The kid was supposed to live a normal life, away from the chaos that followed them. But someone had leaked it.

Mars's mind spun, trying to piece together who could've betrayed them. "Gerard and Maria," she growled. "They're the only ones who knew besides us and your family."

Billie frowned, setting her phone down. "You think they sold the story?"

"Wouldn't put it past them," Mars muttered darkly.

Before either of them could say more, Mars's phone buzzed again—her mother's name flashing across the screen. Mars groaned, dragging a hand through her short curls.

"Of course." She swiped to answer, bracing herself. "Oi, mãe."

The voice on the other end was sharp and unmistakable. "Marscello Red Tosin-Williams! It takes entertainment news for me to find out I have a grandchild?!"

Mars winced, holding the phone slightly away from her ear. "Ah, shit," she muttered under her breath.

"Don't 'ah shit' me, Marscello!" Vera continued in rapid Portuguese, her tone fierce but not without a trace of hurt. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Mars rubbed her forehead. "Mãe, it's complicated—"

"I'm on the next flight to LA," Vera cut in. "I want to meet my grandson."

Mars shot Billie a look that said we're screwed. Billie bit her lip to keep from laughing, but the glint of amusement in her eyes was hard to miss.

"Mãe, listen—"

"No. No more listening. I'll see you tomorrow, ursinho." With that, Vera hung up, leaving Mars staring at her phone in disbelief.

"Your mom's coming?" Billie asked, trying not to laugh at Mars' expression.

Mars let out a long sigh, flopping back onto the couch. "Yep. And now we have to explain everything."

Billie grinned and nudged her. "Relax. I've survived worse. How bad can your mom be?"

Mars shot her a deadpan look. "You have no idea."

The next day, Vera Tosin arrived at the penthouse, punctual and determined. At fifty-two, she was every bit as striking as Mars had warned—tan skin glowing against her bold blonde curls, her sharp green eyes assessing everything as she stepped inside.

Mars stood by the door, arms crossed, while Billie lingered in the living room with Zaine.

The moment Zaine spotted Vera, his little face scrunched up in curiosity. He slipped off the couch and wandered over, staring up at the unfamiliar woman. His eyes roamed her face, as if searching for something specific.

Zaine pointed at Vera, looking slightly confused. "Dada, she has the same eyes as me."

Mars couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, bud. That's your grandma."

Vera knelt to Zaine's height, her green eyes softening as she took in the boy before her. "Oi, ursinho," she greeted warmly, using the pet name she'd always called Mars as a child.

Zaine tilted his head, still cautious but curious. "What's 'ursinho' mean?"

"It means 'little bear,'" Vera explained, smiling.

Zaine grinned.

Billie stepped closer, offering a friendly smile. "It's nice to finally meet you, Vera."

Vera rose to her full height, giving Billie a quick once-over. She extended her hand with the grace of someone who had dealt with important people her whole life. "Likewise," she said in smooth English, though her accent gave her away.

Billie shook her hand, sensing the unspoken challenge in Vera's gaze. It wasn't hostile, but it was protective—like a lioness checking out someone new in her pride.

"So," Vera said, turning back to Zaine. "You've been taking good care of my ursinho?"

Zaine puffed up his chest proudly. "Yep! Dada and me have fun all the time."

Vera chuckled, and Mars let out a relieved breath. At least her mother wasn't grilling the kid.

"Why don't we all sit down?" Billie offered, gesturing to the couch.

They settled in the living room—Vera and Mars on one couch, Billie and Zaine on the other. Zaine nestled against Billie, as usual, playing with the hem of her oversized sweater.

For a few moments, the only sounds were Zaine's tiny humming and the occasional sip of coffee. Finally, Vera broke the silence, her sharp eyes focused on Mars.

"Why didn't you tell me about him, Marscello?"

Mars sighed, running a hand over her short curls. "It wasn't on purpose, mãe. It just... happened fast."

Vera's expression softened, but there was still a hint of reproach. "You know I would've helped."

"I know," Mars admitted quietly. "But I needed to figure it out first, without you yelling at me in Portuguese."

Vera gave a small nod, accepting that answer, though her gaze lingered on Mars for a beat longer. "And how does Billie fit into this?"

Billie felt Zaine snuggle closer, his little arms wrapped around her waist. She gave Vera a calm smile. "I just want to be here for Mars and Zaine, however they need me."

Vera studied her for a moment, as if weighing Billie's words carefully. Then, she gave a slow nod. "Good. Because family matters, no matter how complicated."

Mars exchanged a look with Billie, a silent sigh of relief passing between them. This was going better than expected.

Zaine perked up suddenly, looking at Vera with a hopeful expression. "Grandma, do you like dinosaurs?"

Vera blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden question. Then, to everyone's surprise, she smiled warmly. "Of course I do, ursinho. Who doesn't?"

Zaine grinned from ear to ear, bouncing a little on the couch. "Okay! We can play dinosaurs after dinner!"

Mars couldn't hold back a chuckle. "Looks like you're stuck with us for the night, mãe."

Vera gave her daughter a playful glare but couldn't hide the fondness in her eyes. "It seems so."

That evening, as the sun began to set over the city, the little family gathered around the dining table. Zaine regaled Vera with stories of all the adventures he and Mars had gone on—like the time Mars made him pancakes and they got sick after eating too many, or when they had a movie night and Zaine fell asleep halfway through the second film.

Vera listened intently, her heart swelling with pride and affection for her daughter and grandson. She had missed so much, but now, sitting at the table surrounded by laughter and love, she knew she was exactly where she needed to be.

Mars caught her mother's eye from across the table, a silent understanding passing between them. Things weren't perfect—they never would be—but they were finally starting to feel right.

After dinner, true to his word, Zaine dragged Vera to the playroom, where a massive collection of dinosaur toys awaited. Billie and Mars sat back on the couch, watching as Vera fully embraced her role as Zaine's new favorite playmate.

"You think she'll stick around?" Billie asked softly, leaning against Mars's shoulder.

Mars smiled, pressing a kiss to Billie's hair. "Yeah. I know she will." She pulled Billie closer, resting her chin on top of Billie's head. "Thanks for sticking with me," she whispered.

Billie smiled, squeezing Mars' hand. "Always."