At that moment, Leo, who''d initially been jealous, found his envy fading away. He walked over, gave the puppy''s head a gentle pat, and then nodded, "You know, my little nephew here is quite the charmer. Zach, you''ve got some real luck."


    Having a "son" before a partner-that''s something else.


    Zach looked up and shot Leo a fierce re.


    Leo, pretending not to notice, lifted the puppy out of the box.


    Huskies are medium-sized dogs, and even at just over forty days old, this one looked pretty solid. Its deep brown eyes were watery, and its body was plump and cuddly-adorable, really.


    Seeing this, Zach tensed up and stepped back, unable to keep up the charade any longer, "Stay away from me!"


    "Zach, Mirabe put a lot of thought into this birthday gift. You''re going to break her heart acting like this," Leo sighed, throwing Zach''s earlier swagger right back at him.


    The tables had turned, and the moment was beyond awkward.


    As Leo approached, Zach''s fear hit its peak, "I''m warning you, take one more step and I..."


    Before he could finish, Leo had already pushed the puppy into his arms.


    Zach: "!!!"


    "Hold on tight, it''s a gift from your sister!" Leo said calmly, making sure Zach''s stiff hands reluctantly epted the puppy.


    Seeing Zach''s rigid stance, Leo had to turn away to hide hisughter, coughing to cover it up.


    Zach was the most cunning in the family, always scheming from the shadows. Seeing him at a loss was oddly satisfying.


    So, Leo silently gave Mirabe a thumbs-up; when it came to being sly, his sister took the crown.


    No wonder she''d asked him what Zach feared the most.


    It was all premeditated.


    Unaware of the scheme, Zach stared at the puppy forced into his arms. Even though he knew it posed no threat, he couldn''t help but shiver.


    Suddenly, the puppy lifted its head, licked his hand, and nuzzled against his chest, showing affection.


    Zach''s hand trembled so much he nearly dropped the puppy, his voice shaky, "Quick, get it away from me..."


    But no one in the room responded; as if by some unspoken agreement, they all turned and walked towards the dining room.


    Zach: "(4)"


    This must be a family of devils!


    They knew he was scared of dogs, yet they still did this to him!


    The puppy, now on the floor, became restless. Zach, flustered, had no choice but


    to put it down, then scolded it fiercely.


    However, the puppy seemed to see Zach as its new owner, circling him and yfully pawing at his legs-lively and mischievous.


    Zach wanted to cry.


    He couldn''t help but look towards his family, enjoying their meal in the dining room, and the thought that he might not be their biological child crossed his mind. Sigh!


    **


    After dinner, Mirabe handed Zach a beginner''s guide to dog care, "Don''t worry if you don''t know how to take care of a dog. This book will solve all your problems."


    Zach nced down at the book in his hands, then at the puppy lying at his feet, and let out a sigh of difort.


    Ah, why did he have to have a birthday?


    If it weren''t for his birthday, maybe he wouldn''t have fallen into such a big pit.


    Facing his unintended "son," Zach felt a profound sense of despair as he massaged his temples.