CHAPTER 30: MISUNDESTANDING?

"Mommy... if Uncle Ax... I mean, Daddy Axel knew about me, so why didn’t he stay with us? Why does he only show up when I’m hurt?"

Her chest tightened.

She had prepared herself for this moment countless times, yet hearing the words come from his little mouth, paired with those wide, innocent eyes brimming with curiosity instead of anger, made her heart ache in ways she wasn’t ready for.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

The truth was too heavy, too cruel.

She couldn’t tell him about the years of hatred that had been ingrained within her heart and mind. About William Walters’ ultimatum. About how Axel Knight’s very name had been a curse in her family. She couldn’t tell him she had been thrown out—disowned—because she chose to keep him.

If her innocent son ever learned the truth, she knew exactly what would happen. He would blame himself. He would carry guilt he never deserved.

No. She would carry that burden for him, no matter how much it cost her.

So Evelyn swallowed the ache in her throat, forcing a smile.

"Sweetheart, sometimes grown-ups... they can’t always be together, even if they want to..." Evelyn was stunned. Of all the thoughts racing through her mind, that one unexpectedly escaped her lips.

Oliver tilted his head. His brows furrowed. "But, daddy wants to, right?"

Her heart skipped a beat, caught between truth and lie.

Before she could gather the words, Oliver’s voice trembled again, smaller this time. "Or... Daddy didn’t want us? Is that why he left? Is that why he never comes to see us?"

The trembling in his voice tore through her soul.

Regret weighed heavily on her chest, as she wished she had listened to Axel’s wise suggestion that he should be present when she told Oliver the truth about him. It might have made things easier for everyone.

Now, watching her son’s fragile hope begin to crack, Evelyn realized Axel had been right all along.

"No, sweetheart," Evelyn answered quickly, reaching out to hold his chubby little hand. She patted it gently, her eyes softening as she gazed into his slightly trembling ones.

"Of course, your daddy wants us. But... there’s a misunderstanding between Mommy and Daddy."

"Misunderstanding?" Oliver asked, tilting his head. His little brow furrowed, sharp and curious.

Evelyn bit the inside of her lip. ’Gosh, Eve... be careful with your words. He’s not just any child; he’s Axel Knight’s son. Too smart.’

She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

"I’m sorry, darling. Mommy can’t explain it right now. It’s... complicated."

The flicker of disappointment in his gaze stabbed straight into her heart.

Evelyn wanted to grab him, hold him tight, and tell him everything, but she couldn’t. She wouldn’t put that kind of weight on his tiny shoulders.

So she cupped his cheek instead, her thumb brushing gently over his warm skin.

"But I promise you, sweetheart, your daddy won’t go anywhere. He’ll be with us again."

Oliver’s face lit up instantly, his eyes shining like sunshine breaking through storm clouds.

"Really? He’ll stay with us?"

Relief enveloped her, her chest loosening for the first time since Axel’s call.

She smiled, "Yes, pretty soon. And if you don’t believe me, you can ask him yourself when you see him."

Oliver’s lips spread into a bright smile as he nodded eagerly. "Mommy, I believe you..."

His innocent voice nearly sent tears to her eyes as she felt her heart swell.

Then, with the kind of childlike trust that melted her, Oliver stood and wrapped his small hand tightly around hers. "I always believe you, Mommy."

Evelyn’s heart clenched as she looked down at him. How could such a small boy hold such unwavering faith?

She bent down and kissed his forehead, breathing him in as if the simple act could steady her racing heart.

"Thank you, sweetheart," she whispered. "You don’t know how much that means to me."

Oliver giggled softly, squeezing her hand again. "Then you don’t have to worry anymore, Mommy. If Daddy stays with us, we’ll all be happy, right?"

Evelyn smiled slightly.

"Ye-Yes," she said, hugging him tightly. "We’ll all be happy."

She wasn’t entirely honest with Oliver.

The truth was, she had no idea what the future held once they stepped into Axel Knight’s world. His world was dangerous, unpredictable, and nothing like the quiet, fragile life she had built for her son.

But one thing she knew for sure was that she would do anything, absolutely anything, to keep Oliver happy.

...

The rest of the day went by so fast.

She didn’t leave the apartment; instead, she chose to stay with her son, playing with his toys, reading a book to him, cooking for him, or sitting by his side to watch his favorite cartoons.

By nightfall, she was utterly exhausted.

Fortunately, Oliver finally fell into a deep sleep by nine. She feels relieved; at last, she has found her peace.

Evelyn felt her body heavy and sluggish, as if she were made of stone.

She ignored her phone, vibrating on the nightstand.

Whoever calls her, she won’t pick up the call. She had nothing left to give tonight. All she wanted was to collapse. Sleep!

Evelyn felt like a zombie, bone-tired, her body begging for rest. She slumped onto her bed, sinking into the softness, her eyelids already fluttering shut.

But before she could fall asleep, the sharp chime of the doorbell jolted her upright. Her heart jumped in her chest.

At this hour, only one person could have access to the fifth floor.

"Aunt Martha? Why would she come so late?" Evelyn muttered, glancing at the glowing green digital watch, 9:40 PM on the nightstand.

Careful not to wake Oliver, she pushed herself up and hurried to the door, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

She pulled the door open mid-whisper. "Aunt..." Her voice stopped in her throat.

Axel Knight stood tall before her.

Her breath feels like it’s stopped. For a second, she thought her exhausted mind was playing tricks on her.

But no, there he was, tall and impossibly composed, filling her doorway with that unmistakable presence.

"I’m not Aunt Martha," Axel said smoothly, "It’s me."

Evelyn blinked. She couldn’t believe it. He is here, this is almost ten.

Axel tilted his head slightly, eyes beaming with quiet amusement. "Why are you looking surprised to see me?"