Mag-log inEvander returned home today, looking much better, though he still used a wheelchair for longer distances."How are you feeling?" Alistair asked, patting his son-in-law's shoulder. They were currently on the back patio, which overlooked the lake.Evander smiled. "Better, Sir," he replied.Alistair chuckled, shaking his head. "Why do you still call me 'Sir'?" he asked, both surprised and amused.Evander shrugged. "It feels strange to call you 'Dad'," he answered.Alistair burst out laughing. "Alright, whatever you prefer!" he retorted.They then fell silent, gazing at the lake that evening, which looked beautiful as the sunlight shimmered on its surface."When will you two be returning?" Alistair asked, breaking the silence.Evander sighed. "Soon, but Noah still needs regular check-ups," he replied. "We'd rather let him fully recover!" he added.Alistair nodded in understanding.The past loss of Noah made them more cautious in everything, so it was no wonder his daughter and son-in-law
Evander's mouth opened, but no words came out. What he'd just heard from Bram made his heart completely stop, as if a massive block had slammed into his chest.He couldn't listen anymore, his hand felt lifeless and dropped to his side, ignoring his phone as it clattered to the floor, still connected to Bram's call."Hazel...," he whispered, his chest filled with pain and a suffocating ache.He couldn't hold back his tears any longer. Finally, Evander wept, burying his face in his hands."I'm sorry, Hazel! I'm so sorry!" he murmured softly.Hazel had shot herself. Her employees at the workshop found her lifeless.She had suffered a miscarriage a few weeks prior, and it was suspected she had fallen into depression, ultimately choosing to end her life.That's what Bram had just told him.A miscarriage? Did that mean she was pregnant with his child?Evander felt devastated and overwhelmed with guilt. Why hadn't he noticed the changes in her? Hadn't he seen her appearance shift slightly, n
Elena released her embrace, wiping the tears from her face. She gave a small laugh as Noah reached up to help her.“Excuse me.” A nurse came in.Elena understood and stepped back, giving the nurse space to check on Noah. The boy was calm and cooperative.“How is he doing, Nurse?” Elena asked.The nurse smiled. “Noah's recovery is faster than we anticipated. If he continues like this, the doctor might allow him to go home within the next few days.”“Thank God,” Elena sighed in relief.The nurse excused herself and left the room. Elena returned to the chair beside Noah.“I can’t wait to go home,” Noah said happily.Elena nodded. “Yes, you’ll be going home soon,” she added, a sad smile on her face.Just then, Alice returned and walked toward them.“Any good news?” she asked, seeing the happy expressions on their faces.Elena smiled and looked at Alice.“Noa… Noah might be able to go home sooner, given his condition,” she answered.Alice was stunned. She blinked, nodded, and forced a bitt
Elena's greatest happiness was to be reunited with her one and only child. After a series of terrible, tear-filled events, it finally happened. It was a moment full of tears once more, only this time, they were tears of joy.“N-Noah,” Elena whispered, covering her mouth as she looked at Noah lying in the hospital bed. His face was pale, his eyes closed, with an oxygen tube in his nose and an IV needle in his small hand. She desperately wanted to go in and hold him tight, to release the longing that had haunted her sleep every night for the past five years. But she couldn’t do that now. For the moment, they had to be content watching him through the glass.What made Elena's grief even heavier was the memory of how she had once hated the boy, believing he was the son of Evander and Hazel. But the truth was…“Honey.” Evander came closer. Elena immediately turned and fell against her husband’s chest, muffling her sobs there. Evander held her, his own eyes watery as he fought back tears, f
From inside, Evander watched the two women who had played such a significant role in his life. Hazel and Elena seemed to be speaking to one another. Emily even glanced over at Evander, her expression a mixture of confusion and questioning.Evander sighed. He was relieved Alistair didn't know the truth about the three of them. If Elena had told him, things might have gone very differently, and he certainly wouldn't have been able to return home like this.While they were preoccupied with Hazel and Elena, Alice answered her phone. The woman tensed, her eyes widening in shock."What? Honey, where are you?" she cried out in panic, drawing everyone's attention.They immediately gathered around Alice, listening with tense anticipation.Evander gestured for Alice to put the call on speaker so they could all hear the conversation. She complied.[ Darling, Noah's taken a turn for the worse! I’m taking him to the hospital! ]Everyone’s eyes flew open in shock. Evander quickly covered Elena's mo
Evander and Hazel returned, bringing Alice with them. Elena, who was initially startled to see Hazel again, quickly dismissed her presence. Her attention was now fixed on the woman they had brought with them."Who is she?" Elena asked as Evander approached and hugged her.Evander glanced at Alice, who sat with her head bowed."She is Noah's adoptive mother," he answered softly.Elena froze instantly, her face flushing as she held back tears. She walked over to Alice and knelt before her."What are you doing? Please, don't do this," Alice pleaded, sliding from the chair to sit on the floor, facing Elena.Evander and Hazel watched the scene in silence. Alistair and Emily, who had just entered, also fell quiet at the sight.With tears streaming down her face, Elena clasped her hands together, begging Alice."I know you are a good person. As mothers, we can understand each other," she said through her sobs. "I'm begging you, please give me back my son."Alice looked at her, crying. Elena







