Axel’s expression shifted back into sothing more serious.
He shook his head slowly.
"Not yet." His tone was calm, but thoughtful. "But after talking to you about it..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "I have a few clues."
Evelyn’s brows furrowed.
He continued, "But it’s not enough to conclude. I will need to investigate further."
Her expression stiffened faintly as she realized... Years had passed. Evidence faded. mories blurred.
And yet Axel spoke with that familiar certainty, like a guy who’s pretty sure he’ll get what he wants eventually.
Still, uncertainty crept into her gaze. She still feels worried; Axel won’t be able to reveal the truth.
Axel noticed imdiately. "Please smile for , huh?"
He leaned closer, his forehead gently touching hers. The gesture was enough to warm her.
"I feel weak when you give that expression, Eve," he murmured.
Evelyn’s breath stilled.
"I’m afraid you no longer love ."
Her heart tightened.
"I’m afraid you’re disappointed in ."
Her fingers curled.
"I’m afraid—"
He never finished. Because Evelyn’s lips sealed his.
The kiss this ti was deeper, more urgent, burning with fierce intensity. There was nothing hesitant about it. Nothing uncertain. It was passion. Reassurance.
A declaration spoken through heat and closeness.
When she finally pulled away, Evelyn was breathless, chest rising and falling rapidly.
But her smile was looking warm, radiant, and unmistakably certain. "I trust you," she said firmly.
The words landed with quiet power. Axel’s gaze softened. "Thank you, my wife—"
Sothing inside Evelyn loosened. The knot that had quietly lingered in her chest slowly dissipated as she saw the confidence in his eyes. This sincerity didn’t need exaggeration.
She smiled faintly before speaking again, her tone calm, steady, yet carrying unmistakable weight. "But, Axel... how will you handle that woman?"
Axel’s jaw flexed almost imperceptibly. "You don’t have to worry about her. She won’t cause any trouble."
"Well, for , I won’t worry... as long as that woman doesn’t do anything to you," she replied evenly, "such as pretending to be a victim or attempting to ruin your reputation..."
Evelyn’s gaze sharpened as she continued, "I will ignore her." A flash of anger ignited in her eyes. Sharp. Fierce. Unapologetic.
It surprised Axel slightly. But delighted him far more.
"What do you want to do if she does that?" he asked playfully, amusent dancing beneath his curiosity.
Evelyn’s chin lifted. Her voice was calm. Deadly calm. "Of course," she said smoothly, "I will teach her a lesson about not ssing with ..." Her gaze hardened. "With my husband."
Axel’s lips curved slowly. Satisfied and proud.
There was sothing undeniably thrilling about seeing Evelyn like this. She appears neither fragile nor uncertain, but fiercely protective, radiating quiet strength beneath her elegance.
His wife was no delicate ornant. She was fire wrapped in silk.
"Thank you, my pretty wife..." Axel pulled her into his arms, holding her firmly, securely.
His voice dropped into a warm whisper against her ear. "I feel like I’m the luckiest man on earth now."
Evelyn’s breath softened.
"Having such a beautiful, fierce, and understanding wife like you..." His arms tightened slightly. "Evelyn Knight."
Evelyn pushed him away slightly, just enough to face him properly again.
The warmth from their earlier mont faded, replaced by the calm seriousness Axel knew very well.
"Stop using your flowery lines," she said firmly, though her tone was not harsh. "You need to handle this matter quickly before that woman finds another way to tarnish your reputation."
Axel raised an eyebrow, clearly not happy to hear that matter again.
Still, he answered calmly, "I will deal with it tomorrow. Today, we celebrate Ethan’s birthday and our first New Year as a family."
The words instantly changed Evelyn’s expression.
"Oh, no! You are right..."
She stood up so quickly that Axel barely had ti to react. A look of sudden panic crossed her face.
"I need to help in the kitchen."
Before Axel could say anything, she was already walking toward the door.
He watched her, amusent softening his features.
For soone who could stay perfectly composed while teaching their four-year-old son, Evelyn Knight could beco unexpectedly flustered over the simplest dostic things.
"Darling wife, please don’t tire yourself," he called gently.
"I won’t," she answered confidently, already reaching the door.
Then she disappeared.
Axel chuckled softly.
"My wife is so cute," he muttered, a warm smile lingering on his lips.
However, the smile did not last long.
His thoughts quickly returned to the unresolved issue that had been bothering him. The woman. The claim. The possible consequences.
Axel let out a slow breath.
Peace never stayed long in his life.
He reached for his cell phone, ready to call Collins.
But before he could dial, a soft knock sounded at the door.
Axel frowned slightly.
"Co in."
Jimmy stepped inside.
"Sir, Mr. Ethan would like to see you."
Axel frowned in surprise.
"Huh?" He glanced briefly at the clock. Only an hour had passed.
’Had Ethan already finished talking with his mother?’ Concern slowly replaced his confusion.
"Send him in." He said.
Monts later, Ethan entered.
Axel imdiately noticed the change. The tension that had filled Ethan’s expression earlier was gone. The nervousness, the uncertainty—all of it had disappeared.
Instead, there was sothing lighter in his eyes. Happiness.
Axel studied him quietly for a brief mont.
Then—
"Co, Ethan. Why are you only standing there?" Axel said, gesturing toward the seating area.
Ethan nodded and walked over, settling into the chair across from Axel with a relaxed sigh.
Axel frowned. "Why are you here?" His tone carried genuine confusion. "You were supposed to spend ti with your mother after decades of separation."
Ethan leaned back while shrugging, as if carrying the heavy burden of being loved.
"Everything is alright, man?" Axel asked, concerned creeping into his voice.
Ethan’s lips curved into a grin. "Everything is perfectly alright." He paused, clearly enjoying the suspense. "But she kicked out."
Axel was surprised to hear that.
"...What? Why did she kick you out? Did you reveal your dark past?" He asked with concern.
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