secret lover 164 Summary


    Eleanor and Andrew Knight arrive at Axel and Evelyn’s home, warmly greeting their great-grandson Oliver, who shyly introduces himself. Eleanor is deeply emotional, noting how much Oliver resembles his father Axel, while Andrew lifts the boy affectionately and mentions his birthday. They bring a special gift for Oliver, which he must wait to receive until after lunch, creating a tender family moment filled with warmth and affection. Evelyn feels a profound sense of belonging as she watches the older generation embrace their family.


    As the group prepares to head inside, another car pulls up, bringing Jackson Lincoln, Axel’s friend and the CEO of Lincoln International Hospital. Jackson apologizes for histe arrival, exining he had to perform an emergency surgery on a family member himself. The two men walk toward the house, catching up briefly before Jackson’s attention is drawn to Evelyn, who is holding their son and chatting nearby.


    Jackson is stunned when he recognizes Evelyn as Evelyn Walters, the woman his parents once tried to set him up with for an arranged marriage years ago. Axel confirms this is his wife, and Jackson expresses disbelief that Axel married the woman he almost married himself. The revtion surprises both men, highlighting the unexpected twists in their intertwined pasts. Their conversation ends with Axel hinting that the story behind his marriage to Evelyn is long andplicated.Continue Regr Chapter Reading Below


    As the doors swung open, the warm afternoon sunlight flooded the driveway, casting a golden glow over the sleek car that had juste to a stop. From the vehicle emerged two very familiar figures: Eleanor and Andrew Knight.


    The instant Oliver caught sight of them, a mixture of curiosity and shyness washed over him. Andrew stood tall and broad-shouldered, his salt-and-pepper hair lending him an air of quiet dignity and authority. Beside him, Eleanor radiated warmth and elegance, her presence instantlyforting. Her eyes softened the moment theynded on the small boy clutching Axel’s hand tightly.


    “Oh, Andrew,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, trembling with emotion. “Look at him…”


    Oliver instinctively hid behind his father’s leg, peeking out cautiously.


    Evelyn offered a gentle smile, encouraging him softly, “Go ahead, sweetheart. Say hello to your great-grandparents.”


    With a small nod, Oliver bravely stepped forward. “Hello… I’m Oliver,” he said in a polite, clear voice.


    Eleanor bent down to his level, tears shimmering in her eyes as she tenderly cupped his cheek in her hand. “You have your father’s eyes,” she murmured, her voice thick with nostalgia. “And that smile… oh, darling, I remember that smile from years ago. It’s just like Axel’s when he was your age.”


    Axel chuckled softly. “Except this one’s a little less intimidating.”


    Andrewughed heartily, shaking Oliver’s small hand before effortlessly lifting him into his arms. “You’re a strong little man, aren’t you? I hear you’re four years old today.”


    Oliver beamed proudly, holding up four fingers. “Yes! I’m four! Daddy says I’m a big boy now.”


    “That’s right,” Eleanor said affectionately, smoothing his hair with a gentle hand. “And we’ve brought you a special gift for your birthday.”


    Oliver’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”


    “Of course,” Andrew replied, setting him back down carefully. “But you’ll have to wait until after lunch. Can you be patient and behave while you wait?”


    The little boy nodded eagerly, his expression thoughtful, as if epting an important mission. The adults around them chuckled warmly.


    Evelyn stood quietly beside Axel, soaking in the tender scene unfolding before her. Watching her husband’s grandparents embrace their son stirred a deep, peaceful feeling within her—a sense of belonging and quiet joy that filled her heartpletely.


    Lost in her thoughts, Evelyn barely noticed Eleanor leaning closer, her voice soft and sincere. “Oh, dear Eve…”


    Evelyn blinked, surprised by the sudden intimacy. When she met Eleanor’s gaze, all she saw was kindness and understanding.


    “You’ve given this family a precious gift, dear,” Eleanor whispered, gently squeezing her hand. “Thank you.”


    A swell of emotion rose in Evelyn’s chest, tightening her throat. She returned the smile, eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “No, Grandma,” she whispered back. “Thank you for weing us.”


    Axel, overhearing their exchange, smiled quietly and slipped his hand into Evelyn’s, his thumb brushing tenderly over her knuckles. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes—he was grateful to have her by his side.


    “Alright, everyone,” Axel said with a faint smile, “let’s head inside before we all freeze out here.”


    Just as they began moving toward the house, the low rumble of another car engine echoed down the driveway.


    Evelyn followed Axel’s gaze, watching as he gestured for her and his grandparents to enter first while he waited outside for the new arrival.


    He already knew who it was. A message had popped up on his phone just minutes earlier, moments before his grandfather had arrived.


    “Boss, Jackson Lincoln passing the first gate.” From: Liam


    Secondster, another text appeared.


    “Boss, I’m on my way to the house now with Aunty Martha! Are wete?” From: Liam


    Axel quickly replied, “No. But hurry.”


    Before he could tuck his phone away, a sleek ck car pulled up smoothly. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out, adjusting his gold-rimmed sses as he handed his keys to the staff.


    “Axel!” the man called out, striding briskly toward him. “Sorry, man. Am Ite?”


    Axel’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Jack. Not yet. But this isn’t like you.”


    Jacksonughed as they shook hands. “You sound like my mom. I already get enough of that at home.”


    Together, they started walking toward the house.


    “Why did you onlye now?” Axel asked, ncing sideways at him.


    “There was an emergency surgery,” Jackson exined, rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt as though trying to brush away the evidence of a long day. “I had to lead it myself.”


    Axel raised an eyebrow. “You’re the CEO of Lincoln International Hospital now, and you’re still doing surgeries?”


    Jackson grinned, unfazed. “What can I say? The patient was family. I couldn’t just delegate it.”


    “Who?” Axel pressed.


    Before Jackson could answer, his steps faltered. He suddenly grabbed Axel’s arm, halting him in his tracks.


    “Wait…” His voice dropped, eyes fixed on something—or rather someone—in the seating area.


    From where he stood, he could see Evelyn, her gentleughter drifting softly through the hallway. She was holding a boy in her arms, chatting with a few people nearby.


    Jackson stared, as if his mind refused to process what his eyes were witnessing.


    “Axel…” he muttered, still not looking away. “Your wife is…?”


    “Evelyn Knight,” Axel replied simply, his tone casual. But when he noticed the disbelief etched across his friend’s face, his smile dimmed slightly. “Why? You know her?”


    Jackson turned slowly toward Axel, still stunned. “You mean… Evelyn Walters?”


    Axel nodded once. “The same one.”


    “Wait, you’re serious?” Jackson blinked, genuinely shaken. “You’re married to her?”


    Axel folded his arms, amused. “Is there another Evelyn I should know about?”


    Jackson ran a hand through his hair,ughing in disbelief.


    “Man, I can’t believe this. I actually know her. Well… not well, but… do you remember when I told you my parents tried to set me up with someone for an arranged marriage?”


    Axel frowned, trying to recall. “Yeah. That was ages ago.”


    “She was the one,” Jackson smiled, turning his gaze back to Evelyn.


    “What?” Axel asked, confused.


    Jackson nced at Axel again.


    “That woman holding your son, Evelyn Walters. My parents wanted me to marry her five or six years ago. I was thirty-three then, and she was twenty-five. Your wife’s father wanted the match, but I turned it down because she seemed too young. I thought it’d be awkward—and too uncool—to even date her.”


    Axel blinked, his expression unreadable. “You’re telling me you almost became my son’s father?”


    Jackson sighed dramatically. “Man… when you put it like that, it sounds like I dodged a soap opera.”


    “Trust me,” Axel muttered, “it was one.”


    Jacksonughed, shaking his head in disbelief.


    “I can’t believe this. She’s really that Evelyn. Damn, you two are nine years apart? What happened, man… did she stalk you, or did you kidnap her?”


    Axel smirked. “Neither. It’s a long story.”Conclusion


    The reunion between generations in this chapter beautifully highlights the enduring bonds of family and the quiet joy thates from eptance and love. Oliver’s innocent bravery and the tender interactions with his great-grandparents underscore the warmth that can heal old wounds and create new memories. Evelyn’s heartfelt exchange with Eleanor reveals the depth of gratitude and belonging that roots this family together, while Axel’s steady presence offers a reassuring anchor amidst the unfolding emotions.


    Meanwhile, the arrival of Jackson and the revtion of his past connection to Evelyn adds ayer ofplexity to the narrative, reminding us that life’s paths are often intertwined in unexpected ways. Despite the surprise and disbelief, the chapter closes on a note of camaraderie and understanding, suggesting that the characters are ready to face whateveres next with honesty and humor. The emotional undercurrents of love, history, and friendship continue to weave a rich tapestry that invites readers to stay invested in their journey.What to Expect in Next Chapter?


    The next chapter promises to deepen the intricate web of rtionships and unspoken histories that bind these characters together. With Jackson’s unexpected revtion about Evelyn’s past, tensions are bound to rise as old connections resurface and new questions emerge. How will Axel handle this surprising link between his closest friend and his wife? And what emotions will stir beneath the surface as past and present collide in unforeseen ways?


    As the story unfolds, expect a delicate dance of loyalty, trust, and perhaps jealousy, as the characters navigate these revtions. The warmth and tenderness shown in the family gathering contrast sharply with the undercurrents ofplexity now introduced. Secrets long buried maye to light, challenging the bonds that have been carefully built and forcing everyone to confront parts of their past they thought were settled. The next chapter will invite readers to explore these emotionalyers, leaving them eager to discover how this tangled history will shape the future of Axel, Evelyn, and those around them.


    Sara Lili


    <strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.