secret lover 165 Summary


    Axel and Jackson share a conversation filled with subtle hints of emotions and past secrets. Jackson teases Axel about his feelings for Evelyn, and Axel admits he might be falling for her. Jackson then reveals a surprising family history: after Axel rejected Evelyn, his younger brother Daniel was proposed to her, but she turned him down just before their engagement. Evelyn’s father reacted harshly, disowning her and causing a scandal in their social circles. Axel realizes that Evelyn never told him the full story before and understands now that she had refused Daniel because she was already carrying Axel’s child.


    The revtion stirs aplex mix of feelings in Axel—joy, guilt, admiration, and regret—as he contemtes Evelyn’s strength in protecting their secret and enduring her father’s wrath alone. Jackson jokes about the rivalry between their families and expresses surprise that Evelyn married Axel, but Axel asks him to keep their marriage a secret. Meanwhile, Evelyn notices Jackson Lincoln, recognizing him as connected to her past and Axel’s close friend, which unsettles her.


    Axel introduces Evelyn and their son Oliver to Jackson, who immediately bonds with the boy despite Oliver’s honest deration that Jackson is not his real uncle. Their yful interaction lightens the mood, and Evelyn appreciates Jackson’s friendly nature, relieved that he doesn’t bring up herplicated past or family issues. The warmth in the room grows asughter fills the space, easing the earlier tension.


    The arrival of Granny Martha brings joy and excitement, especially for Oliver, who eagerly runs into her arms. Martha’s affectionate teasing and yful banter about Oliver’s growth and eating habits add a tender, familial touch to the scene. Evelynughs along, feeling thefort and love surrounding her family despite the lingeringplexities beneath the surface.Continue Regr Chapter Reading Below


    165 Lincoln?


    “Neither,” Axel replied, a hint of mystery in his voice. “It’s a long story.”


    Jackson raised a yful eyebrow, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “Judging by the way you’re looking at her, I’d say you’re the one falling for her, huh?”


    Axel’s response was a half-smile, subtle but telling. “You could say that.”


    Jackson blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected his friend to finally be smitten with someone. It was a revtion that caught him off guard.


    Leaning casually against the wall, Jackson’s eyes never left Evelyn, who stood across the room. “You know what’s funny? After I said no, my parents didn’t give up. They thought maybe if I wasn’t interested, my younger brother Daniel would be. And guess what? Daniel said yes.”


    Axel’s eyebrows lifted in curiosity. “But she didn’t marry him either, right?”


    “Exactly,” Jackson chuckled softly. “Evelyn turned him down just before the engagement was finalized. Her father lost it—he actually kicked her out of the house.”


    Jackson’s smile faded, reced by a more serious expression. “I remember because my mom called me, telling me Mr. Walters was furious. He said Evelyn’s refusal to marry brought shame to the family. It was the talk of the business circles for a whole week. I’m sure you’ve heard about it?”


    Axel remained silent, his mind racing as pieces fell into ce. He’d often wondered why William Walters had disowned his daughter. Now, Jackson’s story made everything clearer.


    So that was the truth.


    A bitter taste filled Axel’s mouth. Evelyn had never shared the full story with him before. When he’d asked why her father had turned his back on her, she had only said it was because she didn’t dare to reveal his name.


    But now, hearing Jackson’s ount, it all made sense. Evelyn had refused Daniel because she was already carrying a child — his child.


    A quiet realization settled over Axel, a mixture of joy and guilt swirling inside him. She had borne that secret alone, endured her father’s wrath, and still chose to protect the truth — to protect their son and, unknowingly, him too.


    His chest tightened with a strange blend of admiration and regret. He had never imagined he’d feel so much for her, so deeply, and yet be haunted by the past.


    Jackson’s voice pulled him back to the present. “Man, I had no idea she ended up with you. If my parents found out, they’d probably need CPR. Evelyn Walters married Axel Knight — two rival families under one roof. That’s headline news right there.”


    Axel let out a dry chuckle. “They’ll survive. But please, keep it quiet. Only the people invited here know she’s my wife.”


    “No worries, man. My lips are sealed — doctor’s honor.” Jackson grinned mischievously. “But I gotta say… you’re one lucky bastard.”


    Axelughed softly. “I know. I am.” He resumed walking alongside his family.


    As they fully entered the living room, Evelyn nced across the room and caught Axel’s eye for a brief moment. She smiled faintly, but the smile faded quickly when she noticed the man walking beside him.


    She recognized him immediately — Lincoln.


    The name alone tightened her chest. The memory of nearly marrying Daniel Lincoln was still fresh in her mind, a path she might have taken if she hadn’t be pregnant after that wild night with Axel.


    What surprised her most was learning that Jackson Lincoln was Axel’s best friend.


    If Axel invited him here, then they must be close friends, right? Her thoughts tumbled like marbles rolling across a wooden floor, spinning faster and faster.


    Before she could process everything, Axel appeared beside her, his hand sliding gently around her waist, grounding her in the moment.


    “Eve,” he said softly, “let me hold him.” He took Oliver from her arms and cradled their son with ease. “Let me introduce you to my friend, Jackson. You can call him Jack.”


    Evelyn offered a polite smile and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Lincoln.”


    Jackson shook her hand with a warm grin. “Please, call me Jack. No one calls me ‘Mr. Lincoln’ unless they’re suing me.”


    Evelyn chuckled softly at his easy humor.


    Axel continued smoothly, “Jack, this is my wife, Evelyn. And this little guy here is our son, Oliver.”


    Oliver peeked out shyly from Axel’s arms.


    “So this is the young man everyone’s been talking about. Hello there, little Oliver. I’m Uncle Jack.”


    Oliver’s expression turned serious for a moment before he whispered, “You’re not my real uncle.”


    Jackson raised his eyebrows in surprise, but Axel was already chuckling. “He’s very honest,” he said with amusement.


    “Well,” Jackson replied with a grin, “you’re right. But if I bring you a cake next time, maybe I can upgrade my title?”


    Oliver’s face lit up instantly.


    “Okay! But chocte cake, not carrot cake. Mommy says carrot cake is healthy, and I don’t like it.”


    Evelyn almostughed at that.


    Jacksonughed heartily. “Noted. Chocte only. We’ll get along just fine.”


    The room filled with warmughter, and the tension Evelyn had felt moments ago melted away.


    She appreciated how friendly and easygoing Jackson was. He hadn’t brought up Daniel, his brother, or her family, the Walters, during their conversation.


    Before she could say more, Oliver’s attention suddenly shifted. His big brown eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open.


    “Granny Martha!?” he eximed excitedly.


    Everyone turned toward the doorway just as Martha entered, Jimmy trailing behind her, carrying a small gift bag and wearing her usual gentle smile.


    Evelyn barely had time to react before Oliver wriggled in Axel’s arms.


    “Daddy, put me down! Granny’s here!”


    Axel chuckled and lowered him to the floor. The boy dashed off like a little bullet, his small legs carrying him straight into Martha’s waiting arms.


    “Granny Martha!” he squealed, wrapping his arms tightly around her neck.


    Martha’s eyes glistened with emotion as she scooped him up, holding him close.


    “Oh, sweetheart… look at you! You’ve grown taller every time I blink. What are you eating these days, fertilizer?” she teased with a warm smile. “You’re growing faster than my sunflower.”


    Everyoneughed, even Axel cracked a smile, shaking his head.


    Oliver giggled. “No, no… Granny. Just chocte cake, blueberry pancakes, waffles, and lots of milk.”


    Martha gasped yfully before continuing with a soft smile, “Ah, that exins it. All that sweetness is going straight to your height.”


    Oliver nodded solemnly. “But Mommy says too much chocte and sweets are bad for my teeth.”


    Martha leaned closer and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “Don’t worry, darling. Granny will sneak you some when Mommy’s not looking.”


    Evelyn couldn’t help butugh. She stepped forward and said, “I heard that.”Conclusion


    The chapter delicately unveils theyers of hidden truths and unspoken sacrifices that bind Axel and Evelyn, revealing the depth of their connection beyond mere circumstance. Through Jackson’s candid revtions and warm presence, the story gently peels back the past, allowing the characters—and readers—to grasp the profound resilience and love that have defined Evelyn’s journey. The tender moments shared around Oliver, especially his innocent honesty and joyful reunion with Granny Martha, breathe life into the family’s fragile but growing bonds, reminding us of the healing power of eptance and understanding.


    In this quiet yet emotionally charged gathering, the characters find a moment of peace amid theplexities of their intertwined histories. Axel’s protective embrace and Evelyn’s cautious smile hint at a future shaped by trust and openness, while theughter and lighthearted exchanges soften the shadows of past pain. The chapter closes on a note of hopeful warmth, suggesting that despite the challenges they have faced, love and family remain their strongest anchors.What to Expect in Next Chapter?


    The next chapter promises to deepen the intricate web of rtionships surrounding Axel, Evelyn, and their son Oliver. As Evelyn navigates theplexities of her past and present, the arrival of family members like Granny Martha hints at both warmth and potential tension. The interactions among the characters suggest that hidden emotions and unspoken histories are poised to surface, challenging the fragile peace they currently enjoy.


    Expect a blend of tender moments and subtle conflicts as loyalties are tested and secrets threaten to unravel. Evelyn’s guarded smile and Axel’s protective presence suggest that while love binds them, the shadows of their pasts—especially involving figures like Daniel and the Lincoln family—may soon demand confrontation. The delicate bnce between family bonds and old wounds will create a charged atmosphere, keeping readers eager to see how these intertwined lives evolve.


    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.