291 Are You Threatening Me or Inviting Me?
“Daddy, why do I already miss Cloud and Browny?”
Axel smiled. “I remember you already said goodbye to them before we left?”
“Yes, I do. But I miss feeding them. I hope Jimmy remembers to give them plenty <b>of </b>apples.”
“He will. I will remind himter…”
“Thank you, Daddy…” he said, leaning on his shoulder and looking at the hospital
entrance.
When Axel thought his son would sleep, his soft voice broke the silence again.
“Daddy, did mommy remember to tell Grandma Martha we’re heading to the beach
house?”
“I think Mommy remembers.”
Oliver suddenly sat up straighter and pped his hands, eyes shining as he looked at his father, “Daddy, you know… Grandma Martha always makes cookies. And, Blueberry muffins. Banana muffins. Chocte muffins, too.”
Axel raised an eyebrow. “That’s a lot of muffins.”
“Hmmm…A lot. And she lets me eat two,” Oliver said proudly. “Sometimes three. But
never four or more.”
Axel shook his head in amusement. “I see why you miss her.”
Before Qliver could list more baked goods, Axel noticed movement at the hospital
entrance.
His heart stilled.
Evelyn appeared, walking beside Lisa.
Axel straightened immediately, relief washing through him.
Almost at the same time, Liam returned with arge donut box.
“Mommy!” Oliver eximed, pressing his face to the window.
Axel smiled, his worry easing as the car door opened and Evelyn finally came back to
them.
291 Are You Threatening Me or Inviting Mo?
“Sorry, I made you wait so long, Evelyn said as soon as she slid into the passenger seat, her voice filled with genuine apology.
Axel smiled while helping Oliver settle into his car seat in the back. “It’s fine. We were having fun here, right, buddy?” he said, giving their son a yful blink.
“Yes, we are having fun here, Mom…” Oliver dered loudly, craning his neck to peer around the car. “But I’m hungry. Uncle Liam, where is my donut?”
“No worries, young master,” Liam replied. “I bought many donuts for you.”
Evelynughed as she buckled her seatbelt, the tension she had carried inside the hospital finally loosening. Hurriedly, she took the donut box from Liam and opened it, the sweet smell filling the car.
“What do you want?” she asked, ncing at the back row, pretending to be serious.
“My favorite, Mommy,” Oliver replied without hesitation.
She raised an eyebrow. “Which one is that?”
“The biggest one,” he answered proudly, “with many choctes inside.”
Axel chuckled. “Hmmm…I’d say you have a particrly unique taste bud, buddy.”
Evelyn shook her head, amused, and handed Oliver a generously sized donut. “This is why you and Daddy get along so well.”
“That’s because Daddy also likes to eat a lot,” Oliver said innocently.
Axel coughed. Evelyn burst outughing, while Liam and Lisa quietly focused on the road as if nothing had happened.
Once Oliver was happily busy with his donut, the car finally pulled away from the hospital, heading toward Willowcrest.
The city slowly faded behind them, reced by open roads and distant mountain
scenery.
Axel reached for Evelyn’s hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “You look happy. Was the meeting a sess?”
The question held the worry he had kept to himself for the past hour. He had feared bad news,plicated histories, or people who might hurt her.
00:11
291 Are You Threatening Me or Inviting Me?
“Yes,” Evelyn replied softly, her eyes shining. “It was a sess.”
She leans slightly toward him. “I met my mother’s cousin. His father is actually my grandmother’s twin brother. He’s kind… Really kind. Completely different from the person I was afraid I might meet.”
Axel felt the tension in his chest ease. He squeezed her hand gently. “I am thrilled to hear that, Eve.”
“So am I,” she said, her smile lingering. “I feel happy.”
After a brief pause, she added, “Oh, right. He wants to meet you. Meet my family.”
Axel was slightly surprised, “Now?”
“Not now. Since we were outside, it wasn’t appropriate. So I invited him to dinner at our house instead. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” Axel smiled warmly. “Of course not. I’d love to meet him.”
From the back seat, Oliver suddenly chimed in, his mouth full. “Who are we meeting?”
“Mommy’s family,” Axel replied.
Oliver’s eyes widened. “Do they like donuts?”
Evelynughed, leaning back in her seat. “I think they will, especially if you share.”
Oliver considered that seriously. “Okay,” he said atst. “But only one.”
Axel and Evelyn exchanged amused nces, the car filled with warmth,ughter, and the quiet sense that something important had finally fallen into ce.
The drive to Willowcrest felt shorter than usual, the familiar underground lights guiding their car into the basement parking area. The engine fell silent, and for a brief moment, everything felt calm.
Axel checked the time on his phone and sighed quietly. “I can’t go up with you,” he said, regret clear in his voice. “I have to head back to the city for a meeting”
Evelyn nodded.
Axel stepped out first and gently helped Oliver out of the car, lifting him with ease. “Alright, buddy, you wait with Lisa on the elevator.”
291 Are You Threatening Me or Inviting Me?
“Hmm…” Oliver is already sprinting toward the elevator with Lisa following <b>him </b>
behind.
While Evelyn was standing next to the vehicle, she watched Axel for a moment before calling out, “Make sure you return before dinner, Axel. I won’t greet my uncle without you<b>.” </b>
He smiles, tugging at his lips. “Are you threatening me or inviting me?”
“Both,” she replied lightly.
Axel closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if he was memorizing the moment.
“I’ll be back,” he murmured against her hair. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
Evelyn rested her forehead against his chest. “Drive safely,” she whispered. “And don’t
bete.”
He gently lifted her chin and kissed her, slow and reassuring. “I won’t bete, my Her heart softened at his words. “I love you.”
“I know,” he replied with a grin. “I love
you too.”
dear.”
Sheughed softly as he finally stepped away. Axel gave her onest look before joining Liam, and soon, the car disappeared up the basement.
Evelyn exhaled and turned toward the elevator. Just as she reached for her phone, it vibrated.
A message appeared on the screen.
“<i>Eve</i><i>, </i><i>have </i>you <i>arrived </i><i>yet</i><i>?</i>” From<i>: </i>Martha
A smile appeared in her eyes as she quickly typed her reply, “Yes, aunty. <i>We </i>are <i>at </i>home now. See <i>you</i>…”
292 She is Our Family
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<strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.