293 Let me Help You, Auntie!


    The gentle chime of the doorbell echoed through the house, halting Evelyn and Oliver mid–exploration.


    They had just finished checking every corner, including the pantry Oliver insisted might hide “secret snacks.”


    Both turned toward the door at the same time.


    Oliver gasped, his eyes shining as he ran to Evelyn and grabbed her hand. “Mommy? Is that Daddy?”


    Evelynughed quietly and shook her head. “No, sweetheart. It’s not Daddy.” She bent slightly and brushed his hair back. “Go on. Open it.”


    Oliver stared at her, blinking as if trying to read her face. Then he frowned, suspicious. Oliver stared at her, blinking as if trying to “You’re smiling.”


    She grinned wider. “If you don’t hurry, the guest might leave.”


    “Guest?” His eyes widened dramatically. “Grandma Martha?”


    Before Evelyn could answer, Oliver squealed and bolted toward the door. “Grandmaaa


    –!”


    Evelyn chuckled as she followed more slowly, already knowing what chaos awaited on the other side.


    The door swung open to reveal Aunty Martha, arms full of shopping bags, her face lighting up with joy and excitement at the sight of Oliver.


    Behind her stood Lisa, holding even more bags, looking slightly resigned but amused. “There’s my handsome boy!” Martha eximed.


    “Grandma…” Oliver threw himself forward, wrapping his arms around her legs. “You’re


    Marthaughed. “Excuse me? I brought food. That means I’m always on time.”


    “Blueberry muffins?” Oliver asked while sniffing the air.


    “And apple pie,” Martha added proudly. “Plus banana muffins, because youined


    293 Lot mo Help You. Auntie!


    Oliver gasped. “You remembered.”


    “I remember everything,” Martha said smugly, then attempted to lift him. She barely managed an inch before groaning. “Oh no, no, no. Grandma’s back has officially retired.”


    “It’s okay, Granny, I can walk”


    Evelyn moved closer with a warm smile. “Wee, Aunty… Thanks for cooking for us.”


    Martha turned and pulled her into a careful hug. “Look at you. Still beautiful as always. I missed you.”


    “I missed you, too,” Evelyn said softly. She took the bags from Martha’s hand, “Let’s get


    inside.”


    The house quickly filled withughter and the tter of bags as Lisa set everything on


    the kitchen counter.


    Evelyn insisted on helping, and Lisa agreed after only minimal protest.


    Lunch turned into a feast.


    There was roasted chicken with herbs, buttery mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, fresh sd with citrus dressing, and warm bread that filled the kitchen withfort.


    For dessert, Marthaid out muffins, apple pie, and a small chocte tart she imed was “just in case.”


    They gathered around the table, the room buzzing with easy conversation.


    “So,” Martha said between bites, eyeing Evelyn closely. “You’re glowing. Don’t deny it.”


    Evelynughed. “You sound like Axel.”


    Oliver suddenly straightened in his chair, chewing his chicken. “Grandma… Do you know what? Mommy has a baby.”


    The room went silent.


    Martha froze, fork hovering mid–air. “A what?”


    “A baby,” Oliver repeated proudly. “In her tummy. Daddy put it there.”


    Lisa coughed so hard she nearly choked on her water.


    “Oliver-” Evelyn was speechless. She had already nned to tell Aunty Martha, but


    293 Let me Help You, Auntie!


    her clever son stole the chance.


    “Oh dear, Eve… You’re pregnant?” Martha asked while mming her fork down and standing up.


    Evelyn nodded,ughing nervously. “Yes. Five weeks…”


    Martha crossed the room in three steps and wrapped Evelyn in a fierce hug. “Oh my goodness. My girl. Congrattions. I’m so happy for you…”


    “Thank you, Aunty…” Evelyn feels her heart warm as she hears Aunty Martha sob with happiness about her pregnancy. Simrly, when she told her she was pregnant with Oliver.


    Martha pulled back, eyes reddened from her happy tears. “Your house just got even warmer. There will be two adorable babies in the house…”


    “Grandma, I’m not a baby anymore. I’m the big brother.” Oliver protests.


    “Yes, you are big brother now…” Martha said, pinching his cheek before she settled in


    her seat again. “And I expect you to help your mommy take care of the baby.”


    “Sure, Granny. I will teach the baby about muffins,” he dered.


    “That’s essential education,” Martha agreed.


    Laughter filled the room again, warm and genuine.


    The house felt alive, full in a way it hadn’t been for months.


    Evelyn watched them, her heart swelling.


    This town had once been her hiding ce, a quiet refuge.


    Now, it felt like home again.


    She is happy toe back here and meet Grandma Martha. <ol start="24"><li>24. </li></ol>


    After lunch, when Oliver finally settled in his bedroom, the house grew quiet again.


    The afternoon light softened the living room, casting warm shadows across the sofa where Evelyn sat with Martha.


    A bowl of sliced apples and oranges rested between them as they talked.


    Martha listened intently as Evelyn spoke about her pregnancy. She frowned more than


    <


    293 Let me Help You, Auntie!


    once, worrying aloud about city food, pollution, stress, and everything a grandmother could possibly worry about.


    “You know how those city people eat,” Martha muttered. “Too much salt, too much oil. I’m worried…”


    Evelynughed softly.


    “Aunty, no need to worry. Axel hired a chef just for me. He watches my meals like a hawk. Sometimes I feel like I’m being supervised.”


    “That’s how it should be,” Martha said firmly. “A man should take responsibility.”


    Evelyn nodded, her smile turning gentler. She spoke about Axel, who always rested protectively on her back, the way he never forgot her vitamins or doctor


    appointments.


    As she spoke, Martha’s shoulders slowly rxed. “Eve… I’m d,” she said quietly. “This time, you’re not alone.”


    That sentence lingered between them.


    After a moment, the warmth shifted.


    Martha’s fingers tightened around a slice of apple, and her gaze drifted toward the


    window.


    “My son’s birthday ising up,” Martha said suddenly. “Still nothing. No calls. Until today, there’s no news about the DNA test I submitted at the hospital.” The smile she had worn all afternoon fadedpletely.


    Evelyn’s chest tightened. She knows Aunty Martha has been waiting for the DNA test results for years, but there’s still no word. She reached out and gently squeezed Martha’s hand with hers.


    “I’m sorry, Grandma,” she said softly.


    Martha inhaled deeply, nodding once. “I keep telling myself he’s alive. Somewhere.”


    Evelyn feels her heart ache for Martha. She pulled her into a gentle embrace. “Let me help you, Auntie,” she said before she could stop herself.


    Martha stiffened. She gently pushes Evelyn away to see her in the eyes, “Help how?” she asked.


    4/19


    293 Let me Help You, Auntie!


    “I’ll ask Axel,” Evelyn said, her voice steady despite the weight of the promise. “He has resources. Connections. If there’s anything to find, he will.”


    For a split second, hope flickered across Martha’s face, “Eve… Thank you. I’ll send you everything I have. Every photo. Every name. Every lead.”


    Thank meter, Aunty, if we get a lead. Evelyn patted her hand and smiled, but she was worried inside.


    She tried to help through Oscar, but he found nothing. The info they have is the same as Martha’s: her son died in a warehouse explosion. Nobody was found, and no DNA test matched.


    That’s why Martha still believes her son is missing. She never epted her son’s


    death.


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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.