The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover-Chapter 30: Misundestanding?
"Mommy... if Uncle Ax... I mean, Daddy Axel knew about me, so why didnโt he stay with us? Why does he only show up when Iโm hurt?" ๐ฏ๐ง๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ฃ๐ค๐๐ฎ๐ต.๐๐ค๐ข
Her chest tightened.
She had prepared herself for this moment countless times, yet hearing the words come from his little mouth, paired with those wide, innocent eyes brimming with curiosity instead of anger, made her heart ache in ways she wasnโt ready for.
Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
The truth was too heavy, too cruel.
She couldnโt tell him about the years of hatred that had been ingrained within her heart and mind. About William Waltersโ ultimatum. About how Axel Knightโs very name had been a curse in her family. She couldnโt tell him she had been thrown outโdisownedโbecause she chose to keep him.
If her innocent son ever learned the truth, she knew exactly what would happen. He would blame himself. He would carry guilt he never deserved.
No. She would carry that burden for him, no matter how much it cost her.
So Evelyn swallowed the ache in her throat, forcing a smile.
"Sweetheart, sometimes grown-ups... they canโt always be together, even if they want to..." Evelyn was stunned. Of all the thoughts racing through her mind, that one unexpectedly escaped her lips.
Oliver tilted his head. His brows furrowed. "But, daddy wants to, right?"
Her heart skipped a beat, caught between truth and lie.
Before she could gather the words, Oliverโs voice trembled again, smaller this time. "Or... Daddy didnโt want us? Is that why he left? Is that why he never comes to see us?"
The trembling in his voice tore through her soul.
Regret weighed heavily on her chest, as she wished she had listened to Axelโs wise suggestion that he should be present when she told Oliver the truth about him. It might have made things easier for everyone.
Now, watching her sonโs fragile hope begin to crack, Evelyn realized Axel had been right all along.
"No, sweetheart," Evelyn answered quickly, reaching out to hold his chubby little hand. She patted it gently, her eyes softening as she gazed into his slightly trembling ones.
"Of course, your daddy wants us. But... thereโs a misunderstanding between Mommy and Daddy."
"Misunderstanding?" Oliver asked, tilting his head. His little brow furrowed, sharp and curious.
Evelyn bit the inside of her lip. โGosh, Eve... be careful with your words. Heโs not just any child; heโs Axel Knightโs son. Too smart.โ
She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to meet his eyes.
"Iโm sorry, darling. Mommy canโt explain it right now. Itโs... complicated."
The flicker of disappointment in his gaze stabbed straight into her heart.
Evelyn wanted to grab him, hold him tight, and tell him everything, but she couldnโt. She wouldnโt put that kind of weight on his tiny shoulders.
So she cupped his cheek instead, her thumb brushing gently over his warm skin.
"But I promise you, sweetheart, your daddy wonโt go anywhere. Heโll be with us again."
Oliverโs face lit up instantly, his eyes shining like sunshine breaking through storm clouds.
"Really? Heโll stay with us?"
Relief enveloped her, her chest loosening for the first time since Axelโs call.
She smiled, "Yes, pretty soon. And if you donโt believe me, you can ask him yourself when you see him."
Oliverโs lips spread into a bright smile as he nodded eagerly. "Mommy, I believe you..."
His innocent voice nearly sent tears to her eyes as she felt her heart swell.
Then, with the kind of childlike trust that melted her, Oliver stood and wrapped his small hand tightly around hers. "I always believe you, Mommy."
Evelynโs heart clenched as she looked down at him. How could such a small boy hold such unwavering faith?
She bent down and kissed his forehead, breathing him in as if the simple act could steady her racing heart.
"Thank you, sweetheart," she whispered. "You donโt know how much that means to me."
Oliver giggled softly, squeezing her hand again. "Then you donโt have to worry anymore, Mommy. If Daddy stays with us, weโll all be happy, right?"
Evelyn smiled slightly.
"Ye-Yes," she said, hugging him tightly. "Weโll all be happy."
She wasnโt entirely honest with Oliver.
The truth was, she had no idea what the future held once they stepped into Axel Knightโs world. His world was dangerous, unpredictable, and nothing like the quiet, fragile life she had built for her son.
But one thing she knew for sure was that she would do anything, absolutely anything, to keep Oliver happy.
...
The rest of the day went by so fast.
She didnโt leave the apartment; instead, she chose to stay with her son, playing with his toys, reading a book to him, cooking for him, or sitting by his side to watch his favorite cartoons.
By nightfall, she was utterly exhausted.
Fortunately, Oliver finally fell into a deep sleep by nine. She feels relieved; at last, she has found her peace.
Evelyn felt her body heavy and sluggish, as if she were made of stone.
She ignored her phone, vibrating on the nightstand.
Whoever calls her, she wonโt pick up the call. She had nothing left to give tonight. All she wanted was to collapse. Sleep!
Evelyn felt like a zombie, bone-tired, her body begging for rest. She slumped onto her bed, sinking into the softness, her eyelids already fluttering shut.
But before she could fall asleep, the sharp chime of the doorbell jolted her upright. Her heart jumped in her chest.
At this hour, only one person could have access to the fifth floor.
"Aunt Martha? Why would she come so late?" Evelyn muttered, glancing at the glowing green digital watch, 9:40 PM on the nightstand.
Careful not to wake Oliver, she pushed herself up and hurried to the door, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
She pulled the door open mid-whisper. "Aunt..." Her voice stopped in her throat.
Axel Knight stood tall before her.
Her breath feels like itโs stopped. For a second, she thought her exhausted mind was playing tricks on her.
But no, there he was, tall and impossibly composed, filling her doorway with that unmistakable presence.
"Iโm not Aunt Martha," Axel said smoothly, "Itโs me."
Evelyn blinked. She couldnโt believe it. He is here, this is almost ten.
Axel tilted his head slightly, eyes beaming with quiet amusement. "Why are you looking surprised to see me?"
