After Oliver left the room for his piano class, her office finally fell quiet.
The call with Oscar was still connected, his familiar voice filling the room.
"Eve, are you still there?"
"Yeah... Are you seriously going to fly here?" she asked, still half doubtful.
"I always fulfill my promises, Eve," Oscar replied, followed by his light, confident laugh. "Of course I will. But probably in December. I still have a pending job here that I can’t escape yet."
"December is still fine," Evelyn said. "Do you want me to arrange a hotel? You can stay at Axel’s hotel if you want."
Oscar chuckled. "No need, my friend. I already bought a house not far from your area."
Evelyn straightened in her seat. "You did? When?"
"A while ago," Oscar replied casually. "When I visit the city, I look around. I figured I should have a place near you and Oliver."
She blinked, surprised and slightly touched. "That sounds... very prepared of you."
"Well, I am a very thoughtful uncle."
Evelyn smiled, then narrowed her eyes playfully. "Wait a minute. Did you buy a house because you finally found a woman to settle down with?"
"What?" Oscar nearly shouted.
Evelyn could hear him coughing on the other end. Or even the sounds he fell from his chair, she stifled a smile.
"Are you trying to kill me?" he said.
She laughed. "So that’s a no?"
"Of course it’s a no," he protested. "Where would I even find a woman? I barely go out. My circle is ninety percent men, and the rest are computers."
"That’s tragic," Evelyn teased. "Maybe I should help you find a nice woman here..."
"No," Oscar replied immediately. "Absolutely not."
"Oh, come on," she continued mischievously. "I know many good women. Smart, kind, beautiful..."
"I’m not interested," Oscar cut in firmly. "I’m enjoying my life now. I have my work, my hobbies, and my best friends. We already agreed that when I get old, they will take care of me. And, you’re one of them!"
Evelyn burst into laughter.
"I remember that conversation. You said you would live in our house when you are old."
"Exactly," Oscar replied proudly. "That’s my retirement plan."
She shook her head, still smiling. "You are funny, my friend."
"And happy," he added calmly.
Before she could reply, Oscar suddenly paused. "Eve, wait a second. Someone is trying to call you... It’s Axel."
Evelyn was surprised; she didn’t even realize it was almost five, and she had spoken to him for too long.
"Ugh, Oscar, we’ll talk later," she said hurriedly.
"Alright, I also need to sleep now."
They ended the call, and almost immediately, Evelyn’s phone rang again.
Axel’s name appeared on the screen.
Her playful smile faded a little as she answered, sensing something in the timing.
"Axel?" she said gently.
His voice came through steady and calm, but she knew him well enough to hear the tension beneath it.
"Eve, are you busy?" he asked. "I’ve called you many times, but your phone was busy."
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