The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn and Axel) novel Chapter 417

Chapter 417: Happy New Year!

For the first time, they all sat together.

The atmosphere at the table felt warm, natural, and deeply familial.

There was no awkwardness, no forced politeness, only a quiet sense of comfort that slowly wrapped around the room.

Evelyn’s presence brought gentle brightness to the space, while Oliver’s cheerful energy filled the air.

Martha’s happiness was impossible to miss, her eyes constantly drifting toward Ethan with a mixture of affection and quiet disbelief.

And Ethan—

Though he still had no memory of his mother, though the past remained painfully blank, something inside him felt unexpectedly at peace.

It was a strange feeling.

But not unpleasant.

In fact, it felt... good.

The warmth of the room, the soft laughter, the simple domestic conversation—everything created a sense of belonging he could not quite explain.

He did not remember her.

But sitting there beside her felt right.

As if his heart recognized something his mind could not.

The lunch passed with gentle ease, filled with soft laughter and light conversation. No heavy topics, no painful memories, only the quiet joy of people sharing a simple meal.

There was no tension. Only warmth. Only peace. Only family.

...

The hours crept toward midnight, and the bedroom door finally opened.

Axel stepped inside, his movements slower than usual, the exhaustion evident in the slight slump of his shoulders.

Yet the moment his eyes landed on Evelyn, the weariness on his face softened into a warm, familiar smile, the kind that effortlessly brightened her entire evening.

Evelyn looked up from the television, amusement flickering in her eyes.

"Did he torture you by making you read five books again?" she asked playfully, glancing toward the clock. It was nearly eleven.

Axel let out a long breath, closed the door behind him, and walked toward the sofa where Evelyn sat.

Without hesitation, he lowered himself beside her and leaned his head against her shoulder like a man seeking refuge.

She chuckled softly and turned off the television, placing the remote neatly on the coffee table.

"Please don’t be upset with him. Our son truly misses his dad and just wants to spend some quality time with you."

Axel sighed deeply, as though he had just been released from a demanding negotiation rather than a bedtime routine.

"Where does he get so much energy?" he muttered, his tone halfway between complaint and disbelief.

Evelyn smiled.

His arm slid behind her naturally, pulling her closer, and she responded without thinking, resting her head comfortably against his shoulder.

Tilting her face slightly to look at him, she replied with gentle confidence. "Why are you even asking? It’s obviously from you."

Axel tilted his head a bit. Then, the faint grin forming on his lips betrayed him. "I highly doubt that," he answered.

"Oh, really?" Evelyn asked playfully.

"Yes," Axel continued smoothly. "I believe it comes from the alarming amount of sugar he consumed earlier."

Evelyn laughed softly.

"Well, you are not entirely wrong," she admitted. "Oliver did eat quite a lot of dessert."

Axel raised an eyebrow.

"Quite a lot?" He asked.

Evelyn hesitated before saying, "...An impressive amount."

Axel chuckled.

"That boy was practically glowing with excitement."

Evelyn sighed dramatically. "Well, I can’t blame him... Aunty Martha really spoiled him tonight. Those desserts were too delicious."

Axel nodded thoughtfully.

"Then we start his diet tomorrow."

She instantly lifted her head. "Oh, absolutely not."

Axel frowned. "...Not?"

"He will immediately file a complaint."

Axel continued. "Grandpa insists we bring Oliver. He wants to introduce him to the rest of the family." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

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