Chapter 425: Parting

Five days later.

The lively noise that had filled the house over the past week had slowly faded, leaving behind a calm that felt almost unfamiliar.

The last few days had passed in a blur of visits, laughter, and warm gatherings.

Evelyn still found herself replaying the moments in her mind, as if afraid they might fade if she did not hold onto them tightly enough.

They had visited the Morgan family, where conversations stretched endlessly, and meals somehow lasted for hours.

Alicia and Stella had come to visit them in the Valley, arms full of New Year’s gifts for Oliver. The living room looked like a small toy store, with boxes and bright wrapping paper scattered everywhere.

Oliver, of course, had been thrilled beyond measure.

Evelyn had been equally entertained watching him struggle to decide which gift deserved his attention and excitement first. Axel had simply observed the chaos with quiet amusement, occasionally stepping in to rescue a toy from being enthusiastically hugged and played with until it was almost dismantled.

Then the holiday at the mountain cabin. Those days had felt different, peaceful, and unhurried.

Mornings wrapped in silence, evenings filled with soft laughter, and nights warmed by closeness that required no words.

Evelyn had treasured every second, knowing how rare it was for Axel to step away from work completely.

She had felt deeply grateful that he took an entire week off.

But reality, as always, waited patiently.

Today marked the end of that brief escape.

Axel had to return to the office. And Martha and Ethan, who had been staying with them for the past few days, also had to leave.

Evelyn already knew Martha’s plans. Soon, she would return to the capital to settle into her new home after finishing her business in Willowcrest.

Oliver, unfortunately, had not been informed. Since breakfast, he had been unusually attached to Martha.

He followed her from room to room, refusing to let even a small distance grow between them. Evelyn had tried to intervene several times, but Oliver remained stubbornly committed to his mission.

Even now, near the front yard, he clung tightly to Martha’s hand. “Grandma… Uncle Noah,” his voice was gentle but urgent. “Could you stay just one more night?”

Axel turned away instantly, unable to hold his smile.

While Evelyn pressed her lips together, struggling to maintain composure, that expression on Oliver’s face was dangerously effective. His wide eyes shimmered with pure pleading, a look clearly designed to break even the strongest resolve.

Martha’s face softened immediately. “Oh, sweetheart. You are making this very difficult for Grandma.”

Oliver frowned, “But Grandma, I’m not done playing with you.”

Evelyn stepped closer and gently took Oliver’s free hand. “Sweetheart, Grandma and Uncle Noah will definitely come back later.”

Oliver’s disappointment was written plainly across his face as he looked at her, “But Mommy… I haven’t had enough of Grandma yet.” He said innocently.

Noah leaned casually against the car, watching the scene with amusement. “Well, little Oliver, that hurts,” he said dramatically. “I thought I was your favorite.”

Oliver barely spared him a glance.

Noah placed a hand over his chest. “Unbelievable betrayal,” he said, holding back a laugh.

Axel chuckled quietly this time.

Martha smiled gently before crouching in front of Oliver. She took his tiny hand and said, “Baby, Grandma is not going anywhere. I just need to handle a few things first and then come back here.”

“What things?” Oliver asked, narrowing his eyes, confused.

“Boring grown-up things,” Martha replied calmly.

Oliver sighed deeply, the weight of the world seemingly resting on his tiny shoulders. “Grandma is right, grown-up things are always boring.”

Axel laughed openly.

Noah nodded in agreement as he said, “He’s absolutely right.”

Martha shook her head, still smiling. “After that, Grandma will move closer to you.”

Oliver blinked. The sadness vanished instantly. “Closer?”

Noah grinned. “Yes. Very close. Near your house.”

Oliver’s eyes widened as he looked at him with excitement. “Really, Uncle?”

“Really,” Noah confirmed proudly.

“When?” Oliver asked. His face lit up.

Noah paused for half a second. “Uh…”

Martha gave him a calm and lovely, but pointed glance. “Soon,” she answered smoothly. “I still need to settle my affairs in Willowcrest.”

Oliver stared at her carefully. “Affairs? What are the affairs?”

Axel coughed, clearly hiding another laugh. “Important work that must be done, little boss,” he explained quickly. “It’s a very serious adult mission. Someday, when you grow up, you’ll understand.”

Oliver listened to his father’s explanation with a serious young boy’s look. Then, slowly, he nodded and saw Martha again, “Fine. But Grandma must come back fast.”

Martha pulled him into a warm hug. “I promise.”

Noah ruffled Oliver’s hair gently. “Don’t worry, little man, we’re not escaping from you. In fact, we hate leaving you.”

Oliver finally released Martha’s hand. Though his reluctance was painfully obvious. “All right, I will wait,” he declared with surprising maturity.

Evelyn smiled softly, her heart warming at his words.

Finally, the car door closed.

The engine started.

Oliver waved seriously as the vehicle slowly drove away.

Silence followed.

Axel lifted Oliver effortlessly into his arms. Together, they watched the car disappear beyond the gate.

But the quiet lasted only seconds.

Another car rolled smoothly into the yard. It was Axel’s car.

The little one stiffened immediately as he turned toward Axel, his gaze questioning.

Axel sighed softly. “Well…”

“Daddy…”

Axel already recognized that tone.

“Yes?”

“You’re leaving too, right?”

Evelyn bit her lip.

Axel adjusted Oliver slightly in his arms. “I have to go to the office.”

Oliver crossed his arms, clearly didn’t want his father to also leave him, “I don’t like today. Everyone left…”

Axel smiled faintly. “I won’t go for long, I’ll be back tonight and have dinner with you and mommy.”

Oliver remained unconvinced. “That’s what everyone says.”

Evelyn stepped closer, brushing Oliver’s hair gently. “Daddy just needs to work, sweetheart.”

Oliver stared at Axel carefully. Then said helplessly, “Alright…”

Axel relaxed too quickly.

“But…” He speaks again. “There must be compensation.”

“Compensation?” Axel asked.

Oliver nodded seriously. “Yes.”

“Snacks or toys?” Axel stared at his son, waiting for his answer.

“Donuts!” he said, his eyes shining as if a flash of light had gone through them. “My favorite.”

“Sure! I’ll buy plenty of donuts for you, buddy.” Axel promised. Then he carries Oliver to the door and asks him to go inside.

And just like that, Axel Knight had once again successfully negotiated with his little boss.

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