Chapter 179

Evelyn felt a wave of relief wash over her as Dominic walked out the door. But it wasn't complete.

The dishes clinked in the sink as she washed them. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. She couldn't pinpoint what was wrong with her.

When he mentioned having business tonight, Yvette's words from the office echoed in her mind.

Yvette had been right about one thing.

Men always craved younger women's bodies.

At twenty-four, Evelyn knew she wasn't old. But nineteen-year-old Yvette had youth on her side.

There was an undeniable difference between a woman who'd given birth and one who hadn't.

The internet was full of horror stories about terrible men and foolish women. One wrong thought could make her just like them.

A man like Dominic - wealthy, powerful, devastatingly handsome with an athlete's body - naturally attracted women like moths to a flame.

How could she expect his love confession to last forever?

Sebastian arrived at 7:40 PM sharp.

Evelyn had planned to take the subway with the twins, who always enjoyed the ride.

"Mr. Blackwood called. Insisted I get here before you left," Sebastian said, treating her with CEO-level respect.

But Evelyn remembered Dominic's words last night - how Sebastian had been on a date when called for clean pants. A man should prioritize his girlfriend.

Plus, it was his personal time.

"We'll take the subway. It's faster," Evelyn insisted, not wanting to cause relationship trouble. "Go enjoy your evening, Mr. Whitmore."

Sebastian smiled. "My life belongs to my boss. Please, Miss Sinclair, get in."

She refused again.

Everyone deserved personal time!

"Perhaps you've never taken the twins out alone," Sebastian cautioned. "One moment of distraction and children can..." He trailed off, unwilling to jinx the Blackwood heirs.

In the end, Evelyn and the children climbed into the Bentley.

All this for pajama shopping? Ridiculous.

Centercourt Mall stretched before them.

Evelyn hesitated over price tags. But for her precious twins, no cost was too high.

She'd missed five years of their lives. Now she had to relearn every detail.

Across town, Dominic buried himself in work. Since inheriting Blackwood Industries, he'd become a workaholic again.

Every minute counted.

His world narrowed to spreadsheets and contracts. Endless decisions piled up before dawn until he collapsed at night.

Before leaving town, he needed to complete ten days' worth of work.

Every second with Evelyn was precious. He wouldn't let business intrude.

At 9 PM, Sebastian returned to the office.

The city's glittering skyline reflected in floor-to-ceiling windows. His tireless boss shifted between documents and screens, an iron man who never rested.

The weight of empire pressed on his shoulders.

Evelyn tucked the children in.

In the kitchen, she checked the clock - nearly ten. Still no Dominic.

Leaning against the counter, water glass forgotten, she wondered: Had he left the children in her care permanently? Should she make plans accordingly?

An inexplicable sadness settled over her. His absence should bring relief. No more obstacles.

Then why this ache?

Was it for the children? They'd had a father's love but no mother. Now they had her but might lose him.

The thoughts gave her a headache. She went to bed.

The nightmare came swiftly. Alexander pointed at her. "Go away! We hate you! You drove Daddy to that horrible woman! Now he has a baby with Aunt Yvette and doesn't want us anymore!"

Evelyn jolted awake at 1 AM.

Moonlight revealed Isabella sleeping peacefully beside her. Sweat soaked Evelyn's face.

Three pairs of shoes by the door confirmed Dominic's absence. She'd given him a spare key yesterday.

Where was he?

With Yvette?

Memories surfaced - Dominic's pained expression when she denied him release. Had he sought satisfaction elsewhere?

The thought stole her breath.

She shook herself. "Evelyn, what's wrong with you?"

"You're not his wife. This isn't your business."

"You bore his children as a transaction. He lets you see them now. Why ask for more?"

"Dominic Blackwood is untouchable. Are you insane?"

She lay down, eventually drifting off.

The nightmare continued.

Isabella clung to Dominic's leg, glaring. "Daddy raised us five years. Where were you? He doesn't like you, so we don't either!"

"Don't go!" In the dream, Evelyn became a desperate woman watching another take her children. She grabbed Dominic's sleeve, weeping. "Take me instead. I'll give you everything. Just don't take them!"

A deep voice rasped in her ear: "I'm not leaving. I'm here."

Evelyn didn't know if she dreamed or woke.

Blinking through tears, morning light revealed Dominic's chiseled features inches away. As she lifted her head, her lips brushed his jaw.