Chapter 373
Evelyn wanted to stay overnight with Olivia, but Olivia insisted she leave.
"The hospital staff will take care of me. You shouldn't spend your whole day here," Olivia said firmly.
"Alexander and Isabella are still young. They need their mother," she continued. "What if they miss you while you're gone?"
Dominic had been calling Evelyn nonstop. Reluctantly, Evelyn left the hospital and returned to the Blackwood mansion.
As she stepped inside, an odd feeling crept over her.
Something felt different, but she couldn't pinpoint what.
When she opened the front door, her breath caught in her throat.
The entire foyer had transformed into a floral wonderland.
A vibrant balloon arch dominated the central wall.
Sheer pink drapes cascaded from the ceiling, casting a romantic glow over the rustic decor.
An elaborate three-tier cake stood proudly on the dining table.
The inscription made her heart skip: "Happy Birthday Mommy! We love you!"
Before Evelyn could process the scene, two small figures emerged from behind the balloon wall.
Each child struggled to carry a plush toy nearly their own size.
"Happy birthday, Mommy!" they chorused, wobbling toward her with their oversized gifts.
Evelyn's hands flew to her mouth.
She carefully took the stuffed animals, knelt down, and kissed both children's foreheads.
"Thank you...this is the best surprise..." Her voice trembled with emotion.
No one had celebrated her birthday in years. Not since her grandfather's passing.
Those childhood memories of simple cakes with her grandfather contrasted sharply with this lavish display.
Turning twenty-four surrounded by love felt like a dream.
Alexander had chosen a chubby brown bear, while Isabella presented a delicate fawn.
Evelyn placed the cherished gifts on her bed, overwhelmed by this first experience of receiving presents from her children.
The twins clung to her, reluctant to let go.
She hesitated, acutely aware of hospital germs.
"Sweethearts, Mommy needs to shower first. I visited Aunt Olivia at the hospital today."
The children nodded obediently, releasing her.
As the bathroom door closed, Alexander adjusted his miniature suit.
"How do I look, Isabella? Handsome?" he whispered.
"You're the handsomest! Even more than Daddy!" Isabella declared proudly.
Alexander flushed at the compliment. "You look like a fairy tale princess."
Isabella twirled before the full-length mirror, admiring her party dress.
"Big Brother, we look perfect! Aunt Olivia says we got Mommy and Daddy's best genes." She suddenly frowned. "When I grow up, I must find a handsome husband. What if I marry someone ugly and have ugly babies?"
Alexander sat beside his pensive sister.
"Don't worry," he said solemnly. "I'll help choose your husband. He must be handsomer than me and pass my tests. No dating without my approval. Deal?"
Isabella extended her pinky. "Pinky promise forever!"
Neither realized this childhood pact would later become the bane of Isabella's romantic life, creating countless obstacles for her future suitors.
Evelyn showered quickly and applied light makeup. The elaborate decorations and her children's formal attire demanded her best appearance.
Where was Dominic?
She hadn't seen him since arriving. But she knew he hadn't forgotten.
He must have orchestrated everything before attending to urgent business.
Emerging from the bathroom, the children rushed into her arms like excited puppies.
Cradling them both, Evelyn marveled at their perfect faces in the soft light.
"Where's Daddy?" she asked.
Isabella nuzzled against her neck. "Daddy said he'd be back soon. He told us not to call him."
Evelyn tightened her embrace. "Then we'll wait."
The front door swung open.
Dominic entered, his coat dusted with snow, bearing an enormous bouquet of imported roses.
His striking features - those piercing eyes, aristocratic nose, and sculpted lips - looked even more pronounced in the winter chill.
Though windblown from his journey, his commanding presence filled the room. Even disheveled, he radiated an undeniable magnetism...