Chapter 52

Dominic Blackwood stood at the pharmacy counter, purchasing four boxes of medication according to the prescription Dr. Eleanor Grant had provided earlier.

This marked his first time buying feminine healthcare products.

Yet when he returned home, Evelyn was nowhere to be found.

Late that night at Blackwood Manor, Alexander remained wide awake. The small boy perched on the edge of the black leather sofa, stubbornly fighting sleep.

"Big brother, aren't we going to bed?" Isabella mumbled drowsily, hugging her stuffed rabbit as she slumped against the couch cushions.

"Go ahead if you're tired. I'll wait alone." Alexander rubbed his eyes but refused to let them close.

He needed to speak with their father before sleeping - needed answers only Dominic could provide.

Hearing her brother's determination, Isabella shook herself awake. If Alexander could stay strong, so could she.

Uncle Julian's words haunted them both. Someday their father would remarry. They'd have a stepmother.

But the siblings only wanted one truth - where was their real mother? Had she died? Or abandoned them?

The children waited in stubborn silence.

Youthful exhaustion won eventually. Both dozed off before ten o'clock, Isabella sucking her thumb with soft smacking sounds.

Beatrice Lockwood discovered them while making her nightly rounds. She summoned maids to carefully carry the sleeping children upstairs.

Dominic returned well after midnight. He checked on Alexander and Isabella first, then showered before collapsing into bed.

Two hours later, he still stared at the darkened ceiling. Sleep refused to come.

A quiet sigh broke the silence.

Dominic sat up halfway, rubbing his temples. His son had somehow appeared beside him.

"Father, Uncle Julian says you're suffering from lonely insomnia..."

Dominic arched an eyebrow, lacing fingers behind his head. "What does a child know of insomnia?"

"I know enough to share your pillow. Then you won't feel alone." The boy scooted closer before hesitating. "Father...may I ask you something?"

For once, Dominic felt patient. He nodded.

"Is our mother...alive?" Alexander whispered the forbidden question.

The silence stretched.

Finally, Dominic answered drowsily: "Yes."

Alexander's eyes flew wide. Alive? Their mother was alive!