Chapter 62

Evelyn lifted her gaze to meet Dominic's, her eyes wide and unblinking.

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension. Time seemed to freeze as she struggled to process the revelation.

Her lashes trembled, unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

Dominic Blackwood was Upperssman Blackwood.

All her past suspicions paled in comparison to the undeniable truth standing before her.

Years had changed them both. The boy she once knew had become a man, just as she had transformed from that timid schoolgirl.

From classroom corridors to corporate boardrooms, from oversized uniforms to tailored suits. After all this time, fate had brought them back together.

But life hadn't been kind to Evelyn after graduation. She'd done things she wasn't proud of.

The memory of their heated kiss in the car surfaced, sending a rush of warmth through her. She quickly suppressed it, afraid her emotions might betray her.

She couldn't explain this connection between them.

Suddenly, they were teenagers again.

"Upperssman Blackwood, how could you only remember Evelyn!" A statuesque blonde interrupted, batting her lashes at Dominic.

His attention never wavered from Evelyn.

The blonde huffed, eyeing Evelyn's simple attire with disdain. "Really? Her?"

Dominic's voice cut through the tension. "I remember that summer basketball tournament against Lincoln High. The whole school came to watch. When I made the winning shot, I heard one voice cheering louder than all the others." His gaze locked onto Evelyn. "It was hers."

Evelyn's cheeks burned.

That never happened.

She'd never dare stand in the front row, let alone cheer loudly. Back then, she always hid in the shadows.

Dominic's words made Evelyn the sudden center of attention.

"No... I really didn't..." Evelyn stammered, shrinking under her classmates' curious stares.

The medical expert finished examining Mrs. Blake's leg.

With the examination complete, Cassandra helped her mother into a wheelchair, guiding her toward an elaborate birthday cake.

Evelyn watched as Cassandra assisted her mother with the candles and cake cutting.

As slices were distributed, each former student reintroduced themselves and offered birthday wishes.

Seeing Mrs. Blake again after all these years stirred something in Evelyn. Having grown up without a mother, her teacher's kindness had been the closest thing to maternal love she'd ever known.

"Evelyn, I'm so glad to see you doing well." Mrs. Blake took Evelyn's hand. "Have you ever tried finding your mother?"

Evelyn's fingers twitched at the question.

"No," she lied, forcing a smile. "I'm sure she's happy wherever she is. She wouldn't want me disturbing her."

The truth was, she'd searched desperately as a child, plastering missing person posters across town. But the world proved too vast, and her efforts fruitless.

"Being filial to your father is enough," Cassandra comforted. "You've grown into such a remarkable woman."

Evelyn had transformed from that shy, bullied girl into someone poised and confident.

Dominic approached with two glasses of juice, handing one to Evelyn with an intimacy that didn't go unnoticed.

A waiter followed, serving Mrs. Blake and Cassandra.

Cassandra's eyes darted between them, sensing there was more to their story.

A married couple joined them, their toddler immediately crawling toward Evelyn.

"My son must think you're beautiful," the mother laughed, wiping the child's drool.

Evelyn smiled. "I don't mind. I love children."

"You should have your own soon," the woman suggested kindly. "Raising children is such joy."

Dominic's hand found Evelyn's under the table, giving a reassuring squeeze.

She pulled away, surprised he'd sensed her discomfort. The topic of motherhood always brought a pang of longing.

"So, Dominic," the husband asked, "Mrs. Blake mentioned you only attended our school for a year?"

Dominic nodded without elaboration.

"I know a secret," Cassandra announced playfully. "My uncle was principal back then. He told me Upperssman Blackwood got called to his office for having a crush on a classmate!"

Evelyn's mood darkened inexplicably.

"He told my uncle he wouldn't approach her until graduation," Cassandra continued, eyes twinkling. "Even promised to marry her afterward! When my uncle said he'd regret it, Dominic insisted he'd already decided - he wanted to marry her and have children together."

Dominic didn't deny the claims.

That year, family turmoil had exiled him to their small-town school. There, he'd fallen hopelessly, helplessly in love.

With Evelyn.