Chapter 488
Evelyn sank to her knees, her trembling fingers tracing the delicate features of Ethan's face.
She brushed over his curious eyes, his button nose, down to his cherubic lips...
"Mommy, why are you crying?" Ethan blinked up at her in confusion, reaching up with tiny hands to wipe her tears.
Evelyn caught his small hands in hers, marveling at their softness against her calloused palms.
"My sweet Ethan... Mommy finally gets to hold you again."
Overcome with emotion, she pulled the boy into a crushing embrace.
Hot tears streamed down her face as joy and anguish warred within her heart.
She should have been celebrating this reunion, yet her chest ached as if being torn apart.
Victoria's cruelty knew no bounds. What kind of monster would devise such torment for an innocent child?
The memory of Victoria slashing Ethan's face surfaced unbidden, making Evelyn's breath hitch.
Of course Victoria would commit such atrocities.
The child she'd been torturing was Evelyn's own flesh and blood.
Though confused by his mother's tears, Ethan snuggled closer, basking in the warmth of her affection.
Eleanor leaned against William's shoulder, silent tears tracking down her cheeks at the poignant scene.
The universe had been merciless.
Why must her daughter endure such suffering?
Alexander stood apart, his eyes burning as he witnessed the emotional reunion.
How he wished he could rewrite the past six years.
Never again would he push away the woman he loved.
Evelyn's sobs gradually subsided when Ethan patted her back. "Don't cry, Mommy. Daddy and I will protect you from the bad people!"
She shook her head, her heart swelling at his innocent declaration. "No one hurt Mommy, darling. These are happy tears."
She pressed a kiss to his cheek before gathering him close once more.
"I promise I'll never leave you again, Ethan. Mommy will make up for all the lost time."
Her eyes shone with maternal devotion as she made her vow.
Alexander crouched down to ruffle Ethan's hair. "Daddy promises too. Our family stays together now."
The mention of family snapped Evelyn from her emotional haze.
Wiping her face, she gave Ethan a watery smile before turning to Alexander with cool detachment.
"We need to talk. Outside."
Rising, she addressed Eleanor and William. "Please watch Ethan for me. I won't be long."
"Evelyn..." Eleanor called after her retreating figure.
After one last pat to Ethan's head, Alexander followed Evelyn into the winter night.
The bitter wind cut through their clothes as Evelyn waited beneath the flickering lamppost.
She turned when Alexander's footsteps approached, her expression unreadable.
Alexander maintained his gentle tone. "What did you want to discuss, Evelyn?"