"You're a widower!" Evelyn blurted out, finally breaking her silence.
"Spit that out. Don't jinx it. My wife will live a long, long life!" Alexander jumped up like a flea.
Evelyn rolled her eyes, but a laugh escaped her.
She knew his words were about himself, deep down. Still, it stung. She never wanted him hurt, not even by a careless phrase.
"Wife, let's not fight. Let's just live well and have lots of babies!" Alexander hugged her, his voice thick with emotion.
"Sure, sure," Evelyn mumbled, exasperated.
"Can I do it without your help?"
"You have plenty of ways," she teased.
"Not that way. I can't just have babies with any other woman. It's impossible not to do it with you!" he sighed.
Evelyn froze for a second, then blushed. "Pervert!"
Alexander grinned, holding her tight.
She was feeding the baby, staring at its tiny face.
"Evelyn, our son still doesn't have a name," he said.
"What can I do if you won't pick one?" she shot back.
"I thought you'd think of one," he said.
"Did you?" she challenged.
"Fine, let's think now."
"Okay, grab a dictionary and we'll look through it," she agreed.
"Seems like he's all mine," he sighed.
She always dodged naming duties. It felt like torture.
"Just pick a name. Why are you so chatty?" she said, giving him a look.
He laughed at her fierce expression. "Whatever the queen says."
The DNA test confirmed it. Grace O'Sullivan was Iris Hart's biological daughter.
Grace started visiting the hospital more often to be with her mother.
Iris's condition fluctuated, but she was better than before.
Evelyn still went to the hospital every day. Sometimes Grace was there, sometimes not. After half an hour, Iris would always send her home to care for the baby, repeating herself like a broken record. "Don't keep coming to the hospital. It's full of germs!"
Evelyn promised, but she still went every day.
Iris couldn't eat anymore. She was on IV fluids. All Evelyn could do was sit and talk.
One day, Evelyn found Iris in good spirits. She held Evelyn's hand and chatted nonstop.
She said Grace brought her boyfriend to see her yesterday. He was handsome. She was very pleased.
She said when she was better and discharged, she planned to see them get married.
Iris smiled as she spoke.
Evelyn was happy for her. Iris had finally found peace.
After decades of hardship, she had her long-lost daughter back. Their bond grew stronger every day.
Leaving the hospital, Evelyn went to her parents' house.
Her parents weren't home, but her sister Victoria was heading out.
"Evelyn, you're back!"
"Sis, are you going out?" Evelyn asked.
"I'm meeting Caleb at the farm. Want to come?"
"No, I need to get back to the baby. Where are Mom and Dad?"
"Didn't you know? Dad took Mom on a two-day trip to the company!"
"Really?" Evelyn was surprised.
"Yeah, they won't be back until tomorrow."
"Oh, then go. Don't keep Caleb waiting. I'll head back soon."
"Go ahead. Make yourself at home," Victoria said.
"Okay," Evelyn replied.
After Victoria left, Evelyn sat on the living room sofa. She felt good. Today was a good day. Everything was happy.
Her parents were always at odds. They'd fight over little things.
It was rare for her dad to take her mom on a trip.
She thought it was wonderful.
Since no one was home, she sat for a while, then went back to Sterling Manor.
After a bath, she went downstairs to get the baby.
That evening, Alexander called. "Don't wait up. Go to bed early. I'm at the hospital. Iris isn't doing well."
Evelyn was shocked. "What's wrong? She was fine this afternoon! She was in great spirits!"
"The doctor said it was a final burst of energy," he explained.
"What?" Evelyn was stunned. "How is she now?"
"Grace just went in to see her for the last time. I'm outside the ward."
"I... I'll come now!" she said.
"If you're not scared, have the driver bring you," he hesitated.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, but I need to see her," she said softly.
"Okay," he replied.
Evelyn handed the baby to Lily Thompson, asked her to call the driver, and went upstairs to change.
When she arrived at the ward, Alexander wasn't outside.
She walked to the door and heard crying inside. Her heart sank.
She pushed open the door. Iris lay quietly on the bed, as if asleep.
Alexander and Grace sat on either side, each holding one of Iris's hands.
Alexander's lips were pressed tight, his face sad. Grace sobbed.
Evelyn's steps faltered. Tears fell before she could stop them.
Yesterday, Iris had been so excited, telling her about Grace's boyfriend. She'd talked about the wedding.
Her eyes had been so bright, full of hope for the future.
Now she was asleep, never to wake. She wouldn't see her daughter get married.
Things change so fast. We always think the sun will rise tomorrow. But sometimes, when we turn around, someone is gone forever.
Evelyn lowered her head, turned, and walked out of the ward.
As the door clicked shut, Alexander felt something. His heart felt hollow.
He turned to look at the door. It was closed.
He stood up suddenly, as if he'd lost something.
Grace looked up, startled, her eyes wet with tears.
Alexander placed Iris's cold hand under the blanket, then walked quickly toward the door.