Evelyn kept herself busy.
Between caring for the kids at home and squeezing in time to recharge, her days were full.
She hired a tutor to learn etiquette, outfit coordination, and flower arranging.
She also signed up for a cooking class to master meals and desserts.
She was occupied all day.
Before, when she stayed idle at home, her mind would wander to dark places.
Now, she had no time for that.
According to Alexander, she was busier than him now.
Sometimes when he came home at noon, he wouldn’t even see her.
She’d be in class!
Evelyn replied with a smile.
“You’re learning and improving every day. I can’t fall too far behind, can I?”
“Why do you have to be so competitive?” Alexander asked, amused.
“Only this way can I stand by your side!” Evelyn said with a grin.
Then she ignored his grumbling and turned to pick up the baby.
Alexander followed her with a mock-serious face, muttering.
“You’re getting so outstanding. I’ll be in danger in the future!”
Evelyn looked at him, puzzled.
“If I’m outstanding, how does that put you in danger?”
“The more enemies I make, the more dangerous it is, isn’t it?”
“Don’t worry. Who would dare fight you? Besides, you just think I’m a treasure!” Evelyn chuckled.
Alexander stared at her, unsure whether to be relieved she was so dense or happy she thought so highly of herself.
“Since you’re so free, think about a name for your little son!” Evelyn turned to give him a look.
“I’ve already thought of one!” Alexander replied smugly.
“What is it?” Evelyn asked.
She hadn’t expected him to move so fast this time.
“It means to cherish, to treasure, to hold dear,” Alexander responded.
“Doesn’t it sound like a girl’s name?” Evelyn asked hesitantly.
“No. I looked it up in the dictionary. It’s a good name!” Alexander insisted.
“Alright, let’s go with that!” Evelyn had no objections. If Alexander liked it, that was fine.
Later, their youngest son was named Oliver.
Because of this, Oliver was mistaken for a girl countless times from kindergarten through graduate school.
Even when he went to college and dormitories were assigned, he was placed in the girls’ dorm.
Then he’d stare wide-eyed at his female roommates, only to find out later the arrangement was a mistake.
For this reason, he harbored the same resentment as his older brother.
Their parents were way too casual with names!
One day, Evelyn was taking care of the kids.
Alexander called.
Evelyn was stunned for a moment, then said, “I’m hungry. Go eat!”
“I want to eat what you cook. Make it and pack it for me,” Alexander said with a smile on the other end.
In the end, Evelyn couldn’t resist him.
She fed the baby, stir-fried two dishes, made a soup, packed everything up, and delivered it to Sterling Group.
She didn’t go to Sterling Group often.
Every time she did, it was because Alexander forgot something and asked her to bring it, or she was bringing him food.
Otherwise, Evelyn wouldn’t go there unless she had to.
The front desk knew her, so it was always easy for her to get in.
She didn’t need to register.
But she still didn’t really want to go.
When she arrived at the Sterling Group building, Evelyn greeted the front desk and took the elevator up.
Entering Alexander’s office, she found him still busy.
He gestured for her to sit down.
Evelyn set down the lunchbox, went to the cabinet, and took out chopsticks to wash.
By the time she finished, Alexander was done too.
He washed his hands and came over to eat.
“Is your stomach acting up again today?” Evelyn asked.
“No,” Alexander replied.
“I thought it might be,” Evelyn said.
Several times before, Alexander had said his stomach was uncomfortable and wanted the noodles she made.
So today, she had cooked him noodle soup.
“No. I just missed you,” Alexander said, lifting his eyes to look at her.
Evelyn was speechless.
“Didn’t you just leave this morning?”
“Yes, but it already feels like forever,” Alexander said seriously.
“What’s wrong?” Evelyn hesitated, then looked at him and asked.
Why was he suddenly so sweet with his words?
Alexander laughed.
“Do you think I’m lying?”
“Tell me the truth!” Evelyn’s face darkened.
“Nothing’s wrong. I just missed you, so I asked you to bring me a meal.
Have you eaten yet? Come, eat with me.” Alexander fed her a piece of vegetable.
“I’m full. You eat!” Evelyn shook her head. “I’m relieved.”
“I have to go on a business trip in two days,” Alexander said while eating.
“Oh,” Evelyn answered after a long silence.
Honestly, she didn’t like it when Alexander went on business trips.
She always worried.
But sometimes, there was no choice.
“Come with me!”
“No. I have to take care of the baby.”
“Bring both sons with you,” Alexander responded.
“Where are you going?” Evelyn asked, confused.
Taking the kids? Was this a business trip or a vacation?
Besides, the youngest was still so young. He didn’t even know what going out to play meant yet.
“To Misty Isle,” Alexander replied with a smile.
Evelyn froze for a moment, then reacted.
“Why do you suddenly want to go to Misty Isle?”
“It’s neither too hot nor too cold there now. Lots of fruits are in season. Let’s stay for a week and come back,” Alexander explained.
“Well, I don’t know if they want to go. Or we can all go together,” Evelyn suggested.
“Ask them. We’re leaving this weekend!”
“Okay!” Evelyn agreed.
After Alexander finished lunch, Evelyn got ready to leave.
Alexander really pestered her, not letting her go.
“I’ve been out for two hours. The baby is going to be hungry!”
“Getting hungry once in a while is good exercise for him!” Alexander responded.
“... Don’t be difficult. What’s the matter? I’ll come back tonight. You should rest. It’s almost time for work.”
Alexander clung to her for a while longer before finally letting her go.
Evelyn got home.
Before she even reached Sterling Manor, she heard her son crying.
She couldn’t help complaining again.
Alexander’s childishness was sometimes unbearable.
Back at Sterling Manor, Evelyn fed the baby first.
After that, she called Victoria and asked if she wanted to go to Misty Isle this weekend.
Victoria agreed immediately when she heard she could go.
But the next second, she remembered she had a business trip this weekend and had to attend an important trade fair.
“Evelyn, did you call me on purpose just to tease me?” Victoria asked frantically on the other end.
“No. How was I supposed to know you had a business trip?” Evelyn said with a laugh.
“This is too cruel. Can’t it be rescheduled?” Victoria asked.
“No way. Alexander rarely has time. Oh, by the way, he told me it was a business trip. I thought he had work to do, but then he said we’d go to Misty Isle on the side?”
“Forget it. I’ll go with you next time,” Victoria had to give up.
“That’s fine. We can go by ourselves another time!” Evelyn said with a smile.