The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover - Chapter 178
Chapter 178: Vague Memories
Within an hour, they were packed and ready to go.
Oliver sat in his car seat, humming happily.
Evelyn drove, the warm orange glow of sunset reflecting in her rearview mirror.
By the time they reached the hilltop cabin, the sky was painted in hues of gold and purple.
The air was crisp and smelled faintly of pine.
She parked near the cabin, helped Oliver out, and together they ran toward the porch.
The golden light of the setting sun bathed the world in a soft glow as Evelyn and Oliver sat together on the porch, gazing out at the horizon.
“Look, Mom, the sun looks so pretty here,” Oliver said, stretching his tiny arms toward the sky as if trying to touch the glowing orb before it sank behind the hills.
“Yes, sweetie. It’s sunset, and it is pretty,” Evelyn replied softly. “You know what, it’s even prettier now because I’m watching it with you.”
Oliver turned his head toward her, his eyes shining with curiosity.
“Are you happy staying here, Mommy?”
She smiled and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.
“Of course I am. Are you?”
He nodded eagerly.
“Yes. I like it here… but I also like our house in Willowcrest, Mommy. Because we can play on the beach.”
Evelyn softly laughed, her heart warming at how sincerely he said it.
“Then we’ll go back there for vacation in the summer.”
His eyes lit up like the stars beginning to appear above them.
“Really? Can we go?”
“Yes,” she said, tapping his nose playfully. “And we’ll visit Granny Martha too. Maybe she’ll bake her blueberry pie again.”
Oliver gasped, clutching his little stomach. “I like Granny’s pie. I’ll eat all of it…”
Evelyn laughed and pinched his cheek gently.
“Don’t even think about it, young man. You’ll share with Mommy.”
He giggled mischievously. “Maybe just one bite for you…?”
She can’t help but laugh at how amusing he is now.
They sat for a while longer, savoring the fading sunset.
Eventually, when the air began to grow cooler, Evelyn rose and took his small hand.
“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go inside before it gets too cold.”
To her surprise, the cabin was already warm when they stepped in.
The faint crackle of the fireplace and the subtle aroma of cedar filled the air.
Evelyn blinked in pleasant surprise when she noticed that Jimmy had already been there.
The table was clean, the lights were on, and the groceries she’d requested were neatly arranged on the counter.
“Jimmy must have been here earlier,” she said, smiling. “He even lit the fire for us.”
Oliver looked around in awe, his eyes landing on the small pile of ingredients.
“So we can cook now?”
Evelyn nodded.
“Yes, Chef Oliver. Time to make something delicious.”
Oliver clapped his hands in excitement, and they moved to the kitchen island.
She tied a tiny apron around him, which hung down to his knees. He looked absolutely adorable.
“Okay, little chef,” she said, handing him a bowl. “Let’s make cookies first.”
Oliver took the wooden spoon like a warrior taking up his sword.
But within minutes, flour was flying everywhere, on the counter, the floor, and mostly, on his face.
Evelyn laughed helplessly.
“Oliver! Not on your nose!”
“I’m making it better, Mom…” he said, stirring with determination.
“Better? Or messier?” she teased, flicking a little flour at him.
He gasped. “Mommy… That’s cheating!”
They both laughed, their joy echoing throughout the cabin.
She felt a warm, heartfelt gratitude for sharing such treasured memories with her son.
However, it also sparked vague memories of her own mother.
Her mother had passed away when she was still young, leaving behind only a few hazy memories.
Thinking of those moments brought a bittersweet ache to her heart.
‘Mom, I’m sorry… I haven’t yet brought my son and husband to meet you. I promise I’ll visit you soon.’
She shook her head, trying to dismiss the sadness in her mind as she glanced at her son.
Oliver continued to “decorate” the kitchen with flour.
Evelyn prepared the main dinner: creamy carbonara, grilled chicken breasts seasoned with rosemary, and a colorful fruit salad.
By the time they finished cooking, the cabin smelled like a food paradise.
Evelyn set the table while Oliver placed the freshly baked cookies. However, a few were already missing because he couldn’t resist tasting them.
She was just adjusting the napkins when the familiar growl of an engine drifted from outside. She paused and glanced through the window.
A familiar sleek black car was pulling up the drive. Her lips curved into a knowing smile.
“Guess who’s here,” she murmured.
Oliver’s head shot up immediately. “Daddy!?”
Before she could say a word, he darted for the door, his little feet pattering across the wooden floor.
The moment the door swung open, Axel was there, handsome as ever in a dark shirt, and tie missing.
The soft wind ruffled his hair, and the tired look in his eyes melted the second he saw them.
“Daddy…” Oliver launched himself into his arms. “I miss you, Dad.”
Axel caught him easily, his laughter low and warm.
“Whoa, buddy…I missed you, too.”
Evelyn stood by the table, watching the scene unfold with quiet affection.
“Welcome home,” she said, smiling brightly.
Axel’s eyes softened as he looked at her.
“Sorry if I’m late,” he said, closing the door behind him.
“It’s alright,” she replied lightly. “Dinner’s ready.”
He shifted Oliver in his arms and gave her a teasing look. “You cooked? Then I really can’t be late next time.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes but smiled.
“Yes, and your little assistant helped a lot.”
Axel looked at Oliver. “Really? You helped Mommy?”
Oliver nodded proudly. “I made cookies—”
“Wow.” Axel pretended to look impressed. “Then you deserve a reward. How about… two bedtime stories tonight?”
“Two?” Oliver gasped. “Really?”
“Yes,” Axel smiled. “But only if you finish your dinner first.”
Oliver grinned. “Deal!”
They all laughed and gathered around the table.
Dinner was filled with chatter and laughter, Oliver explaining how Browny the pony had almost eaten his shoes again. And how his horse Cloud starts to feel jealous of Browny.