The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover - Chapter 228

Chapter 228: Hist First Real Birthday
Just a few hours before midnight, the small cabin behind Axel and Evelyn’s house glowed with warm light.

Rain tapped softly against the roof, turning the forest into a quiet, misty haven.

Inside, the dinner table was set beautifully with candles, wine glasses, and a plate of perfectly cooked steak and potatoes.

Evelyn had gone all out, wanting tonight to feel special.

After all, it was the last dinner before Axel’s birthday officially began.

The three of them sat around the table, forming their own small, cozy world.

Oliver stabbed his tiny fork into a piece of potato and chewed happily, “Mommy, this is so good. Better than the food at the Palace.”

Evelyn blinked. She remembered never bringing him dinner at the restaurant called Palace. ‘Or did I forget?’

“Palace? What Palace, baby?” She asked.

Oliver shrugged. “The one in my dreams.”

Axel burst into laughter before saying, “He means your cooking is dream-level, sweetheart.”

Evelyn rolled her eyes and served Oliver more steak. “Alright, little prince, eat more…”

“Thank you, mommy.”

The conversation flowed easily, warm and light.

Axel asked Oliver about his day, and as usual, he launched into a surprisingly detailed explanation.

“It was raining, Daddy. So I didn’t practice horse riding.” Oliver frowned thoughtfully. “So I played in my playroom. But my teddy bear fell from the chair and didn’t get up again. He fainted.”

Evelyn choked on her sparkling water. Axel tried and failed to stay serious.

“He fainted?” Axel asked.

Oliver nodded sincerely. “He needs more sleep. Just like you do.”

Axel slightly frowned, “Me? Why me?”

“Because Mommy said you never rest.”

Evelyn froze, fork halfway to her mouth.

Axel can’t help but chuckle as she looks at her.

“Mr. Knight, eat your steak…” Evelyn smiled innocently.

Dinner continued with laughter echoing inside the small cabin, filling the space with a warmth that settled deep into Axel and Evelyn’s chests.

When they were done, Evelyn slipped away quietly to the bedroom to prepare Axel’s gift.

Meanwhile, Axel stayed with Oliver, listening to him chatter about horses and how he wanted to grow tall and handsome like Daddy.

Later, Axel excused himself and headed to bed, pretending to be tired. He knew exactly what his wife and son were plotting, but he wanted to play along. For them, he would.

Up in the loft, Evelyn sat beside Oliver on the bed. The two huddled together, whispering about their master plan.

“Okay, sweetheart,” Evelyn murmured. “At midnight, we take the chocolate cake, go into Daddy’s bedroom, and surprise him, right?”

Oliver nodded hard. “Yes! He will be shocked. And happy. And maybe cry.”

Evelyn tried not to laugh. “Maybe.”

“We must be quiet,” Oliver continued, lowering his voice like a spy. “Daddy must not know.”

“Yes. Daddy will never know.” She nodded solemnly, even though she knew Axel was fully aware and waiting.

But halfway through their planning, Oliver began blinking slowly. His eyes grew heavy, his little body leaning into Evelyn.

“Mommy…” he mumbled. “I’m… not… sleepy… I’m just resting my… eyes…”

The next moment, his head flopped onto her shoulder.

Fast asleep.

Evelyn stared at him, both touched and torn.

“Oh no,” she whispered. “Baby, not now.”

She gently shook him. “Oliver? Sweetheart? Your mission?”

He snored softly.

She sighed and pulled out her phone, sending a message to Axel.

“Little boss fell asleep. What are we supposed to do now?”

His reply came instantly.

“Let him sleep. Come here. I want you here.”

Evelyn blinked, shaking her head while smiling.

“But he will be sad if he doesn’t surprise you! He was so excited…”

Seconds later:

“Alright. Wake him later. We only need to sing and take a picture. Then, let him sleep after that.”

She exhaled in relief.

“Yes. Good idea.”

Twenty minutes later, Evelyn gently shook Oliver again.

“Baby… come on… remember the cake?”

Oliver’s eyes snapped open. “Cake?”

“That’s right. Daddy’s surprise.”

He rubbed his eyes with tiny fists. “Yes… Yes… cake mission. Hurry, let’s go, mommy…”

Evelyn laughed as she watched his sleepiness disappear instantly.

She carried the chocolate cake in one hand, the other holding Oliver’s as they tiptoed toward the bedroom.

Oliver’s steps wobbled like a newborn colt, but he was determined.

When they reached the door, Evelyn whispered, “Are you ready?”

Oliver nods, his eyes beaming excitedly, “Yes.”

They burst through the door.

“Happy birthday, Daddy!”

Axel sat up, acting shocked so convincingly that Evelyn wanted to applaud him.

“What? What is this?” Axel gasped dramatically. “Oh my god, you remember?”

Oliver beamed proudly, clapping his hands. “Surprise! Mommy made a plan, and I helped with it. I didn’t sleep, Dad…”

Evelyn smiled, holding back her laughter.

Axel chuckled as he pulled Oliver onto the bed, then blew out the candle after Oliver made him sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice and make a wish.

“Mommy… The gift?”

“Oh, right,” Evelyn hurriedly took their gift.

Oliver gave Axel his gift first—a gold miniature horse.

“Wow, buddy… This?” Axel was genuinely suprised, as this was the first time he finally saw why Evelyn bought it for him.

“Daddy, this is for your office,” Oliver said proudly. “So you don’t forget me.”

Axel’s chest tightened. “I could never forget you, Buddy.” He said he ruffled his smooth hair.

“Alex, this is from me…” Evelyn handed him a small velvet box.

Inside was a pair of sleek, elegant cufflinks engraved with A & E.

Axel was surprised, his eyes softening when he saw it.

“These are perfect, Eve…” he murmured. “I’ll wear them every day.” He kissed her hand, and for a moment, said, “Thank you!”

Warmth settled deep in his chest, something he had never known he needed.

This was his first real birthday.

Not with power.

Not with money.

Not with empty crowds.

But with Evelyn… and Oliver, his own family.

Just when the moment felt full, Oliver yawned loudly, leaned forward, and fell asleep on Axel’s lap like a small sack of potatoes.

Evelyn and Axle can’t help but burst into laughter.

“We should let him sleep here,” Evelyn whispered.

“I agree.”

They tucked Oliver under the blanket, leaving him sprawled peacefully.

Then Axel took Evelyn’s hand and led her quietly upstairs to the loft.

Up there, with soft light and rain still whispering outside, he pulled her close and kissed her slowly, deeply.

“Happy birthday,” she murmured against his lips.

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “There’s still one present missing.”

“Huh!? I’ve already given it to you. I no longer have a gift for you…”

Axel’s voice dropped, warm and low. “I want another present… A second child.”

Evelyn was stunned. She searched his eyes and found nothing but love… and the same yearning she carried quietly in her heart.

“Axel…” she whispered.

His hand cupped her cheek. “Only if you want it too.”

Evelyn nodded softly. “I do.”

He kissed her again, slow and full of promise, guiding her gently toward the bed.