Chapter 270

"What an odd coincidence... Their birthdays fall on the same date?" Evelyn mused to herself.

She tightened her grip on Henry's small hand as they approached the exit.

Suddenly, a familiar imposing silhouette blocked their path.

Dominic stood there wrapped in a charcoal trench coat that accentuated his aloof demeanor. Evelyn couldn't tell if it was her imagination playing tricks or if he'd actually lost weight in recent weeks.

After a brief hesitation, she gathered the courage to offer birthday wishes. But before she could speak, Sophia came bounding forward like an excited puppy.

"Big Brother! I brought your cake!" Sophia chirped, throwing her arms around Dominic's waist.

The words struck Evelyn like a physical blow. "Big Brother?!" Her mind reeled. "Did she just call Dominic that?"

Her sharp gaze locked onto Sophia, who immediately shrank under the intensity.

Sophia fidgeted nervously, her earlier excitement fading. She'd meant to invite Evelyn to join the celebration, but the words died in her throat.

"That's an interesting way to address him," Evelyn remarked, her voice sharper than intended. She hadn't meant to intimidate the girl, but the question tumbled out before she could stop it.

Startled, Sophia ducked behind Dominic like a frightened rabbit. He protectively clasped her hand. "Don't be scared, Sophia. Let's go enjoy that cake."

They brushed past Evelyn without another word, disappearing into the classroom.

Henry tugged at his mother's sleeve, noticing her dazed expression. "Mom? We should leave."

Evelyn blinked rapidly, shaking off her stupor before leading her son away.

Inside the car, Henry observed his mother's troubled expression. "Sophia calls me big brother too," he offered quietly.

Evelyn turned sharply toward him, realization dawning. Of course - Sophia had developmental challenges. The term "big brother" likely just reflected her perception of age hierarchy, nothing more.

"Dominic's records don't mention any sisters," Henry added matter-of-factly.

Evelyn mentally chastised herself. "What am I thinking? There's no possible connection between Dominic and me!"

As she navigated the streets, she changed the subject. "I thought you didn't particularly like Sophia. Why celebrate her birthday?"

Henry remained silent, unwilling to reveal his arrangement with Dominic.

"I know you have a kind heart," Evelyn continued. "She's vulnerable, and I'm not upset you showed her kindness."

Henry stared out the window, unwilling to discuss Sophia further.

"Dominic's birthday is today too," he mentioned casually. He hadn't remembered the date until seeing the two cakes - one labeled "Dominic," the other "Sophia."

"How do you know that?" Evelyn shot him a sideways glance. "Do you pay that much attention to him? Could it be... you want him as your father?"

"I don't need a father," Henry retorted instantly.

Evelyn's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "If circumstances were different... I think you and Lily would benefit from having—"

"I said I don't need one!" Henry's voice carried finality.

Dominic's image was seared into Henry's memory - and not in a way that invited forgiveness.

Meanwhile, Dominic escorted Sophia home, where they encountered Eleanor and her eldest son's family. His expression darkened at the unwelcome sight.