Chapter 290

Evelyn stared at the photograph in her hands. Before she realized it, her vision blurred with unshed tears. How could she remain indifferent when it came to him?

A sharp pang shot through her chest. Would she ever be able to wish him happiness? Never.

"Evelyn! Are you even listening? Your kids are terrorizing me! Help!" Mike's voice snapped her from her thoughts as he dragged her from the couch, using her as a human shield.

Evelyn blinked rapidly, forcing her expression neutral.

"Henry, about transferring schools after New Year's. Have you made your decision?"

The question instantly sucked all the cheer from the room.

"Mommy! Is Henry coming to my preschool?" Lily bounced excitedly, her pigtails swinging.

"Henry's going to elementary school, sweetheart," Evelyn corrected. Henry gave a solemn nod.

Though his relationship with Sophia had improved slightly, she remained Dominic's sister - and Henry despised Dominic with every fiber of his being. Only by leaving Willowbrook Academy could he truly escape that toxic connection.

"That's not fair!" Lily stomped her foot. "I'm just as tall as Henry! Why does he get to go to big kid school? I want to go too!"

Clara scooped up the pouting child. "Darling, let Henry try elementary school first. If he likes it, maybe you can join him later?"

"Oh... okay," Lily conceded with dramatic reluctance.

Evelyn smoothed her daughter's hair. "There's an entrance exam, Lily. Let's see if Henry can pass it first."

The little girl's eyes widened. "Tests? Never mind! Preschool is way more fun!"

At eleven that night, fat snowflakes began blanketing Ravenshore in white.

Steam curled around Evelyn as she opened the bathroom window, catching the first glimpse of winter's descent.

Padding to her bedroom, she drew back the curtains completely. The silent snowfall soothed her restless heart.

Memories surfaced unbidden - stolen moments with Dominic before everything shattered. The changing seasons mirrored life's cruel cycles of joy and loss.

What truly mattered in this fleeting existence? Only life and death held meaning. Everything else was just... noise.

Evelyn inhaled deeply. If the snow continued, she could build snowmen with the children tomorrow. Their delighted squeals would be worth braving the cold.

With this peaceful resolution, she slipped beneath the covers and turned off the light.

Dominic emerged from his study, rubbing tired eyes. As he moved to close his bedroom curtains, the swirling snow outside gave him pause.

His hand hovered mid-air.

Five winters ago, Evelyn had surprised him with a hand-knitted sweater. He'd never cared for bulky knits, yet wore it immediately, savoring the warmth of her love woven into every stitch.

The walk-in closet beckoned. There, nestled among designer suits, hung that humble sweater - unworn since their separation.

On impulse, Dominic pulled it over his head. The wool still smelled faintly of her perfume. The physical warmth only emphasized the hollow ache in his chest.

Earlier, Zoe had requested his company shopping. Passing a jewelry store, she'd admired a modest ring. He'd paid without comment, letting her interpret the gesture as she pleased.

He felt nothing for her. But she demanded little, and if she could cure Sophia by spring... perhaps a marriage of convenience would suffice.