Chapter 494

The days melted away like snow in spring.

Tomorrow would be Children's Day, coinciding with Evelyn's crucial prenatal appointment.

She had lived in constant fear that this pregnancy wouldn't survive.

The cocktail of medications she'd taken during those early weeks haunted her thoughts.

Yet against all odds, the little life inside her clung stubbornly to existence.

If tomorrow's tests went well, the hospital would officially establish her maternity records.

"Will Dominic be joining you for the appointment tomorrow, Evelyn?" Michael asked between bites of his salad.

"Don't you have plans? I'm perfectly capable of going alone," Evelyn replied, swirling her spoon through the soup.

Michael arched an eyebrow. "Dominic isn't accompanying you?"

"I don't require his presence. Or yours. Unless you want people assuming you're the father."

"At least take the housekeeper then."

"She needs to watch the children. Go enjoy your date without worrying about me," Evelyn said before taking another sip.

"My appointment's at ten. I should be finished by noon."

"Understood," Michael murmured, fingers dancing across his phone screen.

Less than two minutes later, he looked up with a smirk. "Change of plans. Dominic will be joining you tomorrow!"

Evelyn set down her spoon with deliberate calm. "Nathan told you this?"

Michael nodded. "Probably didn't mention it because he knew you'd refuse."

The phone rang before five minutes had passed. Dominic's name illuminated the screen. Evelyn excused herself to the living room.

"I'll meet you at St. Elizabeth's tomorrow morning," Dominic declared, his tone brooking no argument.

Evelyn's protest died unspoken. Any refusal would only make him more determined.

"Fine," she conceded after a weighted pause.

"Dinner tomorrow night. You wanted to see Sophia? I'll bring her along." His voice dropped to that velvet register that always unsettled her.

"Bring the children too. It's Children's Day after all."

"Dominic—"

She barely began her objection when Sophia's cheerful voice interrupted.

"Who's that? Is it Evelyn? Let me talk to her!"

"Sophia wants to speak with you," Dominic relayed before handing over the phone.

Evelyn's defenses crumbled at the girl's excited chatter. After hanging up, she approached the children's play area.

"How would you two like to see Sophia tomorrow? We could have dinner together."

Anticipating resistance, she added gently, "She's been unwell recently."

Lily's expression softened immediately. "Of course! I want to get her a present! She always brings us gifts."

Henry remained silent, which Evelyn knew meant reluctant agreement.

After hesitating, she added, "Dominic Blackwood will be joining us."

Both children's eyes widened, but neither protested. Their unreadable expressions puzzled her.

Later that night, after lights out, the siblings whispered in the dark.

"I don't want to have dinner with That Man," Lily pouted.

"Mom needs this," Henry replied quietly.

Though he despised Dominic more than his sister, Henry understood the delicate balance of Evelyn's condition.

"Will the baby live with us?" Lily wondered aloud.

"Don't know."

"Sometimes I want it to, sometimes not... I don't want it taking my things, but I don't want it stuck with him either."

"Sleep now."

Henry cared only for his mother's happiness. Everything else was negotiable.

Dawn found Dominic's sleek car idling outside the manor hours early.

Though he'd claimed he'd meet her at the hospital, sleep had proven impossible.

Evelyn too had risen before the sun. Drawing back the curtains, she blinked against the golden light.

There, haloed by morning, stood the unmistakable silhouette she'd know anywhere.