Chapter 13: A new responsibility

The morning light filtered softly through the window, casting a gentle glow across the kitchen. Evelyn sat at the table, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup as her thoughts drifted. Life had changed so much in the past month—her marriage to Earl, their new home, and the delicate balance she was trying to maintain between her old self and her new reality. It wasn't the life she had imagined, but she was determined to make the best of it.

The sound of her phone buzzing pulled her from her thoughts. Glancing at the screen, she saw Maria's name, and a smile touched her lips. It had been weeks since they last spoke, and Maria had always been her anchor. Even from across the world, Maria's voice had a way of grounding her.

"Maria! How are you?" Evelyn answered warmly, feeling a sense of comfort at hearing her friend's voice.

"Ev, I'm good, but... I need your help," Maria's tone was filled with urgency. "I've been offered this amazing job—just for two months—but I don't have anyone to look after Leo. I'm desperate, and you're the only one I trust."

Evelyn's heart softened immediately. She had met Leo only once, a sweet little boy who could barely say "mama." The thought of him tugged at her, and Maria's trust meant everything to her. She had promised, long before her marriage, that if the day came when Maria needed her, she would be there for Leo.

"Of course, Maria. I'll take care of him," Evelyn said, her voice calm and steady, though she knew what this would mean. "He can stay with us."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Evelyn. I knew I could count on you."

After the call ended, Evelyn stared at her phone for a moment. Taking care of Leo would be a challenge, especially with Earl's guarded nature. But she had given her word, and her word mattered. 

Now, she just had to tell Earl.

---

Earl was in his study when Evelyn found him. The room, like the man himself, was quiet and meticulously organized. He sat behind his desk, his focus intent on the papers in front of him. When he saw Evelyn, he leaned back slightly, signaling she had his attention.

"There's something I need to talk to you about," Evelyn began, her voice gentle as always. She approached the conversation with the same calm she used in all difficult moments.

Earl's expression was unreadable, his blue eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it?"

"Maria called this morning," Evelyn started, choosing her words carefully. "She's been offered a job for two months, but she has no one to look after Leo. She asked me, and I said I would help."

Earl's eyes darkened with concern. "You agreed to this without asking me first?"

"I promised her long before we got married," Evelyn explained softly. "And I know it's sudden, but it's only for a month. He's just a baby, and Maria doesn't have anyone else."

Earl stood up, his frustration evident in the sharp way he ran his hand through his hair. "A baby? Evelyn, our life is already complicated enough. You barely know how to handle this—" He paused, as if catching himself before saying something harsher than intended.

Evelyn didn't flinch at his tone. Instead, she met his gaze, her eyes steady and calm. "I know it's not ideal, and I'm not asking for this to be easy. But Maria trusts me, and I gave her my word."

Earl's frustration faltered under Evelyn's unwavering patience. There was no anger in her voice, only a quiet resolve that left him feeling cornered—not by aggression, but by her grace.

After a long silence, Earl let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I just... don't want more complications in our lives," he said, his tone softer now.

"I understand," Evelyn replied, her voice like a balm to his tension. "But this isn't permanent, Earl. It's just for two months. And I'll take care of everything."

Earl looked at her for a long moment, his expression conflicted. He was used to control, to managing every aspect of his life with precision. But Evelyn was not someone who demanded or pushed. She simply stood her ground with a quiet confidence that left him without room to argue.

"Fine," he said at last, his voice resigned. "But don't expect me to get involved."

Evelyn nodded, accepting his terms without pushing further. "Thank you, Earl."

---

The next morning, Evelyn was up early, preparing for Leo's arrival. She had arranged the guest room with care, turning it into a cozy, welcoming space for the little boy. Despite the tension with Earl, she felt a sense of purpose in helping Maria.

As she was setting out some toys, she heard the door to Earl's study open. He emerged, already dressed for work. It was unusual; he hadn't mentioned going in today.

"Are you going to the office?" she asked, her tone curious rather than accusatory.

"Yes. Something came up," Earl replied, his voice distant as he grabbed his briefcase.

Evelyn watched him for a moment, sensing that something was off. "Is everything okay?"

Earl hesitated before nodding. "Just work," he said curtly before heading for the door.

Evelyn stood there, watching him leave, her heart heavy with the growing distance between them. She understood Earl's reluctance; he was a man who thrived on control, and the sudden arrival of a baby into their home was anything but controlled. Still, she hoped he would come to see that this was temporary, that she could handle it.

---

At the office, Earl sat at his desk, feeling a knot of frustration tightening in his chest. He didn't want to be cold toward Evelyn, but he couldn't help it. The idea of letting anyone into their already fragile dynamic, especially a baby, felt overwhelming.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in," Earl called, straightening his posture.

Nate, his secretary, stepped in with an uncharacteristically somber look on his face. "Mr. Silverwood, I... I need to take some time off."

Earl looked up sharply. "How long?"

"Two months, at least. My mother is... dying," Nate said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I've already found a temporary replacement, someone with good experience."

Earl nodded slowly, his mind shifting. "I'm sorry to hear that, Nate. Take the time you need."

Nate left, and a few minutes later, the substitute secretary entered. Earl looked up, expecting to see a stranger, but what greeted him was something unexpected—familiarity. The woman before him had features that echoed someone from his past. Her dark hair, her sharp eyes—they reminded him of Nathalie, the woman he had once loved so deeply and lost.

For a moment, Earl felt the room close in around him. But he quickly gathered himself, pushing the memories back into the box he had locked them in long ago.

"I'm here to assist you for the next two months," the woman said, her voice professional, nothing like the haunting presence she seemed to represent.

"Thank you," Earl replied, his voice steady, though his heart was anything but. He forced his focus back to the present, though his mind remained clouded with the past.

---

Back at home, Evelyn was ready for Leo's arrival. She stood by the window, watching as a car pulled into the driveway, a mix of nerves and excitement fluttering in her chest. As she opened the door and saw Maria's smiling face, holding little Leo in her arms, Evelyn knew that this would be a new challenge—but one she was prepared to face.