Chapter 14

The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the house, casting soft patterns of light on the floor. Evelyn was in the kitchen, preparing a cup of tea as her mind drifted to Maria's departure earlier that morning. The brief, yet heartfelt, goodbye still lingered in her thoughts.

Maria had hugged Leo tightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll be back before you know it, sweetheart," she whispered to her son, who gazed up at her with wide, innocent eyes.

"Don't worry, Maria. He's in good hands," Evelyn reassured her, gently patting her friend's arm. 

Maria looked up, her expression softening as she smiled. "I know, Evelyn. I trust you with my life. And with his."

Evelyn had smiled back, hugging Maria tightly before she left for the airport, leaving behind the quiet weight of responsibility that now rested on Evelyn's shoulders.

---

It was Leo's first day at the house, and Evelyn had already noticed how shy he was. He clung to her, looking at his new surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and hesitation. After Maria's departure, Evelyn had spent the morning trying to make him feel comfortable, showing him his new room filled with toys and trying to coax smiles from him with her gentle, patient nature.

As the day passed, Leo seemed to relax a little more. Evelyn had placed a blanket on the living room floor and sat with him, watching as he explored the colorful blocks she had laid out for him. His small hands reached for them, turning them over and studying them with the kind of intense focus only children seemed to have.

"You're so smart, Leo," Evelyn said softly, sitting close by as she watched him. "I think you're going to love it here."

Leo glanced up at her, his expression still cautious but intrigued by her soft voice. He babbled something unintelligible and handed her a block. Evelyn took it, smiling as she placed it gently back on the blanket.

---

Later that evening, Earl returned home, exhausted from the long day. He had spent most of it dealing with the new assistant his secretary, Nate, had arranged before taking his leave. The substitute, Amber, had immediately caught Earl's attention—not just because of her qualifications, but because of her striking resemblance to Nathalie, the woman who had once shattered his heart.

At first, he thought it was just a trick of the light when she entered his office that morning. Amber's long, dark hair, the curve of her smile—it was uncanny. And unsettling.

"Mr. Silverwood," Amber had said, standing in front of his desk with a professional air. "I'll be filling in for Nate while he's away. I've already been briefed on most of your projects."

Earl had nodded, keeping his expression neutral, though the resemblance unnerved him. "Thank you. If you need anything, just let me know."

Amber had simply smiled, and though Earl had managed to remain professional, every time he glanced at her during the day, his mind drifted back to memories of Nathalie. It was as if fate had decided to test him, bringing a shadow of his past into his present, just as he was beginning to think about the future with Evelyn.

---

Now, as Earl walked through the front door of his home, he could hear soft murmurs from the living room. He stepped in, his eyes falling on Evelyn sitting on the floor with Leo. She was holding him gently, rocking him slightly as she spoke to him in a soothing tone. Leo, his small face nestled against her shoulder, looked calm, his little fingers clutching her shirt.

Earl paused in the doorway, watching them for a moment before clearing his throat softly to announce his presence.

Evelyn looked up, offering him a small, welcoming smile. "You're home," she said softly, as if mindful of Leo, who was on the verge of falling asleep.

Earl nodded, his gaze flickering to the boy in her arms. This was his first real encounter with Leo, and though the child was quiet now, there was something vulnerable about him—something that reminded Earl of the life he once thought he might have had. 

Stepping closer, Earl's expression softened. "How's he doing?"

"He's adjusting," Evelyn replied, her voice gentle. "He misses Maria, but I think he's settling in. He's a sweet boy."

Earl knelt down next to them, his eyes meeting Leo's sleepy gaze for the first time. The boy blinked up at him, his expression cautious but curious. Earl felt a strange tightening in his chest as he looked at him, the weight of responsibility suddenly very real. He had always imagined having children—long ago, when his dreams had seemed simpler, when the future had been a different landscape entirely. Now, as he looked at Leo, he wondered if this was life's way of reminding him of those dreams.

"He's… small," Earl said quietly, not quite knowing how to express the unfamiliar emotions stirring inside him.

Evelyn smiled, glancing down at Leo. "Yes, but strong. He'll grow quickly."

Earl hesitated for a moment before reaching out, gently placing his hand on Leo's back. The boy didn't flinch, simply resting against Evelyn's shoulder, his eyes fluttering closed as he drifted into sleep. For a brief moment, Earl felt a sense of peace—a connection to something greater than the chaos of his day.

Evelyn glanced at Earl, her smile soft. "You'll get used to him."

Earl nodded, still feeling the warmth of the little boy against his hand. "Maybe."

---

The next morning, Earl left for work earlier than usual, his thoughts still lingering on Amber, who reminded him so much of Nathalie, and the strange feeling that had settled in his chest after seeing Leo with Evelyn.

As he entered the office, Amber was already there, organizing the files on his desk. She looked up, giving him a polite smile as he walked in.

"Good morning, Mr. Silverwood," she said, her voice smooth and professional.

Earl nodded curtly. "Morning."

As he took his seat at his desk, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be a long two months. The past, it seemed, wasn't quite ready to leave him behind.