secret lover 149

Eleanor, Axel’s grandmother, asserts her role in spoiling him, prompting Andrew to suggest it’s time for Evelyn to receive some attention. Throughout the evening, Axel’s gentle and caring nature surprises Evelyn, especially in how he attentively serves his grandparents and looks after her wellbeing. The family shares laughter and stories about Axel’s mischievous childhood, easing Evelyn’s initial anxiety about meeting them and making her feel warmly welcomed.

As the evening progresses, Axel reveals a significant secret: he and Evelyn have a son named Oliver Taylor Knight, who is about to turn four. This revelation shocks Eleanor and Andrew, but Eleanor quickly embraces the news with joy, excitedly calling Axel a great-grandfather and asking to see a picture of Oliver. The family bonds grow stronger as they admire the photo and share lighthearted jokes, with Evelyn feeling deeply accepted by Axel’s grandparents.

Despite the joyful atmosphere, Axel insists on keeping the existence of their son a secret from others, including his own parents. Eleanor and Andrew agree to this condition, understanding the importance of discretion. After the visit, Evelyn expresses relief and happiness about the positive reception from Axel’s family, and Axel acknowledges their genuine affection for her, especially impressed by her good humor during the evening.

The chapter ends with a sudden disturbance as a black sports car arrives abruptly, causing Axel to become tense and alert, hinting at an unexpected development that interrupts the peaceful conclusion of the family gathering.

149 Meeting the Knight Family (4)

Eleanor fixed him with a long, sharp glance—the kind of look only grandmothers perfect after years of practice and experience.

“That’s my responsibility, dear,” she said firmly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and authority. “And just so you know, you’re already spoiled enough to last three lifetimes.”

Andrew chuckled quietly, shaking his head in amused disbelief.

“Your grandma’s absolutely right, Axel. We’ve pampered you far more than necessary. It’s about time someone else got some attention.”

He turned a warm smile toward Evelyn before continuing, “Now, Eve, it’s your turn to be showered with love.”

Evelyn let out a soft laugh, glancing at Axel just in time to catch him raising his hands in playful surrender, his grin stretching wide across his face.

Yet beneath his teasing exterior, there was a gentleness that caught her completely off guard—a tenderness that softened the edges of his usual sharp demeanor.

She noticed it in the quiet way he served food to his grandparents first, carefully making sure Eleanor received the tenderest part of the roast. At the same time, he reminded Evelyn to take her evening medicine with a gentle tone, never a trace of impatience in his voice.

And whenever his grandparents sided with her instead of him, he’d put on a mock pout, but his eyes sparkled with a quiet affection that made her heart flutter.

Seeing Axel like this—calm, considerate, almost boyishly kind—stirred something deep inside Evelyn. Despite all his rough edges, warmth was buried within him, and tonight, it shone through unmistakably.

The evening unfolded with laughter and stories that flowed effortlessly around the table.

Eleanor and Andrew took turns revealing tales of Axel’s mischievous youth: how he once climbed the barn’s roof just to prove a point, or how he accidentally set off fireworks inside the house.

And, of course, the legendary “frog experiment” came up again, prompting bursts of laughter.

By the time dessert arrived, Evelyn’s cheeks ached from smiling so much.

The tension she’d carried since their arrival had completely dissolved. She’d been so anxious about meeting them, worried about being judged or measured, but instead, they welcomed her like family.

Just as she was beginning to truly relax, Axel decided to drop a surprising revelation.

He looked calmly at his grandparents and said, “There’s something else I want to share… something important.”

Eleanor and Andrew both looked up, their expressions curious and expectant.

Axel’s smile was faint but steady. “Evelyn and I… we have a son.”

A stunned silence settled over the dining room.

Eleanor gasped, then managed, “Oh my goodness… You two already have a son?”

Her voice was filled with disbelief, but her eyes softened immediately. She reached out and gently clasped Evelyn’s hand, her smile widening into something warm and genuine.

Andrew, on the other hand, looked as if he’d just been told the stock market had crashed and their company’s shares had hit an all-time low. The shock was plain on his face.

“Wait, wait,” Andrew stammered, still trying to process the news. “I’m still reeling from the fact you married Evelyn, and now you tell me you have a child—and you managed to keep it a secret from us?”

Axel’s smile deepened, his tone light and casual, as though he were simply commenting on the weather. “That’s right. His name is Oliver Taylor Knight.”

The grandparents exchanged stunned glances.

Eleanor’s mouth opened and closed a few times before she burst into a breathy laugh. “Ha-ha-ha… Oh heavens above. A great-grandchild! Andrew, did you hear that? We’re great-grandparents!”

“I heard,” Andrew replied dryly, a hint of disbelief still lingering. “Just making sure I’m not hallucinating.” He chuckled, then asked, “How old did you say he is?”

“Oliver will be four in a few days,” Axel answered.

Eleanor gasped again, her hand flying to her chest. “Four years old? You mean… your son with Evelyn?”

Axel’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Yes, Grandma. My biological son, with Evelyn. I know you have questions, and I promise to tell you the whole story someday.”

Eleanor laughed out loud, joy bubbling from her heart.

“Oh, dear heavens. First, you surprise us with a marriage, and now this? Axel Knight, you really do enjoy keeping your poor grandparents on their toes!” Her shock quickly melted into delight. “A great-grandchild! I can hardly believe I have a great-grandchild while I’m still alive. God bless you, Axel! And you too, Evelyn!”

“Thank you, Grandma. Grandpa,” Evelyn replied softly, cheeks flushed, eyes shining with happiness.

Eleanor clasped her hands together like an excited child.

“Oliver Taylor Knight. What a strong, handsome name. Do you have a picture? Please tell me you do, and bring it out right now.”

Evelyn nodded, unlocking her phone and scrolling through her gallery until she found her favorite: Oliver sitting on his pony, Browny, laughing freely beneath the golden sunlight.

She handed the phone over to Eleanor.

“Oh, look at that smile!” Eleanor exclaimed, her face lighting up. “He’s just like Axel was at that age… the same mischievous eyes, the same charming grin, the same stubborn hair.”

“Really? Let me see,” Andrew said eagerly, reaching for the phone. He squinted for a moment, then chuckled. “Oh my God, you’re right. The resemblance is uncanny. But let’s hope he doesn’t inherit your curiosity about frogs.”

Once again, laughter filled the room—warm, genuine, and comforting. Evelyn felt something swell inside her chest: a blend of joy and relief.

These people didn’t just tolerate her; they embraced her wholeheartedly.

She no longer felt nervous around Axel’s grandparents.

By the time the evening came to an end, Eleanor and Andrew were glowing with happiness.

They hugged Evelyn tightly, their warmth sincere and unfiltered.

Eleanor even whispered, “We can’t wait to meet him, honey. We’ll definitely be coming to his birthday party,” before releasing her.

“Grandma, Grandpa,” Axel called out, his tone suddenly serious, “please don’t share anything about Oliver or Evelyn with anyone. I want this to stay a secret.”

Eleanor’s face showed a flicker of surprise, but she soon smiled in understanding.

Andrew frowned slightly before asking, “Not even your parents?”

“Yes,” Axel confirmed firmly.

“We promise we won’t say a word,” Andrew assured him before they parted ways.

Outside, the night air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth.

Evelyn took a deep breath, her smile soft and contented.

“That went better than I ever expected,” she said, still a little breathless from the evening’s events. “I really like them, Axel. They’re so kind.”

Axel nodded, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back as they walked toward the car.

“They already adore you.”

She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Even after the frog story?”

He chuckled low in his throat. “Especially after that. You laughed instead of running away—that impressed Grandma more than you know.”

Evelyn laughed softly. “You should’ve warned me your family’s sense of humor is deadly.”

“I wanted to see if you’d survive,” he teased with a grin. “And you did great.”

They were just a few steps away from their car when a sudden roar shattered the peaceful night.

The low growl of an engine cut through the stillness.

Headlights sliced across the driveway as a sleek black sports car pulled sharply into the front yard, its tires crunching loudly against the gravel.

In an instant, Axel’s posture stiffened, alert and tense.

The evening spent with Axel’s grandparents unfolded like a tender unveiling of family bonds, revealing layers of warmth beneath the initial formality. Evelyn’s anxiety gave way to genuine joy as she witnessed Axel’s softer side and felt embraced by the Knight family’s laughter and stories. The revelation of their son, Oliver, brought a mixture of surprise and delight, knitting Evelyn more deeply into this complex, loving circle. Through shared smiles and heartfelt acceptance, the chapter beautifully captured the quiet strength of connection and belonging.

As the night drew to a close, the promise of secrecy hung gently in the air, underscoring the delicate balance they all must maintain. Yet, despite the weight of hidden truths, the glow of newfound acceptance lingered warmly between them. Evelyn and Axel’s bond felt more resilient, fortified by the kindness and understanding of those around them. The chapter closed on a note of hopeful intimacy, even as the unexpected arrival hinted at challenges yet to come.

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Axel and Evelyn’s secret life, as the sudden arrival of the mysterious sports car hints at unforeseen challenges heading their way. Tensions that have been simmering beneath the surface may finally come to a head, forcing them to confront secrets they’ve carefully guarded. How will Axel’s protective instincts respond to this unexpected intrusion, and what implications will it have for their fragile peace?

Emotionally, Evelyn’s newfound warmth and acceptance by Axel’s family might be tested, as the shadows of their past threaten to encroach upon the happiness they’ve just begun to savor. The delicate balance between openness and secrecy could prove more difficult to maintain than ever before, stirring doubts and fears that neither of them can easily dismiss. The next chapter will surely explore these shifting dynamics, leaving readers eager to uncover how their love and loyalty will endure the storm approaching.

Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.