Chapter Ninety Five

EVELYN’S POV:

It had been a week now since Dad was admitted to the hospital. The kids were doing well, and we were preparing for their formal and legal adoption today. Before proceeding, we planned to visit Dad at the hospital. His caretaker was taking excellent care of him, and Mia was doing great with the kids.

I had also resumed work, managing both companies temporarily, balancing everything as best as I could, even though it wasn't easy, I always have Leonard. He would put me through.

And I'm also taking a virtual course on management, so things are managing to get easier.

We left for the hospital with the kids since we were heading to their grandparents’ home afterward.

“Mummy, sit with us,” the children pleaded as I dropped them off at the back passenger seats.

I couldn’t resist their request, so I joined them in the back, leaving Leonard alone in the front.

As we drove, I told them stories to keep them entertained. Along the way, we stopped at a shop to get ice cream.

“Mummy, I want to get ice cream for Grandpa,” Ryan said, pointing at a bowl of ice cream.

While Ryan focused on his choice, River was busy picking items for herself. Leonard stayed close, helping her shop.

We bought what we needed and left for the hospital. Pulling into the driveway, we got out of the car and made our way to Dad’s room. The kids ran ahead to greet him, excited to see their grandfather.

“Grandpa! How are you?” they exclaimed in unison.

Dad smiled warmly, embracing them both. He was seated on the bed, looking much better than I’d expected.

“Bring Grandpa his ice cream!” Ryan demanded, his little voice commanding yet endearing.

I smiled and handed the ice cream to Dad. Meanwhile, Leonard and my dad exchanged simple greetings, and I hugged Dad, placing a kiss on his forehead.

“I have something to show you, Daddy,” I said, holding out my hand to reveal a beautiful diamond ring that sparkled on my finger.

His eyes lit up with joy. “That is beautiful. Congratulations!” he said warmly. His words brought a sense of calmness and validation that I didn’t realize I needed.

We spent the next hour chatting, laughing, and even discussing some serious matters. It was a heartwarming moment.

When it was time to leave for Samantha’s parents’ house, we gave the caregiver some instructions and bid Dad goodbye.

Less than an hour later, we arrived at Samantha’s parents’ home. Leonard carried Ryan while I held River in my arms. We knocked on the door, and Samantha greeted us.

“Hold on,” she called from inside before opening the door.

“Good afternoon,” we greeted each other politely as she ushered us inside.

The kids stayed close to us, their expressions hesitant and quiet. I wondered if Samantha had ever brought them here because they didn’t seem familiar with the place.

Inside, the conversation quickly turned serious.

“As much as we trust Henderson Leonard to take care of the kids, we believe they should stay with us,” Samantha’s dad said, his words leaving me stunned.

“What? But…” I began, only to be cut off by Samantha’s mom.

“Listen, Evelyn, we know you’re a good person with a big heart. But after everything our daughter put you through, you shouldn’t have to bear the responsibility of raising her children,” she explained.

I didn’t need convincing. I had already forgiven Samantha.

“It’s no burden to me. I’m fond of these kids,” I said firmly.

Samantha’s dad continued, “The kids are the only connection we have left to our daughter. We appreciate everything you’ve done, but we’d like to keep them.”

Before I could say more, Leonard intervened. “Evelyn, it’s okay. It would be selfish of us to take the kids from their grandparents. I think they should stay here,” he said, surprising me. I had expected him to argue for custody, but he didn’t.

Swallowing my feelings, I whispered, “Alright.”

We agreed that we could visit the kids whenever we wanted.

But when it was time to leave, the kids broke down in tears.

“Mummy, please don’t leave us! We want to come with you!” they cried, their little voices breaking my heart.

Tears streamed down my face as we drove away. I cried quietly the entire way.

When we stopped at my office to pick up some files, I forced myself to focus. The Wyatt Cooperative building stood tall, welcoming me back to reality.

Inside, I checked on the staff and exchanged a few words with my secretary.

“Congratulations again, ma’am, on your engagement,” she said with a smile. She had always not forgotten to share my happiness. And that made me like her so much, she had also put so much to the growth of the company. 

I thought internally that it was time to upgrade her, but after that everything was fine with me.

I blushed and thanked her before grabbing my documents and leaving.

Back in the car, the absence of the kids weighed heavily on me. Leonard, however, seemed calm, his demeanor unfazed.

To comfort myself, I rubbed my stomach subconsciously.

“I want a girl,” Leonard said, his eyes glancing at me with a beautiful smile, “ I want her just like her mother, especially those eyes.” He added 

“Of course, it’s a boy,” I teased.

“We’ll see about that,” he replied, turning his attention back to driving, with a smirk on his face.

Before long, we were back at the hospital. We stepped out of the car and went into the ward.

My father and the caregiver seemed to have a bond deep into conversation.

When I told Dad about the kids, he was visibly saddened but reasoned with Samantha’s parents’ decision. His perspective made me question if I’d been selfish for wanting to keep the kids.

As I wrestled with my emotions, the doctor walked in, holding files and medications.

We greeted him, but my mind was racing, eager to hear what he had to say.