One Accidental Night With The Boss

chapter 5: He return

[ Next morning ]

Evelyn staggered into the sitting room, a sleep-rumpled mess, her hair a wide tangle framing her face. Rose's eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in the sight, and she burst out laughing. "Good grief, Evelyn, must you stumble out of bed looking like a zombie every morning?" Rose teased. "What kind of morning role model are you for Julian?"

Evelyn's face lit up with a smile until Rose's serious expression caught her attention. "What's going on?" Evelyn asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Rose's voice was laced with urgency. "Your sister called. Your mom is in the hospital, and your sister wants you to come home as soon as possible."

Evelyn's expression changed after hearing about her mother's condition. She quickly got dressed and prepared to leave.

"Aunt Rose, what about Julian?"

"He will be with you. I think he'll be happy to see his grandparents," Aunt Rose replied.

As they walked to the airport, Aunt Rose's gentle guidance led the way, their goodbye lingering in the air like a whispered promise. Julian's curious eyes locked onto his mom's, his tiny voice barely above a whisper. "Mom, where are we going?" Evelyn's smile faltered, and her voice cracked with emotion. "We're going home, baby," she whispered.

Julian's brow furrowed. "But we just left home."

Evelyn's eyes brimmed with tears as she stroked his hair. "I'm going back to where my story began, and you're going to meet the people who loved me first." The weight of her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions.

[ Austra ]

Harper paced anxiously at the airport, walking back and forth as her eyes searched every arriving passenger. She watched each plane land with rising hope until the final flight touched down. Then, through the crowd, she spotted Evelyn in the distance. Without thinking, Harper ran towards her, heart pounding, and wrapped her in a warm, tender embrace.

"How have you been coping in Germany? How is it over there? Why didn't you bother to check on us?" Harper said, rushing her words.

Harper had transformed—she's taller, her face has changed, but one thing remains the same—her non-stop chatter!

Evelyn smiled warmly as she turned to Harper, who was breathing rapidly, her words spilling out in a frantic rush. "Harper, slow down, it's okay," Evelyn said, her calm voice a gentle counterpoint to Harper's rising panic.

"Wow... he's adorable," Harper whispered, her eyes lighting up as she stared at Julian. "Is this the little guy you told me about?"

"Yes, that's him," Evelyn said, smiling softly. Julian looked up with bright curiosity, then beamed. "Aunty," he said sweetly. Harper blinked. "Wait—did he just call me Aunt?"

Her cheeks flushed a gentle red, completely caught off guard. It was the first time any child had ever called her that. Something about the way he said it made her heart flutter.

She knelt down, opened her arms, and Julian ran into them without hesitation. She wrapped him in a warm, tight hug. "Well," she laughed softly, "I could get used to this."

- - -

"Mr. Boss, the lady has returned; she is at the airport," the voices crackled over the phone. "Fine, I'll be there in a few," he replied, his tone clipped. Moments later, a sleek procession of black luxury cars descended upon the airport, their polished exteriors gleaming like dark jewels.

As the door swung open, a young man with a chiseled jawline, prominent cheekbones, and piercing gray eyes stepped out in a black suit, exuding an air of quiet confidence. But before he could take a stride, a swarm of journalists pounced, their cameras flashing like fireworks, and their questions raining down like a storm, pinning him in place.

"What's up with that guy, Harper? Who is he?" Evelyn asked, curiosity sparking in her voice.

Harper's eyes widened as she gazed at the gentleman from afar. Her voice barely above a whisper, she replied, "You don't know Sebastian Ford? He's the one who took the reins of the Ford Group after his father passed away four years ago."

As Harper admired his chiseled features from a distance, she exclaimed, "He's so handsome, Evelyn!" her voice loud enough to make Evelyn's cheeks flush.

"Harper," Evelyn's sudden outburst snapped her back to reality. "We're running out of time; let's go home," she said.

- - -

As they arrived at her father's grand mansion, she stepped out of the car with Julian and Harper by her side. Her eyes immediately caught sight of her mother seated quietly in the garden, framed by the gentle sway of flowers and the whispering breeze. Time had left its mark on her—she looked older and wearier, the weight of her husband's illness etched deeply into her face. With her heart tightening, she walked slowly towards her, their eyes locking. Without a word, she embraced her mother tightly, as if trying to make up for all the lost time and silent pain.

"Welcome back, my darling," Indigo said, her eyes lighting up with joy. "Is this my little grandson?"

"Yes, Mom," Evelyn replied, smiling as she introduced Julian to his grandma.

Julian ran to her, pulling her into a tender embrace. "Grandma, I have always thought about seeing you and spending time with you, and now we finally get to be together," Julian said, his voice filled with excitement.

His grandma smiled warmly at him. "Yes, darling, let's go inside."

As they strolled through the mansion, Evelyn's eyes scanned the entire room, searching for Emily. But she was nowhere to be found. Evelyn's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Harper, asking, "Where is she?"

Harper's response surprised Evelyn: "She's moved out to her husband's house." Evelyn's mind buzzed with questions—when did Emily get married? Harper's next words snapped her back to reality: "It was a quiet court marriage. We didn't want to bother you while you were in Germany, so we didn't inform you. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you either."