Chapter 166

Evangelin couldn’t quite believe what had happened yesterday.

Even after waking up in the morning, her heart wouldn’t settle its rapid beats.

She barely managed to fall asleep late into the night, and when she did wake up, it was still the dim pre-dawn hours before the sun rose.

Normally, after such little sleep, she should have been exhausted—but her mind was unusually sharp and clear.

With a rustle, she got out of bed. As always, just like her beloved used to do, she opened the window to let in the fresh morning air. Today, it was simply because she woke up earlier than usual.

The house on the first floor had recently been expanded significantly, eliminating the need to go up and down stairs. It was consideration for the baby soon to come; there were more rooms, and the first floor became much wider.

A pleasant smell wafted through the air. The scent of spring flowers gently drifted in through the window, calming Evangelin’s continuously racing heart. Finally, the proof that Jack’s calling her “sister” yesterday wasn’t a dream began to sink in.

Jack’s voice had been so clear. Despite traveling across countless religions and being told it was impossible, he’d almost given up on regaining his voice. Yet seeing him speak again now made her realize: nothing is truly impossible in this world.

Together with her, the man who stirred her emotions—her benefactor and lover, Minho—began to occupy deeper thoughts within her.

Though she thought she couldn’t possibly feel any deeper for him, strangely, there seemed to be no limit to emotion. Since hearing Jack’s voice, her heart was filled with the firm belief that she could accomplish anything.

“It’s raining…”

The soft sound of rain marked the start of the morning. The gentle tapping against the window brought a pleasant feeling. In her current state, even a typhoon might bring joy, but this light rain merely provided a small excuse to lift her mood.

“Mom…”

“Our daughter, you’re awake?”

“Ung.”

In a sleepy voice, Yul leaned against Evangelin, half-closed eyes complaining softly. Though aware that riding her bike outside today would be dangerous due to the rain, her gaze remained fixed outside. This was because playing outside with her friend Lucy was always so enjoyable.

Yul’s lips naturally pouted as a result. Sensing this, Evangelin skillfully picked her up, soothing and comforting her until her mood softened.

“Our Yul…”

“Ung.”

“Are you upset because we can’t ride your bike today?”

“Nye.”

“What if you and Lucy play inside the house instead?”

“Really?”

“Of course! Naturally.”

“Yay!”

At those words, Yul smiled broadly and hurried off somewhere. The faint morning sky, still dark from the clouds, covered the world. It looked like today wouldn’t be a particularly clear day.

Still, Evangelin felt refreshingly cheerful. Today, she was simply happy.

“Mmm…”

Awakening to the sound of the rain, Anne rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up. She then lazily perched herself on the bed, looking at Evangelin sitting on the couch.

“Water…”

With a dry, cracked voice, Anne requested water, and Evangelin quietly handed her a warm glass. Carefully sipping it, Anne gave a nod of thanks.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Mom Anne doesn’t give in to something as trivial as rain.”

“Such a great mom.”

“Of course. But lightning might still be a bit scary.”

“Aha.”

Tongue sticking out slightly, Anne grinned mischievously. Watching her bold reaction, Evangelin marveled anew. Trauma isn’t something easily overcome overnight, yet her sacrifices and dedication for her child were truly admirable. This desire to overcome and move forward was inspiring.

A fleeting memory surfaced of golden hair soaked by the rain. Once, she thought she’d never see Anne like that, but now Anne had grown stronger and firmer. While people tend to progress and improve, not everyone does.

“What are you thinking so deeply about?”

“Huh? Nothing.”

“I heard the news yesterday. About Jack.”

Carefully spoken words from Anne made Evangelin smile. It was good news. Really, really good.

“Isn’t it great?”

“Obviously! Congratulations, Evy!!”

A little loud, a bit boisterous. The fairy-like cheerfulness shook the peaceful morning.

“Anne.”

“Yes!”

“You too… And me too.”

Evangelin spoke softly, hesitating slightly. It wasn’t an easy thing to say, but since coming here, many things had changed—for the better.

“How did we both… manage to get through everything so well?”

At that, Anne looked surprised for a moment, then slowly nodded in agreement.

“That’s true. How… Yes.”

“It’s good, right?”

“Yeah. I’m always grateful to Minho.”

“So am I.”

Looking at Anne’s smile, Evangelin thought how radiant it was. The maternal warmth, touching her belly and showing happiness—it was truly impressive.

“Momma.”

“Is our Yul here?”

Whining, Yul approached, trying to act cute. With gemstone-like eyes, Yul spread her arms wide, and anyone would surely want to pick her up. Cuddled in Anne’s arms, she giggled with her unique laugh.

Then someone approached. A mouth that usually stayed silent every day finally produced a clear voice.

“Did you sleep well…?”

An awkward tone. Still somewhat clumsy, but unmistakably Jack’s voice. Shyly scratching his head as he approached, Yul brightly called out to him.

“Yes! I slept well!”

“Uh-huh.”

The ability to have normal conversations. The possibility of verbal exchanges instead of written ones. Just that alone made tears threaten to flow—not because she imagined it, but because she never thought she’d witness such a scene. Therefore, it felt all the more moving and stirring.

Hiding her reddening eyes, Evangelin headed towards the kitchen as usual to prepare breakfast.

Today’s late riser was none other than her beloved husband, Minho. Since everyone else had woken up, it was natural to eat breakfast and start the day. Slowly lighting the fire, she faced the warm heat.

The fire was no longer scary now. Actually, the fire hadn’t changed—it was just her attitude toward it that shifted. Her way of dealing with the same fire that stood in its place had transformed.

There was no resistance felt anymore when gripping the pan, something she once forced herself to do. Now, her movements flowed naturally like water.

The flames crackling in the pot were just warm. Knowing that this fire, which gives warmth to people, can also become a devastating calamity sometimes—that was all there was to it.

It wasn’t about overcoming the fire. The traces of the fire that took her and her younger brother were simply gone. Carrying the aftermath of those scars forever wasn’t wise. That would’ve been the action of a bad mother…

To be a good mom like Anne, she believed forgiveness was necessary. Although the fire itself hadn’t changed, only her heart had, she wanted it to be that way.

That’s why she stared at the fire for so long. The tangled threads of past memories were slowly melting away. Turning painful recollections into cherished memories, this was Evangelin’s small transformation expressed through cooking.

“Hmm…”

Oil flowing over the pan. Meat sizzling above it, making delightful sounds as it cooked.

It was a good sound. Her mindset towards cooking seemed to have shifted slightly. Even though only one thing had changed, Evangelin felt as if her entire life had flipped upside down.

When the food was ready, only then did the late-rising husband stir. The delicious aroma stealthily permeated the house, and Yul drooled while eagerly waiting for her meal. Smiling at this sight, Evangelin set the breakfast table.

“Wow.”

Yul’s exclamation.

“Wow! Today’s food looks especially delicious! Not that it was bad before, but today especially!”

“Well… Bon appétit.”

Anne’s compliment and Jack’s simple greeting.

“I’ll eat well.”

Following that, Minho’s voice joined in. All these elements combined made Evangelin feel the happiness of everyday life. Though she had felt similar things before, adding just one voice doubled the sense of joy.

So quietly approaching Minho’s side, kissing his cheek, and expressing gratitude felt completely natural. If she didn’t do this, she feared her heart would burst with warmth.

“Tasty!”

Yul’s exclamation.

“Today’s food tastes especially good! Not that it wasn’t good before, but today especially!”

Anne’s praise. Jack silently ate, and Minho complimented the food as well.

“Tastes good, thank goodness.”

Thus, Evangelin strongly believed she would never forget this ordinary spring day.

—

On a rainy day, Anne acted just fine despite the weather, but Yul was slightly glum because she couldn’t ride her bike. Evangelin was happily chatting about the fact that Jack could talk, sharing unfinished stories after breakfast. They might continue talking all day. Such times of relieving pent-up feelings were allowed to last longer, as it was fitting.

Then, when Lucy arrived with Berdetto, Yul’s expression brightened instantly. In the expanded house, Yul and Lucy laughed and played together. A few fairies joined them, and Anne quietly watched the scene wrapped in a blanket, smiling.

Even though she had overcome her fear of rain, expecting energetic activity on such days was probably unreasonable.

After receiving Berdetto’s report, I stayed indoors. Sending my clone to the mine, I quietly enjoyed the peaceful spring morning indoors.

“It’s a bit cold because of the rain.”

Anne came closer and clung to me. Unwrapping the blanket and re-covering us both, a small cocoon formed around us, giving a cozy feeling.

“How are you feeling?”

“Um… Better because I ate something tasty.”

“Would it be okay not covering your ears?”

“Hehe. I’ll ask when the thunder comes. Thunder and lightning are still… a bit tough.”

“Of course. Don’t worry.”

“I trust you.”

“Alright.”

Slowly, Anne’s head tilted towards me. When her shoulder lightly touched mine, the warmth was comforting. Gently turning to look at her, I found her staring intently at my face.

As our gazes met, instead of averting her eyes, she grinned mischievously, revealing a charming fox-like expression.

“Rub my belly.”

The whisper tickled my ears.

At her request, I carefully placed my hand on her stomach.

“Uuuuh.”

Then she started acting up, grabbing my hand. Gradually lifting her clothes, she pressed my hand against her bare skin and looked at me with moist eyes.

Smiling, I cast warmth, healing, peace, stability, and positive magic to make her spirit calm and tranquil.

“Feels good…”

That must’ve been what she wanted. She melted away, closing her eyes and leaning against my shoulder, falling into a comfortable slumber. Perhaps signaling not to remove my hand from her belly, she still held onto it tightly.

Since her actions clearly indicated her wish, I repeated the gentle caressing of her belly for quite some time. Until Anne fell into deep sleep and emitted steady breathing, my hand belonged solely to her.

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