Evelyn needed something, anything, to shift Alicia’s thoughts away from worry.
Her stepmother had been tense ever since the news about Lana surfaced again.
Even though she had already explained that Lana’s plan had failed, Alicia still looked like she was about to burst into tears or throw something at the wall.
As Alicia continued venting about her miserable life and concerns for the future, Evelyn also searched for something to distract her.
And the only thing that could make Alicia stop worrying was about her pregnancy.
However, she had planned to announce her pregnancy to the whole family this weekend.
She feels confused.
Before Evelyn could find the right words to start, Alicia suddenly leaned in and took both her hands.
"Eve, don’t worry about me... I will not change my mind and go back to William. Even if he kneels, begs, or dresses like a clown, I will not. I promise you." Her eyes practically sparked with fire.
Evelyn laughed softly and gently patted her hands.
"Alice, I am genuinely happy to hear that. I agree with you...Never give my father a second chance because he never learns and he never will."
Alicia nodded, but her expression quickly shifted into frustration again.
"But still, I feel so upset with Lana. How could she ruin our family and keep trying repeatedly? What if she tries again? What if she goes after you or Stella again?"
"Alice, listen."
Evelyn finally interrupted before Alicia could break into tears or choke on her own anger.
"There is no way Lana can do anything else. Axel will make sure she stays in prison for many years. You have nothing to worry about."
"Really?" Alicia blinked, still unconvinced. Evelyn had said this at least four times today, yet she could not calm down.
"Yes, really."
A tiny smile appeared on Evelyn’s face. She squeezed Alicia’s hands once more before taking a breath.
"Actually, there is something I want to tell you."
Alicia stiffened instantly.
"What is it? Eve, please do not tell me anything that will make my blood boil again. I cannot take another bad thing today." Alicia said while forcing a nervous smile.
"It is not bad news."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely." Evelyn inhaled again and said softly, "Alice... I am pregnant."
Alicia was utterly shocked. Her eyes widened. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
Then, all at once, tears gathered in her eyes. "Eve... you are... pregnant?" she choked out.
"Yes," Evelyn answered softly with a smile, watching how funny Alicia’s expression is now.
Before Evelyn could say more, suddenly, Alicia grabbed her hand and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Oh, thank God," Alicia cried loudly. "Thank God, thank God. I am so happy. I am so happy for you. My sweet girl is having another baby." She sniffled, wailed again, and hugged her once more. "I cannot believe it. I am going to be a grandmother again!"
Evelyn laughed helplessly.
"Alice, stop crying. You will make me cry, too."
"I cannot stop. I am overwhelmed. I’m too happy for you. Oh dear, this is why I should not have worn mascara today," she sobbed while wiping her eyes. "Look at me, I look like a panda."
Oliver crossed his arms, looking exactly like a tiny Axel. "Mommy, you used my baby sibling as medicine?"
Alicia burst into laughter.
Evelyn nodded, holding back a laugh, as she looked at how adorable her son was.
"Yes. Yes. It is very effective. Look now, Grandma no longer cries. Now she laughs... happily."
Oliver nods while looking at Alicia.
Then he turned to see Evelyn again, "But Mommy, this is so unfair. I wanted to say it first. I even practiced how to say it."
Alicia wiped her happy tears and pulled her grandson into a hug.
"Oh, sweetheart... I am so proud of you. Thank you for keeping the secret..."
Oliver nodded proudly. "I kept it so tight. But now the secret has escaped."
Evelyn and Alicia burst into laughter at the same time.
Alicia giggled and kissed the top of his head.
The atmosphere changed from heavy and tense to warm and bright, just as Evelyn had hoped.
They talked for another hour. Alicia kept congratulating Evelyn, while Oliver shared funny stories that made everyone forget about Lana. Eventually, though, Alicia had to say goodbye.
"Eve, thank you. This news truly saved my day," she said. "But, I need to go home now. I have to wait for Stella. She is not escaping this time. I will scold her for hiding things from me."
Evelyn chuckled. "Good luck."
Alicia kissed Oliver’s forehead, hugged him again three times, and finally left the house.

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