Dinner followed soon after.
The family gathered around the long table, warm dishes filling the air with comforting aromas.
Evelyn sat beside Axel, with Oliver on her other side, along with Stella and Alicia.
For a moment, the dining room felt alive and warm.
As usual, Stella and Oliver entertained everyone with exaggerated stories.
Laughter floated between clinking cutlery and gentle conversation.
Oliver swung his legs under his chair, humming as he ate. Stella talked animatedly with Alicia about hospital gossip.
And in the middle of it all, Axel continued his quiet mission with unwavering dedication.
He placed another piece of grilled meat onto Evelyn’s plate.
Then another spoonful of vegetables.
Then a small piece of grilled fish.
Evelyn stared at the growing mountain of food in front of her with widening eyes.
Finally, she leaned closer to him, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "I’m full, Axel. I can’t eat anymore." She protests.
Axel froze mid-air, spoon hovering with another piece of meat. He looked at her, then at her plate, then back at her again.
A slow smile curved his lips before he reluctantly withdrew his hand.
"I’m just making sure my wife won’t starve in the middle of the night," he murmured, completely serious.
Evelyn let out a soft laugh. "My dear husband, if I eat any more, I won’t be able to walk. I will roll..."
He leaned closer, voice dropping into a teasing whisper. "Then I’ll carry you. No need to worry about it."
She shook her head, amused. "I’m trying to recover, not become a dumpling."
"I like dumplings," he replied smoothly. "Especially the lovely-looking ones. Usually, it means it tastes great."
Evelyn pressed her lips together, fighting a smile, but her cheeks betrayed her with warmth.
Unfortunately for her dignity, their conversation had not gone unnoticed.
Oliver suddenly lifted his spoon and pointed it at her like a tiny general. "Mommy must eat. Daddy says Mommy must eat! I will eat a lot too!"
He scooped a huge spoonful into his mouth to prove his point, cheeks puffed like a squirrel storing food.
Stella leaned forward, eyes bright with a smile, "As a resident doctor," she announced solemnly, "I must inform you, Sister Eve, proper nutrition accelerates healing. If you refuse, I will have to prescribe... forced feeding."
Alicia covered her laugh with her napkin.
Axel raised one eyebrow in approval.
Evelyn laughed lightly and leaned back in her chair. "I’m surrounded by traitors."
Oliver reached over and gently placed a piece of baby carrot onto her plate. "Mom, please eat for Oliver."
Stella added another piece of broccoli. "Sis, eat for medical science."
Axel slid a piece of grilled meat onto her plate again, this time with victory in his eyes. "Darling wife, eat for your husband."
Evelyn stared at the three of them. Then she picked up her spoon with resignation.
"Sure, sure...I will eat..." she sighed. "But if I gain weight, I’m blaming all of you."
Axel leaned closer, his voice low and warm. "If you gain weight, I’ll still love you. If you become round, I’ll love you. If you become impossible to carry, I’ll hire someone to carry you. Either way, you’re mine."
Evelyn exhaled, her eyes shining.


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