"I thought you might step out," Olivia murmured, her gaze dropping.

"So, should I give you some space?" Dylan grinned.

She didn't press the issue. There was really no need for it. She was just expressing herself. Back in the hospital after giving birth, Dylan had been the one taking care of her.

She lifted her chin slightly. "Could you pass me a hot towel? I need to apply it to my breasts."

“Did he bite you?" Dylan caught her implication.

She nodded in confirmation.

Dylan playfully pinched Eason's cheek. “You don't even have teeth, yet you are already biting your mother. Maybe I'll stick to giving you formula next time."

Eason glanced at him before returning his focus to his milk.

As Olivia applied the hot towel, Dylan gently patted Eason. Feeling sympathetic, he suggested, "Maybe it's time to wean him? Formula is just as nutritious as breast milk."

Olivia shook her head. "Every mother faces this. It's no big deal."

Dylan lightly spanked their son as a gentle reprimand.

They had taken a significant step in their relationship, but they preferred to keep it low-key. The less interference, the better.

Edwin and his family returned to Duefron as the holiday wrapped up.

Dylan was busy with his own work, but he planned to stay a bit longer. He wanted to spend more time with Olivia and the children.

Additionally, he was concerned about their safety since he was now the only strong, young man in the house.

Mark had tried to send him away twice, but he refused to go.

In the dead of night, with the children asleep, Dylan was busy on his laptop in his room. Olivia entered quietly, placing a cup of coffee on his desk. Glancing up at her, he resumed his work, smiling as he asked, "Did you brew this for me Sitting on the sofa across from him, she said softly, “You don't have to stay here just for me. Go ahead and take care of your own business."

Dylan paused his typing, taking a moment to smile at her with the coffee in hand. “I can manage my work from here. Olivia, are you planning to make Czanch your permanent home? Have you thought about our future? We agreed to build a life together. Remember that."

Olivia pondered briefly before replying softly, "Yes, I did envision settling down here. But let's not overthink things."

"I'm not overthinking it."

Dylan didn't avoid the topic. "I didn't misunderstand the relationship between you and Raphael either. Love can make people act irrationally. I was not confident enough and deeply hurt you. I won't make that mistake again. What I want to say is, if you decide to settle down here, I need to make some arrangements. I may not be able to be with you every day for at least the next two years, but I believe I can spend at least three days a week with you and our children. With all the kids and your parents at home, I don't want you to bear all the responsibilities alone. Your brother is responsible, but he has a lot on his plate. He also needs to take care of his own family. Olivia, now that we're together, we'll share the load."

His words deeply touched Olivia.

She cast her eyes down, idly tracing patterns on the desk with her slender fingers. After a prolonged silence, she spoke softly, “Dylan, we've missed out on so much. We could have been the happiest couple in the world."

Dylan's gaze was intense.