Evander's POV
I stood up, carrying Eliam in my arms as I made my way to his bedroom. "Let's pick out your favorite clothes," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "What do you think?"
We stepped into his room, and I set him down carefully. As I helped him wash his face. "See? All clean," I said as I dried his face with a soft towel. "Now, let's get you dressed."
Eliam gave me a shy smile, his earlier tears forgotten for a moment. As I helped him into a small suit that mirrored my own, I couldn't help but notice how mature he looked for a child his age. The thought made my heart ache, but I pushed it aside.
"Son," I said softly, kneeling in front of him as he sat on the bed. His small hands fiddled with his jacket buttons, and I gently stilled them. "Listen to me carefully, okay?"
"What is it, Daddy?" He tilted his head, his big, innocent eyes staring at me with curiosity.
