95hrs since Oliver got abducted

12:25 PM

Stefan's Office

Stefan's Manor

S T E F A N

"Come again? What the fuck does that mean, Trevor?" My voice bellowed, echoing inside the walls of my office. We are currently having a meeting to figure out how I should get my baby without much trouble. Unlike Pietro, I'm not that stupid. I don't want to come to blows with an international drug cartel overlord.

Trevor sighed and massaged his temples, frustration at its peak with what we just found out. "Exactly as I said, Stefan. The files that Izen sent were not files intending to incriminate his father."

"Then, what is it? How can I negotiate with him to give back Ollie if we don't have a single fucking leverage?" The frustration I felt was not because I am scared of him, but being already powerful as a drug overlord, it turned out that Don Felipe owns the biggest shipping lines in the world.

According to Trevor's informant, Don Felipe disbanded the organization when Izen ran away, which led me to conclude that Don Felipe's near-death experience was due to him turning his back against the organization. That was the boldest move I have ever known.

Trevor sighed and brushed his hair back. All of us thought that the files Izen sent would be advantageous for us, but that was not the case. "I haven't been able to check out the files thoroughly because we were busy finding Oliver. I asked my team to examine it yesterday but the files themselves were encrypted. I was just able to decrypt them an hour ago. That's why I ran here as fast as I can."

"So, what it is then?" Devon asked impatiently as he took another huge bite of his coffee-flavored cookie.

"It's a video, again. Should we play it?" Both of them looked at me, asking for permission.

I nodded and Trevor plugged it into his laptop which is connected to the large monitor on the left side of the office's wall. The screen was black for five seconds before Izen's face entered the screen. His expression was serious, his black tie loosened and his shirt is two buttons down. On his back is a large open balcony that lets us see a glimpse of his wide estate. He was sitting behind his desk, his eyeglasses settled beside his open laptop, stacks of documents on his right, and a picture frame on the upper left side of the table.

He fixed the camera and adjusted the focus, then seriously looked straight into the lens. His serious expression turned into annoyance then rolled his eyes. "Hey, fuckers. Who told you to play this file?" Izen uttered dangerously, the three of us gulping when we looked at each other.

"Never mind. If you are watching this video, it means that I'm dead. Because this would never reach your hands if I'm still alive." He sighed and his playful expression was gone. "Trevor, Devon, and Stefan-don't be surprised. I made this video with you three in mind. If you decided to open this, that would mean that he took Oliver. I want to apologize to Stefan for giving him the wrong impression that Don Felipe has something to do with our accident. I will explain everything from the top. I'm sorry that I had to drag everyone from the mess our family created. I wanted Oliver to live a peaceful life, away from guns, blood, and from Don Felipe himself."

My eyes furrowed, trying to understand what he meant. "Being the son and the only heir of the most ruthless drug overlord was hell. The organization had so many enemies, and Pietro is one of those fuckers. I hope you did me good, Stef. By now, you should've realized that Pietro was the one who was involved in our accident. When the stocks of our company started to drop, I had Elena under surveillance, especially when I found out who her biological father was. Contrary to Dad's knowledge, problems kept popping up a year ago, but since I have capable employees, we were able to nip the problems in the bud. Things started to go downhill when Pietro was caught by Don Felipe's men. The ultimatum he gave Pietro just made that fucker bolder and greedier. I found out that he started gathering allies even before he was introduced to Dad."

He sighed again and massaged his temples. "That was why I decided to give Don Felipe a visit for the very first time since I ran away from that hellish place. I had known that he was watching our family on the sidelines, especially Ollie, but I can't let him get near my son. He is dangerous. I don't want my son and my family exposed to danger, but that asshole Pietro found out that I had men tailing him. It did not help that Don Felipe was also on his back, so I went to Spain to ask him to get off the case. Pietro is not his problem. We found out that the traitors who betrayed Don Felipe will get back at him, so I had to warn him. No matter how much I loathe him, he is still my father. I don't want him to die without a fight."

With shaky hands, he wiped his unshed tears and the raw emotion in his eyes got us floored. "Please, tell my boy how sorry I am. I know how much pain he will be subjected to after we die, but we had to do this. We have to distract Pietro, even if it costs us our lives. That's how much we love him. Please, love and protect him, Stefan. I give my blessings to you. I hope you forgive me for dragging you into this mess. I could've asked for my father's help, but I don't want to. This is our fight, and he has his battles. Ollie will be put in greater danger if I asked for my father's help. I will have faith in Oliver. Please tell him that we love him, so, so much." He was able to muster despite his shaky voice. Izen exhaled sharply while I tried to ignore the burn in my eyes.

"Trevor, even if I am not there to see it, you did good, bud. I know you'll be able to manage the agency without me. The fact that you were able to decode this just means that you already surpassed me. I am so proud of you. I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend your wedding with Jesse." Izen smiled warmly and Trevor tried to choke his sobs, tears falling from his eyes, his knuckles balled into a fist. Trevor is rarely emotional except Jesse, but Trevor is also close with Izen.

"Devon, no matter how much I enjoy your bloody tortures, I want you to take care of yourself. Stop being bitter. Your ex-boyfriend does not deserve you. I hope you'll find a person who will love and take care of you. You're a good man, bud. You'll find him." Devon smiled and nodded, as he averted his eyes from the monitor, his shoulders shaking.

Fuck. Izen has thought about everything thoroughly, but the damage would have been less severe if he asked for our help. If he just utilized the agency, we will be able to deal with this problem with fewer damages. Up until now, I really can't understand how his mind worked. If I was him, I would never follow his decisions. His fucked-up decisions.

The video ended with Izen giving a warning about Don Felipe.

He is a bitter son-of-a-bitch. Be careful, Stefan. You need to show more resolve than you already have. That is if you still want my son to return with you.

That warning kept playing on my mind like a broken record, as I impatiently sat on my private plane, on my way to Seville. Now that things have been settled, I can finally visit my baby. Pietro is dead, along with Peterson and Elena. No one can harm us anymore. I let Oliver's guards take care of the remaining enemies of Don Felipe. I won't let anyone get in the way of me and my baby. I could kill a hundred times, just to make sure that no one hurts him.

Elizabeth and Roman, along with my family, have been informed that I will be taking Oliver back. They wanted to come but I did not allow them. I don't want to make things complicated. Thankfully, they did not insist anymore.

****

A few hours after Stefan arrived in Seville,

I feel like my heart is being gripped and squeezed a thousand times, too much happiness and intense longing filling up my being as I wrapped my arms around my baby. It has been so long. Five days felt like months to me. Not being able to witness his smile and feel his soft touch was enough to almost make me lose my mind. Now that I have him again, I won't ever let him out of my sight and arms.

We just landed in my private villa in Madrid two hours ago, and no matter how much I wanted to fly to Oliver, I had to inform Don Felipe that I will be visiting his estate. My anger towards the old man was inconsequential at the moment. I don't want to face his wrath because I know how powerful he is. If I fight him carelessly, I would be on the losing end. I have to tread lightly, although every nerve in my body is urging me to find Oliver and crush him against me. No matter how I want to kiss my baby senselessly and devour him and own him till he can't live without me anymore, I have to hold myself back.

Oddly enough, it did not take much convincing when I asked Don Felipe to see my baby. There were two men on his sides, glowering at me like a guard dog, but I just rolled my eyes. Adrian Vergara and Drake Rodriguez, Izen's best friends, seemed to be intent on threatening me instead for their friend. Admirable, but not now. I am pissed off, and I fucking miss my baby.

Don Felipe must have noticed my urgency and told me where Oliver is. I let Trevor and Devon explain the situation to Don Felipe while I searched for my baby. When I was about to shout for his name, I heard his heart-wrenching sobs. Why is he crying? Why is my baby crying? Is he hurt? Did they hurt him?

I saw red in a flash and gritted my teeth. I will kill anyone who hurts Oliver. No one gets away with hurting my most precious.

I was snapped back to reality when I heard Oliver's soft sobs against my neck. I pulled him even closer to me, afraid that I might be dreaming again, only to find out that I'm alone in my bed, hugging his pillows.

"D-daddy bear... I missed you so much. I thought I'd never see you again," he admitted in between his sobs, and I had to pull him from my neck to see him.

I cupped his face and kissed his forehead, ensuring that I felt his warmth before pulling away. His eyes shot open and my throat constricted as I held my breath when I finally saw his brown pools. His beautiful brown eyes only reflect me which made my heart pound loudly. There were dark circles around his eyes, and his eyes were duller and lonelier.

"Baby... I missed you too. A thousand times. I love you so, so much," I shakily added, and Ollie bit his lips, tears forming again in his eyes. He lifted his trembling hands and caressed my cheeks. The warmth exploded and spread into my senses as I leaned against his soft touch.

I shouldn't have left him on his own. I should've tightened the security even more so my baby wouldn't have to experience that terrifying situation. I should've been able to prevent this kind of situation but I let my guards down. How stupid can I be?

I glanced at Oliver when I felt his soft thumb smoothening my creased forehead. "Daddy bear, stop frowning. You're thinking of unnecessary things again," he admonished me with a pout, and I can't help but smile. I miss my pouty baby. I missed him so fucking much.

Without warning, I crashed my lips against his and straddle him on my lap. I made sure to suck and lick every nook and corner of his delicious mouth, making up for the lost times I haven't been able to receive his morning and night kisses. My hands expertly squeezed and caressed Oliver's body, the need to satisfy that overdue skin contact is making my hands itch and my body hot.

However, I need to stop myself. I cannot take him here, no matter how my primitive self was so eager to bend Oliver and slam myself all night long.

"Baby... I need you so much, but we need to stop ourselves. I don't want to take you here," I rasped when I was finally able to break the kiss, with Oliver whimpering in protest as I bit and lick his earlobe.

Oliver trembled against my grasp and softly moaned, his sweet voice making me hard as I already am. Oliver smiled at me and gave me a peck, before snuggling himself into me, his small arms wrapping around my torso. "I love you too, daddy bear. These past few days have been torture. Even if I wanted to call you, Grandfather didn't allow me to," my sweet bean told me and rubbed his face against my chest.

I brushed his hair softly and hummed. He's starting to feel small again. I need to make him comfortable ASAP.

"Little prince? Is my little prince alright?" I softly asked and kissed the top of his head, earning bouncy giggles from him. He lifted his head and the sparkles in his eyes got me relieved. Finally, my baby is back.

"Daddy bwear... Ollie loves?" He asked cutely and I kissed the top of his nose.

"Of course, sweet pea. Daddy bear loves his Ollie so much. How much does Daddy love his little bean again?"

Oliver giggled and unwrapped his arms around me, then spread them widely. "Daddy loves Ollie... this much, daddy bwear. This much!" He excitedly answered and bounced on my lap.

I chuckled and rewarded his adorable self with a kiss on the throat, and my baby giggled because I was tickling him. "No... d-daddy... Ollie... Ollie twickles. Stop..." He begged as he wheezed, and I know I had to stop. I settled on pressing my lips on the hollow of his throat before embracing my sweet, little bean.

Oliver being little again means that he was subjected to overwhelming stress and anxiety. I wouldn't be surprised if he had an episode of anxiety attack again, but I want to beat myself up because I was not there to help him get through it.

My arms around him tightened and buried my face in his curls, savoring his scent and warmth. "Daddy bwear?"

"Yes, my little prince?" I slowly withdrew from him and stared down. His adorable face was scrunched into a frown, and his cute lips protruded. "Any problem, my baby? Hmm?"

"Daddy bwear... Ollie makes daddy sad?" His small voice trembled and tears started to well in his eyes. I gasped and shook my head furiously.

"No, my baby boy. Ollie makes daddy very, very happy." My voice was sincere as I cupped his face and pressed gentle kisses on his face. In no time, my sweet baby was adorably giggling. I pulled away for a bit to savor his beautiful self.

Oliver bit his lips and fluttered his eyes. "Weally? Ollie makes daddy bwear happy? Daddy bwear no sad?" His voice was hesitant, as he grabbed my suit, releasing the pent-up tension and nervous energy.

I gave him a gentle smile and brushed his hair back; how I missed running my fingers through his soft curls. I would give everything just to be able to stay in this particular moment-- my baby in my arms, happy and safe. "Yes, my little prince. You make daddy very happy. I don't know what to do without you. I can't live without you anymore, understand? That's how much I love you, little prince. Love can't even explain how I feel for you."

Oliver grinned and nodded, then pressed a light kiss on my lips. He cupped my face and leaned his forehead against mine. "Ollie too... daddy bwear. Ollie loves daddy bwear so, so much. Ollie sad with no daddy. Ollie heart hurts badly cebause no daddy. Ollie cwied evewy night cebasue no daddy bwear. Ollie asked grandpie for daddy bwear but grandpie said no. Ollie hurt so bad. Ollie wants to cwy but Ollie big boy." My baby boy choked his sobs and bit his lips to stop himself from crying, but tears were already falling freely from his eyes.

Every word falling from his lips had me breathless, as I felt a sharp pain cross my chest. My baby suffered so much, and I can't help but be angry at Don Felipe. He should've known by now about my baby's delicate situation. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. "L-little prince... is my Ollie still sad? Now that daddy's here, is my baby boy still sad?" He buried his face in the crook of my neck, his small hands clutching the shirt on top of my chest.

I felt him shake his head. "No. Ollie happy. Ollie swafe cebause daddy bwear here. Ollie no sad no more. Ollie can sleep at night cebause daddy bwear is here." I sucked a breath at his last statement. Then the dark circles under his eyes...

"Little prince, can you count the days since you had proper sleep, hmm? For daddy? Can you do that?" Ollie nodded and pulled away. He stared at his fingers, then he lifted two.

I stared at him in surprise. "Two days, little prince? Ollie has not been able to sleep for two days?" He nodded and chewed his lips nervously.

"Daddy bwear... Ollie sick cebause no daddy around. Ollie asleep longer. Ollie scwared cebause no daddy," he confessed, his eyes glistening from tears. A severe anxiety attack. His loss of sleep is one of the effects of being consumed by his anxiety. It kept him awake.

My eyes stung from unshed tears as I caressed my baby's cheeks. My precious, little baby. I grabbed his soft hand and placed it on my cheeks. "Daddy is so very sorry, little prince. Daddy broke his promise. Daddy said he will protect you but he let you experience something scary. I am so sorry, baby boy. Please forgive m-me. Please forgive d-daddy."

I could not contain myself anymore as deep wracking sobs poured out of my chest, almost enough to make me breathless, the heaviness in my heart is squeezing and gripping my very being, as longing, sadness, and guilt assaulted my system. What if Oliver was not kidnapped by his grandfather, but by Pietro himself? What should I do then?

It was fortunate that the worst-case scenario did not happen. I don't even want to imagine what could have happened if Pietro was the one who got my baby. It was good that I made sure that they won't be able to come back anymore. I don't want to risk any chance of him getting back at us. Better safe than sorry.

I felt Oliver's finger move to wipe my tears. Despite my blurry vision, I noticed the panic swirling in those brown pools. "Daddy bwear... no cwy. For Ollie, hmm? No cwy? Ollie hurts when daddy cwy. Don't cwy. D-don't..." I pulled him against me when my baby started to sob, his shoulders shaking as he cried softly.

I inhaled deeply and tried to calm myself down, but too many emotions have been bottled up, with no way of release. I just embraced my baby tighter, hoping that our skin contact can help us calm down and regain our composure.

D O N F E L I P E

I heaved a deep sigh when I saw Stefan running in my grandson's direction. I felt it. Oliver has been depressed ever since he woke up. He might have convinced others with his smiles, but the sadness and emptiness in his eyes suggested otherwise.

It was harsh and cruel of me to flatly reject his request right after we met, but I don't want to give him back to Stefan with the threat of Pietro still around. I can't risk it.

I turned my attention to Stefan's companions, Trevor Hathaway and Devon Slane. These two are the most competent in terms of tactical intelligence and security details. The two manage The Phantom, an elite security agency established by Izen and his friend, Lucas Alexandrei.

"Don Felipe, it's nice to meet you. I'm Trevor, and this is Devon. I hope we did not trouble you with our sudden visit." Trevor held out his hand and I accepted it. I glanced at Devon who was staring at me with a blank face. The man's poker face was broken when Trevor elbowed his side.

"What?"

"Stop being rude," Trevor hissed and Devon rolled his eyes. Devon gulped when Trevor gave him an intense glare, so he turned to me and reached for my hand.

"Nice to meet you, Don Felipe." Devon forced a smile and I can't help but shake my head.