S T E F A N

My mind went blank and it felt like everything just turned into a blur. It felt like time stood still when I heard those words.

I did not make a mistake when I decided to put my trust in you.

No. That's not true. I did not tell you what happened to your parents. I broke our promise to not keep any secrets. What will happen if I tell Oliver that it was not Elena but rather Pietro who killed Izen and Mara? Will he hate me because I did not tell him the truth? My mind was reeling from so many thoughts that I did not realize that I gave the impression that something was wrong between us. That was not my intention, but his mind closed off.

I know what he's thinking, and my God, I will not even think of breaking up with him. Just a few days without him is hell, how much more if we separated? I will not let that happen. I have to make him understand this fact but my mouth just keeps on spouting words of apologies that made everything worse.

My chest constricted when Oliver started to cry and struggle against my hold. No, I can't let him go without settling this issue. I don't want us to fight. Don Felipe can use this against me and imprison Oliver with him. Imprison is a strong word, but knowing the Don, he will do anything to keep Oliver here in Spain.

I took a deep breath and cupped his tear-stained face. "Baby, it's not what you think, okay?" Oliver shook his head and bit his lip, as he tried to remove my hands from his cheeks. He was not even looking at me and a piercing pain lanced through me.

"No. Look at me, Oliver. Look at me!" He was startled when I raised my voice while I cursed myself for my short temper, but I don't like it. I don't like it when he looks away from me. I feel like he will go off on his own if I don't see my reflection in his eyes. I am scared that once he takes his eyes off of me, he will forget that I existed.

So many waves of emotions came crashing into my system, that tears started to fall. Despite my blurry eyes and trembling hands, I saw how Oliver widened his eyes in panic. He wiped my tears with a flustered expression, unsure of what to do.

"P-Please don't hate me. Don't hate me, Ollie. Please," I begged desperately and burrowed my face on his neck, as shallow sobs poured out. He gasped softly and rested his hand on my nape shakily.

"Stef..." His left hand massaged my nape while the other one rubbed my back. "Daddy... why would I hate you? Are y-you breaking up with me? I-is that it?" His voice cracked and his embrace tightened.

I creased my forehead and pulled away from him. "That's the most absurd idea I have ever heard! Why would I break up with you? I still haven't proposed to you properly. I still have to return your ring. Why are you saying that, Oliver? Do you want to break up with me? Well, damn it! I won't hand you over to anyone! I won't let you go! I will make sure that my last name will be connected to yours, you hear me? You are mine, Oliver Pines!" I exploded with heavy pants, while Oliver gaped, his tears seemed to stop falling, as he stared at me incredulously. I rubbed my tears away, feeling a bit light from my outburst.

"What? Got anything to say?" I challenged him, but my baby's eyes sparkled in amusement, as he bit his lip to stifle his laugh. "What the—are you making fun of me, Oliver Pines? After my confession, this is all I get?" I exclaimed in disbelief and he bursts into laughter.

His shoulders bounced and his cheeks flushed, as he held his stomach while wiping his tears. When he noticed my serious expression over my folded arms, he sat straight and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry," he whispered, and I arched my brow, not convinced.

"I poured my heart out, and you laughed." He grimaced and scratched his eyebrow, then pouted. Fine, that was adorable, but he fuckin' laughed.

He blinked innocently and flutter his eyelids, then bit his lips. I gulped when he started to chew those delicious lips. Memories of last night when his soft lips were wrapped around my stiff member flashed. I hissed when I realized what he was doing.

"Baby! Stop doing that! You're distracting me." Fuck, now I'm whining. I rubbed my face in frustration, knowing that he has already won this battle.

He always wins, and I'm fine with that. It doesn't matter who wins or loses, as long as I have Oliver beside me. I will happily be defeated. Oliver moved and reached for my hands, then beamed at me. He caged his face between my palms and grinned. "Come on, daddy bear. I'm sorry, hmm? I was not laughing at you."

I furrowed my brows and he softly chuckled, then kissed the inside of my palms before sitting on my lap. He gazed at me fondly and played with my hair, while his other hand caressed my cheeks. Having Oliver showering me with affection like this never fails to make me feel warm and giddy.

I may not show it, but I am just like any other lovesick man. My stomach twists into knots when he beams at me like I did a very wonderful job. I always hold my breath when he locks his eyes with mine, and the feeling just gets stronger and fiercer.

Oliver heaved a deep sigh and stared at me like I'm the only one who mattered. "I was laughing at myself. I thought, how immature of me to think that you'll break up with me when you went all the way to Spain to take me back." He smiled softly and wiped the tear stains. "I was just surprised at all, daddy bear. I did not want to believe my assumptions, but then you began apologizing and that's where my doubts started to materialize."

I swallowed the lodge in my throat and shook my head slowly. "Oh, baby. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I was just lost in my thoughts." I reached for his hands and squeezed them softly, then entwined our fingers, and happily stared at how we fit perfectly.

"What were you thinking of? Is it that big of a secret that you have to ask for my forgiveness? That you ask for me not to hate you?" There was no pressure in his tone. Oliver was just calmly asking me, giving me time to collect my thoughts and tell him what I have been meaning to say before I froze and the drama happened.

I glanced at him reluctantly. I'm scared. I'm scared of losing him after this. I'm scared that he will hate me so much because I kept such a huge secret and—

"I won't." I snapped my head and stared at him in confusion. "You were thinking out loud, daddy bear. I also do that sometimes when my anxiety kicks in. If it makes you feel better, I promise not to run off after your confession, and you know it's true because we value promises, right?"

"But I broke it," I admitted softly and averted my gaze. There, I admitted it. I broke our promise. I was expecting to hear a reaction from Oliver, but he just hummed. I turned to him, and he was just waiting for me to continue.

Then bit by bit, I began to tell him what transpired from what happened the night after our date at my hotel, down to what I did with Pietro, Peterson, and Elena. I did not leave anything out. Oliver's expression was unreadable, which added to my tension. His silence was killing me but I have to be patient. This is all too much to take, especially for my baby.

He frowned and looked at me. "You're saying that Dad made you believe that it was Grandfather who orchestrated their so-called accident-slash-murder? And you only just found out from Pietro's mouth that it was him who killed my parents?"

I nodded and swallowed hard. Oliver is too calm for my liking. Like he knows about this already— "You knew about this?" I was not mad. I am just curious which fucker told him.

"Drake mentioned that you are keeping secrets from me and that I should not give you my full trust." I gritted my teeth when I heard that name. Who gave him the right to meddle with our relationship? Was it Don Felipe? "Then he told me that you knew the truth about who killed my parents. But still, I chose to believe in you. I trust you more than him, daddy bear. We have been through so much, and we owe ourselves to talk about this issue properly," Oliver explained while I just stared at him astoundedly.

I was overwhelmed by the amount of trust he puts in me that it makes my heart throb painfully. How can an understanding person like him exist? Is he even real? "B-Baby? You're not mad at me? You don't hate me?" He shook his head and rested his head on my shoulders.

"I know that whatever it is, you won't hurt me intentionally. You always prioritize my happiness among other things. I was hurt and felt betrayed at first, but I knew I had to learn your side of the story. I cannot decide my next course of action without hearing what you have to say."

Unable to respond, I just wrapped my arms around him and let him feel through my actions how I appreciate what he did. Not all people can think rationally when faced with a situation that can make them doubt the other person. People always choose to flee instead of confronting the situation.

I clenched my jaw and my anger towards Drake started to boil faster than usual. I balled my fist and my lips pursed into a thin line. I cannot imagine what could have happened if Oliver refused to hear my explanation and instead let his emotions overrule his rationality. I will kill him.

Oliver must have noticed how tense I am so he soothingly rubbed my back while playing with the hair on the back of my head. I told him last time that doing those things can calm me down. My breathing evened out as I buried my face in my baby's soft locks. "I love you, Ollie. Never forget that." No matter what happens from here on out.

Oliver hummed and pressed a soft kiss on the hollow of my throat. "I love you as much, daddy bear. Remember that too. Whatever happens, I hope you can put your trust in me too." A wide grin slipped from my lips and I can't help but softly chuckle.

"I trust you with my life, baby. I do," I sincerely stated, and he grinned happily.

Oliver did not ask for details about what happened in the past few days. According to him, it has been done. It can't bring his parents back. We just need to leave everything in the past. What is important is that we are together, and we will continue to be. Honestly, I was expecting that he will comment on what I did to Pietro and his company, but I remembered how Oliver and I were so compatible in so many ways.

My admiration for my baby just keeps on increasing. I still find it hard to believe that someone as adorable, polite, gorgeous, humble, and understanding as him exists. I feel so lucky to be able to have him in my life.

*****

O L L I E

I pressed my body closer to Stefan and felt his heat and his steady heartbeat. Rather than get mad at him for keeping secrets, I was relieved. He did not lie to me. I was right to trust him and hear his side before deciding recklessly. I felt intense relief knowing that we will never break up.

Never is such a heavy word. After all, the future is uncertain, but his confession drove away all my fears. I know my sweet daddy can make it possible. That's the way he is. I have a feeling that he was born in this world for me, and I for him.

He has no intention of letting me go, and his green eyes filled with honesty were enough confirmation. His words of commitment left me stunned and speechless, but my heart was pumping faster than it has ever been. My stomach twisted into knots and an indescribable feeling of ecstasy and giddiness assaulted my system. My inner self was blown away.

I meant it when I said that I don't care about the things he did. I am so tired of living in the past. It is time for us to start a new chapter together. What matters is Stef is with me. Other things pale in comparison.

"Baby?" Stefan stopped stroking my hair so I lifted my head to glance at him. He was staring down at me with a hesitant look.

I sat straight and cupped his face. "What's wrong, daddy bear?" He opened his mouth and closed it again, then heaved a deep sigh. I ran my fingers through his hair and pressed a soft kiss on his lips. "Come on, daddy bear. Tell me what's on your mind, hmm?"

Stef searched my face for any reaction, then nodded. "Baby?"

"Yes?"

"Are you scared of me?" My forehead creased and my hands settled on his nape.

"Why would I?"

"I'm a monster." His voice was soft, but it was loud enough for me. His eyes were full of trepidation and uncertainty. He's scared. He's afraid of what I will think of him. Is this about what he did to Pietro?

"You're not a monster, daddy bear. You are my silly and sweet daddy who loves me the most. Why would I be afraid when it's only in your arms where I feel safe and happy?" He swallowed hard and his eyes glistened, then he cupped my face and shakily pressed a soft kiss on my lips.

He leaned his forehead against mine and closed his eyes. "T-Thank you, Ollie. Thank you for loving me." I choked my sobs and pulled him towards my neck, where my sweet daddy silently cried.

More than anyone else, I know that Stefan is not the cold, heartless monster that he paints himself to be. He is equally precious as me. A monster will never even be bothered if he hurt others. He will not be crying because someone he loves might be afraid of him.

Don't worry, daddy bear. I am here for you. I will not leave your side. I will fight for you as you do for me. We are in this together.

****

I was not able to hold in my emotions when Stefan told me that he brought the videos with my mom and dad in them. I cried so hard that I was not surprised to see them so swollen and red.

Baby, I just thought that you might want to see them again. Spoiler alert: your dad was scary, Stefan shuddered and hugged me even tighter.

Just like always, I am entangled with Stefan, my arms around his neck and my bum supported by his strong arms. I love the feeling of being carried around. I feel secure and content. Not only that, I have unlimited access to Stefan's sandalwood scent and firm muscles that were pressed against my body. Being in his arms feels so good.

"Baby, is it alright if we pass by the kitchen first? We'll get some ice cubes to lessen the puffiness of your eyes. Also, I made you a gelato." The last word had me snapping my head, and a new wave of excitement filled my being.

"Really, daddy bear? You made me gelato? Mango and mascarpone?" I asked excitedly, almost bouncing on his arm.

He chuckled and nodded, then kissed my lips. "Stay still, my love. How are your eyes? Does it still hurt?" He examined my face and checked my eyes.

I nodded and blinked a few times. "Still stings, daddy bear, but you'll make it better, right? You always do." His eyes softened and gave me that loving gaze, and smiled.

"Of course, baby. We'll make it better in no time."

Only the house staff were there when we entered the kitchen. Stefan asked them to bring my gelato and a couple of ice cubes back to our room. I wonder where Trevor and Devon were. Even Adrian and Drake were not here. I also haven't seen Grandfather since Stefan arrived. That's weird.

Stefan climbed upstairs and we were back in the room in no time. Stefan had me seated in the middle of the bed, while the staff asked permission to enter. The gelato ad the ice cubes were placed neatly on a tray, on top of the coffee table. When the staff closed the door, Stefan pulled a soft towel from the dressing room and placed a few ice cubes inside the soft fabric.

"I think an ice pack is better than a towel. Which do you prefer, my love?"

"The towel's fine by me, daddy. It's soft, and it does not hurt my eyes." He nodded and gently pressed the cold fabric on top of my eyelids, then on the side of my eyes. He did this for a few minutes until I tell him to stop.

He handed me the gelato that I did not realize was placed inside our mini-fridge for a bit so it would not melt. I happily indulged in my favorite treat while Stefan started to comb my hair. I love it when I get spoiled like this by my daddy.

When it's just the two of us, he excessively drowns me with affection that I won't be surprised if I melt away. He's sweet like that, and he's mine. We decided to shower and refresh ourselves. This has been a tough day. Thankfully, I have Stefan with me to make it bearable.

My sweet daddy helped me apply a moisturizing lotion on my body and some skincare products to my face. The whole process was filled with giggles and laughter because Stefan can't keep his hands off me. I told him that it would be a bad idea, but how can I say no when he looks at me with those puppy eyes?

After a few minutes of inhaling my scent and sucking my skin, Stefan finally let go of me with a whine and a frown. I giggled and reached for his hand. "Come on, daddy. We can have our sexy time later. Don't you want that?"

His expression lit up and his eyes shone like I did something noble. "Of course, I do!" He exclaimed, then groaned when he realized how eager he sounded. A faint blush crept on his cheeks as he bit his lip and grunted.

"Stop teasing me," he commanded and dressed me up. He slipped on me his cotton shirt and black, silk boxers underneath. Then he let me wear mid-thigh cotton shorts, but I know he was not pleased with that decision.

If we were in our place, I would just be donning his shirt and a boxer. I don't need anything else. I won't get cold anyway because I am always in my daddy's arms. And that's where I'd rather be.

Stefan was just in his black shirt and gray pants, but my daddy looks riveting. A drool-inducing specimen that only belongs to me. I was not ashamed that I was checking him out as he slipped his clothes. It's a privilege only reserved for me. Might as well take advantage of it.

When he noticed my stares, Stefan smirked sexily and I was not able to stop the blush from appearing. My bodily reactions are not something I can control anymore. I feel like Stefan had started to take a hold of those. He picked up his laptop from the couch and sat beside me. I suddenly felt nervous. I know what this means. I will finally see Mom and Dad again. I don't know if I will be able to handle this by myself.

I felt something warm on my forehead and was pulled towards his chest. "Don't worry, baby. I will be here for you. I will help you see this through. I will take care of you, so don't be afraid."

****

S T E F A N

It would be an understatement if I say that Oliver was able to handle his emotions earlier. My baby broke down and it killed me to see him like that. He has never cried that hard before. It felt like all of his pent-up emotions exploded when he finally watched the video of his parents. All I could do was provide him comfort and the assurance that I am here beside him.

It may not be a message for him, but I understand how he felt. I understand the longing, the pain, and the sadness.

I heaved a deep sigh and stared at my baby again. I was able to lessen the redness and the puffiness of his eyes through a cold compress. Oliver was exhausted emotionally, and our drama earlier added to his distress. I was just thankful that he did not experience an anxiety attack.

I pulled him closer to me and buried my face in his neck. "I love you, baby boy. Always and forever." Oliver stirred and hummed, then tightened his hug on me. I closed my eyes and slept with a smile on my face.

The next day,