The chapters you need to look forward to:

(Chapters 50&51)

•The Proposal (2 parts)

•First Meeting (AU)

•The Surprise (2 parts)

: Stef and Ollie (complete)

: Bryer's Thorns (ongoing)

Chapter 49

February 2021

10:25 AM

Ainsworth-Pines Head Office

New York City

O L L I E

Flashes of cameras welcomed me when I climbed out of the car. Marc, my driver-bodyguard, opened the door for me and commanded my security details to clear the area and enforce crowd control. I don't know why I get treatment like I'm a celebrity, and honestly, it's a bit suffocating but I need to keep my cool and smile for the cameras.

I need more investments and sponsors for my future projects intended to benefit the less fortunate. Despite the glaring lights of the cameras, I smiled and nodded, and entered the company unscathed with the help of Finn and Aries managing the crowd and making sure I am alright. Jacques is in charge of the intelligence unit of the empire, similar to what Trevor does in the Phantom.

I shook my head to dismiss the image of a man that I don't want to think of at the moment. I need to focus. I have to finish all of my tasks so I can finally have my one-week leave. Grandpa Roman was the one who forced me to have this one-week vacation and I won't refuse such an offer.

Things had been hectic lately. I need to rest my mind and my heart. I closed my eyes briefly and took a deep breath. When I stepped inside the lobby, the employees greeted me cheerfully and I responded with the same vigor. I waved at them and smiled, and I am quite happy that the employees are happy with their jobs.

Finn is in front of me while Aries is looking for my back while Marc is beside me. I tried to hide my grin when I saw how the ladies threw flirtatious smiles and fluttered their eyelashes to the three. Who wouldn't? The three of them are drop-dead gorgeous, clad in a black suit, and their aura emanates authority and command. I won't blame the men and women who are smitten with them.

I am a proud friend.

"Someone's enjoying himself," Marc commented but he did not glance at me. His attention was on checking the perimeter with a straight face.

I softly giggled and cleared my throat after. I need to be professional. I can tease them later. "I think your fangirls and fanboys increased, Markie. You should throw them a smile from time to time." Marc rolled his eyes and glanced at me.

"I'm not interested, Oliver. You should stop playing matchmaker. Just because it worked on Jacques, it would work on me." We turned and headed for the private elevator. The main HQ is composed of fifty floors and a penthouse for me. There are times when I get so buried with so much work that resting in the penthouse was better than going back home.

I did not give up and looked up at Marc who did not seem a bit fazed. "Don't knock it till you try it, Markie. Just one date, please? If you do not feel any sparks, I would stop and move on with Finn, or Aries." I heard Aries cough at the back and Finn almost tripped on air but was able to regain his balance. When we finally reached the private elevator, Finn scanned his fingerprint and it opened. Both he and Aries looked so flustered so I caught their attention.

"Oh, come on. Why so fidgety? Don't you trust me, guys? I'm a good matchmaker," I pouted and folded my arms, while the both of them sighed and Marc was stifling his laugh. I glared at the latter through the elevator door and he cleared his throat, his eyes still shining with amusement.

After the incident I had with Grandfather in Spain, the four of them flew to Spain to back me up and I will always be grateful for their support. Unbeknownst to many, the four of them came from very prominent families. I don't know what kind of magic or spell Dad did to turn the four into his loyal followers, but the spell is so potent, their loyalty runs so deep.

Marc Hathaway, who was a fraternal twin of Trevor and was a revelation on my part, left Italy to work for Dad. Marc built his own glassware company and sells quality items at an affordable price.

Finn Collins is a corporate lawyer and graduated with flying colors from Stanford University. His family runs one of the biggest law firms in the country. Their firm is handling all the legal matters related to the empire.

Aries Stephanopoulos is the son of a Greek billionaire who delved into the shipping and export industries. I have met his father three months ago, and I also found out that he was one of the people who helped the empire when we had problems because of Pietro's doing.

Finally, Jacques Marquis's parents are very well-known in the musical scene. His father is a concert pianist and his mother is an opera singer. Jacques also inherited his parent's musical genes. He has a very cool and soothing voice, a natural crooner, but he was more interested in developing security software. He and Devon clicked.

The elevator dinged and we stepped outside, on our way to my office. I smiled at Jane when she met me halfway and greeted me. She is my secretary and she also became my friend. She has a huge crush on Marc,l but the man is as dense as a block of ice.

Marc opened the glass door to my office and I took in the cozy ambiance of the place. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows showed the busy and vibrant streets of New York. I went straight to my desk and sat on my chair, while the three of them settled on the couch to my left. Jane gave me a brief on today's appointments. She threw one last glance at Marc who was busy with his phone before going out with a blush on her face.

"Man, you must be so dense not to feel that right there. She was throwing you imaginary hearts, brother. Still didn't feel it?" Finn arched his brow at Marc who just sighed and shrugged. Aries was just listening intently to the two while stealing glances in my direction.

Oh my god. Aries looked like he is about to be sacrificed with the way he tensed and nervously tapped his foot on the floor. I never saw him this flustered, even when he was dealing with the toughest situations. "Alright, I give up. I'll stop."

Aries turned to me and had an expression as if I gave him the moon. His blue eyes shined like it has never before and his expression brightened. He could've just refused; I wouldn't mind. Well, maybe, I will be a little persistent because I want to tease them, but other than that, I just want them to be happy and not focus their entire time on me. They also have their own life.

"Fuck, Aries," Finn breathed out, a teasing smile on his lips. "I've never seen you this happy. You don't want to date that much?"

Finn turned to Aries and threw him a sharp glare. "Shut the fuck up, asshole." Finn and Aries bantered for a while Marc focused his attention on his phone. I sighed and slowly shook my head. They are just oversized children.

I glanced at the documents that I will be finishing. After I got back from Spain, I immediately went to the Asian branch and underwent training for three months, as with the other branches.

Up until now, I am still visiting the three branches to train for about two months while doing my passion, which is painting, on the side. I was able to do that because I had the love of my life supporting me. He always got my back. He even constructed an art gallery for me for our first anniversary. I just came from a very hectic and stressful business conference abroad, and our anniversary was forgotten.

I was so tired and want to dive into our bed and snuggle with him when I got the surprise of my life. He was waiting at the airport with a bouquet in his hand, looking so dashing and attractive. He had an intimate dinner arranged on the rooftop of the gallery and I was bawling when I learned that he had it built for me. Gosh, how perfect can he be?

To make it up to him, I made our sexy time even sexier, and I was so proud of myself when I saw how sated he was. I groaned softly when my cheeks burned. That night was so, so hot.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and a wide grin slipped on my face, my heart leaping inside my chest, truly ecstatic that he finally called. I missed him so much. I picked up the call and gestured to the three that I will be entering my private room.

I closed the door to my room and sat at the foot of the bed, holding in my excitement and squeals. "Hey, babe. I miss you," I mustered in the calmest way possible, even if I want to scream like a fangirl who finally got her idol's autograph.

I heard him grunt on the other line. "Are you mad?" I paused and chuckled at his answers.

"Do you truly believe that?" He groaned on the other line and his words made me blush furiously. "I will be finished with the papers in three hours. Can you fetch me? I want Marc and the others free by that time." I rolled my eyes and bit my lip to stifle my grin when I heard his reply. "I'm good with matchmaking, you know that. Remember Jacques?" I pouted and lay on the bed when I heard his sexy chuckle.

"I like you less now." I got up immediately when he asked me to turn on my video. I was pouting the whole time when his amused expression entered the screen. The stubble on his face and his worn-out expression got me smiling when it all clicked.

"Arya got you stressed, huh?" My sweet daddy blew a loud breath and leaned against his chair.

"Thank goodness Ariadne arrived earlier. That little ray of sunshine is exhausting but I love her," Stefan smiled fondly when he talked about Arya. I love her too. She's so cute, fluffy, and round.

The little princess is Eryk and Ariadne's first child. There are times when Ariadne had to leave Arya to us for two to three hours because she had to visit her father in the hospital. She does not want the adorable baby to inhale the germs and bacteria in the hospital.

Then, from the fondness in his eyes, Stefan's expression went tense. "Who was that fucker the reporter was talking about in the news?"

I creased my forehead. "Huh? What news?" He told me about which network and I reached for my laptop on the couch and searched for the news report. I smiled when I read the report, and Stefan's expression did not soften. "You did not watch the entire report, daddy bear. They mentioned your name. Well, technically, I did. I don't want to create any misunderstandings."

His green eyes widened, still cannot believe that I announced our relationship in public. Stefan had reservations about that because he does not want me to face any discrimination and receive offensive comments because reality check, there are still people who can't get out of their head that we love who we love because simply... we love them.

No reasons, reservations, and ulterior motives. Stefan is the only one who is painfully aware of the fear and the abuse I receive because I am gay. He does not want me to suffer that way again. But how can I move on like that? I don't want to live in the past anymore.

Honestly, I don't care what other people will say, as long as Stefan is with me. I am incredibly grateful that he still is. No matter what it is, I will be able to take it because Stefan is with me. He never left me and stood by my side. My brave daddy trusted me the way I trust him with my life. He trusted me all the way, even when he was faced with such adversity.

Remembering that particular moment, how pain and betrayal crossed his face almost crushed me, but I needed to do my thing. I needed to show Grandfather that I will not let him get away with what he was set to do.

5:30 AM

Garcia's Estate

Seville, Spain

I reveled in the softness of Stefan's hair as I brushed it softly while pressing light kisses into his lips. My daddy bear has been extra affectionate and caring. He was there by my side throughout my breakdown, comforted me, and made sure that I will not feel alone and lonely.

I sighed when I noticed the dark bags under his eyes. He must have taken care of my puffy eyes because I only felt a slight burn. There were also moments last night when I heard him humming and gently stroking my hair. He always does that after I experience an emotional outburst.

He always made everything better. I sorely missed my parents and I will always treasure the memories I had with them. Deep in my heart, I was hoping that they could be somewhere out there, hiding, and will press a doorbell into our home explaining why they had to leave me suffering alone. But reality sucks.

The video was proof that they will never come back. I just wished that they also made one for me. Still, I was happy that I got to see them one more time. I pressed one last kiss to my daddy's cheeks and gingerly climbed off the bed, and tucked him softly. I noticed a covered tray on the coffee table and touched the cover.

"Still warm. Don't tell me..." I snapped towards Stefan's direction who was now softly snoring and my heart swelled from too much happiness and overwhelming emotions. God, thank you for giving me Stef.

I took a deep breath and blinked away the tears. I don't want to wake him up and worry unnecessarily. I sat down and managed to remove the tray cover despite my trembling hands. I almost want to sob my heart out when I saw all of the food he prepared.

There was crispy, honeyed bacon, served with a soft and cheesy omelet which is absolutely my favorite. He also prepared mouthwatering and fluffy pancakes with blueberry toppings and syrup in a small, earthenware bowl. He also added my favorite drink, a glass of creamy and delicious strawberry smoothie.

My stomach grumbled and realized that I have not eaten last night. I was so preoccupied with my emotions, and food was not on top of my list. My eyes narrowed down on the small note under the bowl of sliced fruit.

Hey, baby. I hope you enjoy this meal. I know that you wake up early when you experience breakdowns, so I took it upon myself to make you breakfast. Don't worry about me, I already ate. I love you, Ollie. Good morning!

There goes the waterworks. Anyone who would see me right now would definitely wonder if I had gone crazy. I was stuffing myself with bacon and pancakes while crying and smiling at the same time. Still, it never stopped me from finishing all of the food. It was the best I had yet.

****

After a shower, I slipped on comfortable pants and a cotton shirt and was on my way to snuggle with Stefan when I noticed his open laptop. The curious voice in my head urged me to check it out, so I did. I walked towards the balcony and sat on the chair, my heart thumping with nervous energy.

Just a peek, Ollie. I'm sure Stef won't mind. Yup, he won't. I repeated it like a mantra until I found the courage to swipe the mouse pad, and was surprised that it is not password-protected. That's weird. This is his personal computer so it makes no sense to not install a password.

Oh, well. Lucky for me, I guess. I clicked on the opened folder and frowned when I saw a file for Grandfather. My gut instinct told me that I probably will not like what the content will be but I dismissed that thought. Since it was a video, I searched for Stefan's earbuds and smiled when I saw the device behind the laptop.

I connected it to the computer and filled my lungs with air. You can do it, Ollie. Whatever it is. I nodded and slapped my cheeks softly. I did my breathing exercises to relax, then with my eyes closed and fingers shaking, I pressed play. When I opened my eyes, I got the shock of my life.

"Dad..." I mumbled breathlessly and my body went cold. I held on to the armrest for support, my expression that of confusion and the unnamed emotions inside of me was starting to rise. Dad smiled bitterly as he looked straight into the camera, then brushed his hair in frustration.

He looked agitated and his hard expression was not making it better. I can see that he was exhausted, there were dark circles under his eyes, some stubbles on his chin, but what terrifies me the most was his cold and ruthless eyes. I have never seen Dad like that, and if this is addressed to Grandfather... this is beyond hate. Grandfather must have done something unforgivable to Dad, and I'm about to discover it now. I gulped hard and patted my chest, hoping that it calms down.

Dad's eyes were empty when he looked straight into the lens. "Hey, Don Felipe. Still the same asshole that you are?" He chuckled humorlessly. "What can I expect from someone like you? I just hope that you are not messing with Oliver and Stefan. That would make me detest you more than I already am. Kidnapping Oliver... just imagining it makes my blood boil with so much anger. If only I had been there, I will not let you have a glimpse even a strand of my son's hair," he grounded out, his fists flat on his desks littered with so many documents and the bad weather outside his office was mirroring his current emotional turmoil.

A shocked gasp slipped out. It was not the fact that Dad knows about me and Stefan that had me surprised because I figured it out from his message to Stef. I just cannot believe that Dad predicted that Grandfather would kidnap me.

Dad took a deep breath and tried to keep himself calm. "Yes, Don Felipe, I hate you to the core. I abhor being your son and only heir. It was the worst that ever happened to me. Did you think I took being the son of a drug overlord like a breeze? Fuck. I was bullied, beaten up, and almost killed. Bet you didn't know that, huh?" A lone tear escaped from my eyes as I covered my mouth to cage the loud gasp. Oh no.

"How would you know? You were busy dealing with your illegal business that you didn't have time to check on your son. Remember when you scolded me for being absent from class for three days? You were so furious and you slapped me. You didn't even know that I suffered three stab wounds from the son of one of your enemies. No one even asked why I wasn't able to attend school. No one." Dad pursed his lips, his eyes welling with unshed tears. He inhaled sharply and roughly wiped the tears that fell.

Dad. I never knew you suffered so much. I bit my bottom lip to stop it from trembling, as my fingers shakily wiped the tears that kept on falling. My chest constricted from pain and I gasped for air. My throat clamped from so many emotions. This is too much to take.

"I hate you so much, Papá. Every single night, I would be plagued by nightmares and anxiety attacks. I would wake up in the middle of the night hyperventilating. I had one of our staff buy me a POC because who would care for me other than myself? When I told you about the nightmares, you gave me a look full of disappointment and disgust and you told me that I should stop being a weakling. After all, you don't have a wimp as a son. It would be a huge blow to your oh-so-perfect reputation," Dad scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm.