Thank you again for your patience. :)

February 7, 2021

early afternoon

O L L I E

Stefan texted me that he will be waiting in the basement so after I made sure that everything is in order, I fixed myself and informed the three that I will be leaving early. "Stef is here to fetch me; you guys can do your thing." Instead of cheers, all I heard were groans. I lifted a brow and stared at each of them curiously.

"Come on, Oliver. We have nothing to do. Why are you doing this to us?" Finn dramatically waved his hands with a frown.

Aries cupped his face and went somber. "I agree with Finn. I also have nothing to do. I was hoping that you'll let us tag you throughout the day."

Marc nodded and folded his arms. "Exactly, Oliver. You can't be the only one having fun. That's unfair."

I stared at the three of them with incredulity, my mouth gaping. This is unbelievable! "Guys, you may be the first ones I knew who are rejecting an early out." I shook my head, then heaved a deep sigh. "You should enjoy yourselves. You don't have to be with me all the time. I have Stef with me. Why do you think I'm trying hard to be a matchmaker?"

"You enjoy it?" Aries quipped.

"Another hobby and we're your test subjects?" Finn snapped his fingers and smiled.

"You love teasing us, Oliver." Marc deadpanned.

I rolled my eyes before I sighed in surrender. "What do you guys want to do then? I'll be spending my time with Stef. You'll tag along with us? Uh... nope. I want my alone time with Stef."

"Don't worry, Oliver. We'll just hang out at Stef's manor. Your beau's place has an entertainment area and a theater room. It would be fun." Finn must have noticed my look of pity and sympathy when he added, "We are so not lonely, Oliver! We just have a lot of time." Finn defended smugly, and I don't know what to think.

Aries smacked Finn's head and the latter glared at him. "That's not something to be proud about, fucker. You just made us even more pitiful in Oliver's eyes," Aries hissed while Marc sighed heavily.

Please God, if you're listening, please. Just, please. Let them find their one and only. I won't be able to rest easy and enjoy my time with my sweet daddy if they are always on our tails.

****

I hitched a breath and stopped on my toes when I saw Stefan leaning on his Audi, his white Armani shirt three buttons down paired with his black pants, his jet-black hair in a sexy mess, and when he lifted his head and his green eyes locked with mine, I was not able to stop my heart from racing fast.

My sweet daddy. My sweet and handsome daddy.

When he saw me, his bored expression lit up, his eyes twinkled against the sunlight, and his lips cracked into a wide grin. God, I still can't believe that you gave me such a fine and amazing specimen. I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard a clearing of someone's throat.

I bit my lip shyly and glanced at the three men behind me. Yup. I forgot that they were with me. "Still distracted, huh?" A teasing glint crossed Marc's eyes and his lips twitched into a smirk, while Aries and Finn also threw me a teasing gaze.

I huffed and puffed, then glared at them. "I'll tell my daddy bear that you three are bullying me." The three of them blanched when they heard my threat, and before they could stop me, I ran towards Stefan, the three on my heels as they tried to get a hold of me but I was faster.

"Daddy! Catch me!" I screamed, and with wide eyes, Stefan opened his arms automatically and with a giggle, I jumped into his arms. His strong arms supported my bum and his free arm wrapped around my back.

"Fuck, baby. You scared me. Never do that again," Stefan reprimanded me but rather than get scared at his hard tone, I was touched when I saw how his eyes were filled with worry. I shifted in his hold and cupped his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, daddy bear. Forgive me, hmm? Please?" I smiled cutely and rained light kisses on his pursed lips and creased forehead. His scrunched expression loosened up until I saw his bright smile which made my day.

His amused gaze met with my playful ones, and we both burst into laughter. I just feel so light and happy. Being with Stefan never changed that. In fact, the feeling just got stronger. In the past year, I learned so much about my daddy bear.

He is so thoughtful and caring, more than what he lets on, it always leaves me a blushing mess every time he will send smoothies and homemade meals, with love notes and a sneak peek of what he's going to do to me come evening. He always does this every single day, and it always makes my heart warm and happy.

I don't know how he does it but whenever I feel stressed after a meeting with difficult clients and investors, I always get a call from him. He will talk me through my frustrations and by the time our call ends, I will be feeling refreshed and good as new.

Thankfully, the HQ was transferred here to New York. I wouldn't know what I will do if I will be based in England while Stefan is in LA. That would be an intense case of homesickness and loneliness. I wouldn't be able to survive. Not being close to him at every turn is making me miss him so hard, how much more if we are so many miles apart?

I guess my talk with my grandparents worked. Now, my daddy is only a few hours away, and he always fetches me every day, no matter how busy he is. Well, I also gave Stefan surprise visits and the joy that fills his expression whenever he saw me waiting in his office was worth it.

My daddy was so happy to see me that my visits always end in passionate lovemaking inside the private room of his office. Just thinking about it is making my cheeks hot. Stef never failed to show how much he misses me, even if we are living together. Instead, that made us even more insatiable. I had to join Stef in his morning workout to increase my stamina. I can't be passing out after three rounds.

Frankly, it's the little things that Stefan does that got me falling harder. After work, my thoughtful daddy bear will have a pampering bath prepared and he will painstakingly wash me and caress my body to relieve me of the tension and stress from a day's work.

Of course, I know how stressful Stef's work is as well, so I always made sure to take care of him the way he does to me. I took a class on therapeutic massage techniques to help him de-stress and help him relax as much as possible.

After a stressful day, Stefan would make sure that my favorite movie is prepared in the theater room, along with a tub of his homemade gelato and our couch layered with soft sheets and a fluffy pillow—a perfect resting nest with his body pressed on mine.

A soft kiss on my lips brought me back to the present. Stef was scanning my face with a little bit of worry in those emerald pools. I shook my head and smiled. "I'm okay, daddy bear. I was just thinking about you," I whispered coyly and dug my teeth into my bottom lip. I trained my eyes on his chin as I let the red tint colored my cheeks.

A sexy chuckle was delivered into my ears and my heart leaped at that. I lifted my gaze and my heart swooned at the gorgeous sight that Stefan is. Feeling overexcited, I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a crushing hug, all the while giggling and started feeling so comfy and warm.

Stefan sensed this so he kissed my forehead gently and drew soothing circles on my back. "Is my little prince tired? Do you want to go home with daddy and shower? Hmm?" His voice was gentle and soft, and the need to feel small just got stronger.

I nodded and nuzzled my face on his neck, earning a soft gasp from my daddy bear. I ran the tip of my nose on his neck and inhaled the wonderful scent. The scent always gets me weak in the knees and my stomach twisting into knots. His grip on me tightened and with a strangled gasp, turned to the three.

"I already got the gist from Ollie, but instead of tagging along with us, you should see this." Stefan typed something on his phone and I heard three different beeps, and when I glanced at them, the whiny expressions of the three were replaced with hard and tensed ones.

Marc thanked Stefan with gritted teeth, his attention on his phone, and ran towards his car three meters from us then sped off. Aries was clenching his fist and the emptiness in those raven eyes told me that something big is about to go down. He politely bid his goodbyes and slid to his sports car, started the engine of the luxury car, and screeched out of the parking lot. Finn heaved a deep sigh and slowly shook his head.

"What a troublesome brat," I heard him whisper and he peeked at me and smiled. "I'll be off first, Oliver. I'll be hanging out next time." I just nodded and clutched Stefan's shirt, feeling his comfortable body heat and sense of security in his arms.

"Now that everything has been settled, I'll now care for my baby boy. Would you like that?"

I hummed and nodded, then placed a soft kiss on his neck. "Daddy bear... let's go home. Hmm? Ollie missed his daddy." That was Stefan's cue. With his left arm on my bottom, he instructed me to hold on to him while he opened the car door and deposited me softly on the leather seat.

He gave me a mind-blowing kiss before buckling me on my seat and dropped a few kisses before closing the car door. He hurriedly slid into the driver's seat and fastened the seatbelt, then started the engine. He glanced at me and tucked the strands of my hair, as he gazed at me softly.

"You comfortable, little love?" I nodded and giggled, as I reached for his right hand and tucked it into my chest.

"Daddy bwear... Ollie miss. Daddy pway with Ollie, hmm?" Stefan nodded and kissed my forehead.

"Of course, little prince. Anything for you." I giggled cheerfully and bounced on my seat, not until Stef ordered me to stay still. I obeyed and happily focused my attention outside. He leaned forward and got something from the backseat that made me squeal so hard.

"Daddy bwear! Tie! Tie!" I bounced on my seat and happily clapped; a wide smile plastered on my face.

He pulled Tie from the backseat and a chilled sippy cup, which based on Stefan's grin, is filled with my favorite smoothie. Since the car has not moved yet, I unbuckled my seatbelt and jumped into my surprised daddy.

Owing to his good reflexes, the cup did not spill its contents and he just chuckled in return. "I'm pleased that you're happy, baby boy, but can you go back to your seat? I heard Tie grumbling earlier because he missed you." I leaned back with a gasp and worriedly glanced at my squished tiger stuffie.

I glanced back at daddy and he smiled at me reassuringly. "Don't worry, little prince. I told him that he will get to spend time with you. I don't think he's sulking anymore."

That put me back in my happy mood and excitedly snatched Tie and embraced him tightly. Daddy ruffled my hair and handed me my sippy cup of creamy delight. I beamed at daddy and sipped the delicious beverage, while he buckled me up once again and pressed a soft kiss on top of my head.

I leaned against the leather seat and rubbed my cheeks on top of Tie's head. I don't see my little space as an escape from pain and fear anymore. Instead, I slip into my little space when I became overwhelmed by Stefan's love and wanted to dote on him in return by letting him care for my little self. It's all because of Stefan that I can finally bring back the pieces I have lost along the way.

After we got back from Spain, Stefan and I discussed me continuing my therapy for my anxiety and panic attacks with Isaac. I agreed with him because with what happened that time, I know that bottling my emotions would be bad for me.

Gradually, with the help of Isaac and support from Stefan and my family, I was able to conquer my fears and regain my confidence. Every waking day, Stefan has been telling and showing me how precious I am, how much of a treasure I am to him, and how much he loves me.

I also made an effort to understand my grandparents, including Grandfather. He visits us every month and he and Grandpa Roman would always compete with their tales of the old, with Grandma, Drake, and Adrian serving as a judge for the most epic life tales.

I also shared with Stefan how I truly feel, how I blame my grandparents for what happened with mom and dad, and my sweet daddy listened throughout. He did not invalidate my feelings or called me selfish. I still remember his words:

"You have a right to get mad, Ollie. You are the victim and the one who suffered from their wrong decisions. It is really hard to justify their actions, and if I was in their shoes, I will not let you get hurt. Be selfish and scream your heart out. Tell them off and make them understand that what they did was wrong. Not everything you do out of love can be considered righteous. The end does not justify the means, especially if it left you broken and in pain. Just because they're adults does not mean that all of their decisions are correct. Being a few years older does not equate to an increase in maturity. Do not forgive them because you need to, but because you are ready to. Forgiveness is a decision. Let your heart heal first, my love. Everything else will follow."

My daddy bear is right. After healing all the wounds, everything else will follow. I tucked Tie under my chin and enjoyed my favorite drink.

*****

Same day,

4:45 PM

Stefan's Manor

S T E F A N

I smoothly parked my car in the garage and turned off the engine. In the most careful and precise movement, I removed his cup from his hold and placed it on the cupholder. My little prince must have been so exhausted.

I unbuckled myself and turned to my side so I could stare at my baby freely. It has been a year, and everything feels surreal. I never would have thought that the most heartbreaking point of my life was a misunderstanding. I owe it all to Adrian. With the consent of Don Felipe, Adrian handed me the recording of what transpired in the library before I burst in.

It was on the morning of my 26th birthday and he gave it to me as a present. Having finally found the time to check it out the day after, I had to stop myself from sobbing in my office, with a scheduled meeting in the next hour. I had never seen Oliver explode like that. I didn't even know that he was holding a grudge against his grandparents, and I feel so disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to notice it.

He was bravely holding it in, but even the most tolerant people reach their limits. Oliver reached his. Still, it gave me so much pride to know that my baby was willing to fight for me, for our love, against his grandfather—against his family. I loved him even more if that was even possible.

Ollie stirred in his sleep and I know I had to carry him back to our room. I got out and opened his car door, then gently unbuckled him from his seat. I gingerly lifted him, with Tie in between us, and he stirred again, only to tuck himself under my chin and mumbled words I am overly familiar with.

"I love you too, baby boy." I pressed a soft kiss on his forehead and closed the car door. With Oliver in my arms, I headed straight to the living room using a shortcut from the garage. It is during these times that I am thankful for letting Devon reconstruct and modify my mansion. Only the people inside my home know their way inside and out.

When I stepped inside the living room, I saw Lisa rushing towards us, her eyes worriedly settled on Oliver. "He's fine, Lisa. My baby is just tired." Relief washed over her and she smiled.

Lisa and the others became close with Oliver and I couldn't be prouder of my baby. It was a gradual process since Oliver is not especially comfortable with other people around. With the help of Isaac and his rigorous business training abroad with the controllers, my baby conquered his fears and regained his confidence.

"Thank the heavens. What would you like for dinner, Sir?" Lisa walked beside me as I instructed her on what kinds of dishes we are expecting later. "Noted, Sir. I'll remember that. Sir Oliver will be pleased with the dinner options. It will be consisting of his favorites, after all."

"You're right. I want my baby to be comfortable and happy when he wakes up, so I need his comfort food ready." Lisa nodded and before I climbed upstairs, I turned to her. "By the way, inform the staff to prepare their things. We will be going on a trip tomorrow." Her expression lit up and bid her goodbye in a hurry.

I shook my head slowly and smiled. My gaze went to my sleeping baby and I held him even closer to me. "I plan to spoil you endlessly tomorrow, my love."

With careful steps, I climbed up the stairs and into our room. I laid my baby softly on the bed and removed his tie and coat, then his shoes and socks. I popped three buttons down his shirt before I started to massage his feet. I heard from his secretary that Oliver was incredibly busy tying up loose ends before his one-week vacation, and I'm glad that he decided to have one.

Honestly, I want my baby to stop working and focus on his passion. It breaks my heart to see him exhausted and spent, but at the same time, a sense of pride blooms in my heart when I see him slay the boardroom like the amazing prince that he is. This is just my selfishness speaking, but I want him to be by my side every single minute.

But I made a promise to Roman and Don Felipe. I will let Oliver explore the world outside of our little bubble and discover more about himself. I was reluctant at first. There was this insecurity that Oliver will leave me and dove into greener pastures when he realized that there are other people better than me.

However, that insecurity was quashed when Oliver rejected his position at their company unless it will be transferred there to New York. He also threatened to cut his ties with his family if they ever tried to separate us.

That moment was so pivotal that my heart still pounds whenever I remember it. No one has ever declared their love for me like that. I know how important family is to Oliver, but knowing that he is willing to leave them behind for me, was so overwhelming.

I had to drag Oliver out of there and into my car, as I silently cried into his chest, thanking him for everything. He threaded my hair softly and whispered, You're worth all of this, daddy bear. Remember that.

"Daddy..." My fingers stopped moving and I glanced at my baby who had his elbows supporting his torso, as he peeked at what I was doing. His brown eyes softened and opened his arms, inviting me in. Before I dove into his arms, I unbuttoned his pants and dressed him down in his snug boxers because I know my baby wants to be comfy and loved.

He smiled and uttered a soft thanks, still amazed that I can read him like a book and anticipate his needs every single time. He needs to realize that he also does it to me. He lets me drown him in affection, he lets me cling to him, and he never complains whenever I become needy and sulky.

I even surprise myself that I can be this whiny. Oliver just brings out this part of myself that I never thought I had. I can be playful and annoying, but instead of getting irritated, Oliver enjoys teasing me and witnessing these parts of me.