Good job, me, for revising L.O.D. The revision phase was challenging on my part because this book has a lot of chapters and I also had to update some of my stories at the same time. Now that I'm close to finishing the chapter edits, I can now focus on my ongoing stories.

This is the final chapter but please check out the special chapters. I worked super hard to write them.

February 7, 2021

11:53 PM

O L L I E

I groaned and grunted when I did not feel the source of heat that I would love to snuggle in. Where's Stefan? I blinked my eyes to adjust my sight from the illumination coming from the overhead lights. A smile broke out when I only felt a slight pain in my lower back.

My ever, so considerate daddy. He always makes sure that I feel better and as much as possible, not in pain after devouring me. My hand went to my mouth to cover my yawn and I stretched my arms lazily. I checked the bedside clock and frowned. It's almost midnight. Where the hell is my daddy bear?

My frown turned into a curious expression when I noticed a note stuck on my phone screen. I clapped my hands once and the entire room was flooded with light. I picked up my phone and read the note that says,

Hey, my love. I figured out that you would be awake by this time. You usually do when you don't feel me beside you, and I am ever flattered. I love you so much. If you read this note before midnight, thank God and please call me.

Hmm, this is weird. I just shrugged it off and pressed my speed dial, and Stefan's baritone and sexy voice graced my ears. "Hey, baby. Did you just wake up?"

"Hmm. Where are you, daddy bear? I miss you," I mumbled with a pout and Stefan just chuckled on the other line.

"I miss you too, my love. How's your back, by the way? Are you in pain?" The worry in his voice was palpable but when what transpired just a few hours ago flashed in my mind, I bit my lips as my cheeks flooded with so much heat.

"I'm fine, daddy. Thank you for taking care of me." I patted myself on the back when I was able to utter a steady reply.

"Of course, my love. I want my baby to be happy and safe. By the way, can you tell me what time it is now?"

I glanced at the clock again. "Five minutes before midnight, daddy bear."

"Thank you, love. Okay, here it is. Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure, daddy. What is it?"

"I prepared your clothes at the foot of the bed. Can you put it on before midnight struck?" Feeling confused as hell, I hummed in agreement. I put my phone on loudspeakers and crawled towards the foot of the bed. I ran first to the bathroom and cleaned my face before returning to our room.

I removed all of my clothes and slipped on a pair of black suits with a patterned dress shirt, slipped on black dress shoes, and a black, double-breasted outer coat. I checked myself in the bathroom mirror briefly and brushed my messy locks. My daddy takes care of my hair, which made it easier for me to manage now. He always volunteers to wash my hair, and I can't complain. I love it when he does it.

I smiled when I saw my reflection in the mirror. I look good. Expect Stefan to choose the right clothes for me. The platinum ring on my left finger sparkled when I tucked the wayward curls away from my forehead. A soft smile slipped when I remembered the grand proposal Stef did six months ago.

He wanted to make up for his impromptu bedroom proposal, so he orchestrated an out-of-this-world proposal-slash-engagement party. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the island where we celebrated our engagement party was not rented, but rather, bought by him. God, the things he does for me.

I would've been alright with anything. I was not a fan of grand celebrations, but I want my daddy to be happy. Seeing him happy brings me incredible joy, and I also enjoyed every minute of that event. Seemingly satisfied with my look, I stepped out and walked toward the bed.

I picked up my phone again in the middle of the bed, the call is still connected. "Daddy bear? I'm done now. What is happening? Why am I clad in formal wear? Are we going somewhere?" Everything is going so fast, and I think I'm still in a sleepy haze, so I may be dreaming. I don't know. Also, it's a minute before midnight.

"Baby, before I answer, can you step outside the balcony?"

"Okay." I headed towards the balcony and opened the door. I was about to ask him again when beautiful fireworks exploded and painted the dark sky. A shocked gasp fell from my lips and I almost doubled over, if not for the railings where my hand was able to latch on. My heart rate picked up and it felt like all of the air was whooshed out from my lungs.

"W-what...daddy bear?" I breathed out; my knees wobbly from too much shock. Confusion and astonishment filled me, as I tried to make sense of what was happening. But all of these were dispelled when Stefan spoke.

"Happy birthday, my love. Another year again for me to be thankful that you chose to be by my side. Another year to shower you with all of my love and affection. Another year to see your adorable smiles and hear your sweet giggles, taste your amazing kisses, and hold you in my arms every minute. Another year to show you how incorrigibly in love I am with you," Stefan vocalized in a voice filled with raw emotion.

A choked sob slipped from my lips as scalding tears freely streamed on my cheeks. I have been so busy lately that I forgot my birthday. This is all too much. I feel so overcome with emotions, my heart is filled with so much love, that I want to jump into my daddy's arms. With a trembling voice, I was able to muster, "D-daddy... I need you. W-where are you?"

The incredible fireworks display kept on gracing the dark sky, but I can't fully appreciate its beauty through my blurry eyes. "Daddy..." I sobbed, and I heard his sharp intake of breath.

"Hush, my love. You will see me later, so can you please stop the tears, baby? Hearing you like that, even if it's from too much joy, squeezes my heart painfully."

I bit my lip and obediently nodded, even if he can't see me. I just want to be with my daddy because the emotions are too much to bear, and I need him to make it all better. I am just so happy, and burying myself and clinging to him like it's the end of the world is how I control my surging feelings.

"Hush now, baby. This is just the beginning of my surprise. Why don't you wipe those tears away and climb downstairs? You'll figure out what to do from there, okay?"

I sniffled and headed to our dressing room, and pulled out a soft hankie. "Okay, daddy bear. I love you," I softly mumbled.

"I love you a thousand times more, baby. I'll see you soon, okay?"

I wiped my tears gently and nodded. "Alright, daddy. I'll see you. I want a hug and a kiss later, okay?"

He chuckled softly, and I can imagine his amused and fond expression. "I'll spoil you rotten, my love. I don't want to end this call but I need to go. I love you!"

I filled my lungs with air and went to the bathroom to fix myself. After five minutes of making sure that my eyes are not red and puffy, I texted Stefan that I will be going down. Just then, someone bursts in through the door, and my eyes widened in surprise. Jesse, Elijah, and Noah burst inside, all formally dressed up.

"Ollie! Oh my gosh! Why are your eyes swollen?" Jesse approached me and dragged me to the side of the bed, as he hastily examined my face. Noah and Elijah also mirrored concerned expressions.

"Guys, I'm fine. I was just so happy with Stef's surprise." Their mouths formed an "o" and nodded, then glanced at each other knowingly.

"That's good then, but before that," Jesse turned to Elijah and Noah who excitedly grinned. "Okay... 3...2...1... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, OLIVER!" They greeted in unison and I giggled when Elijah had a hard time popping the confetti, while Noah pulled the confetti too early.

Jesse shook his head slowly in disappointment and stared at the two who averted their eyes guiltily. "You guys... we practiced this already," he reprimanded them humorously, and after a minute, all of us were laughing our asses off.

"God, that was so hilarious," Noah said in between his wheezes. "I swear, I practiced this already. Chris ordered a box of confetti for me, even though I asked him to buy only five pieces. Talk about an exaggeration," Noah shared but his eyes twinkled at the mention of his man. Chris's hopeless crush on Noah turned out to be mutual.

Elijah pouted and sat on my right. "I also practiced. I even had Devon watch me, just in case something goes wrong. You know what happened when I tried to cook him breakfast, right?" Eli said softly, and all of us sighed wistfully.

Elijah wanted to cook breakfast for Devon, as thanks for all the things he did for Eli. Needless to state, the kitchen was a disaster. Devon had to call 911, and Elijah was a sobbing mess thereafter. Well, all of us know how Devon adores and cares for Eli. For Devon, Eli can do nothing wrong. We can't blame Devon; Elijah is cute as a button. When we learned about Elijah's past, all of us takes turns in spoiling our adorable friend. I'm so glad that Elijah has Devon to take care of him.

"We will give our presents later. For now, let us fix you." Jesse stood up and went to the vanity mirror. I was about to protest and tell them that I fixed myself already but it all took one glare from my BFF to shut me up. I let them do what they wanted while I stayed put. After a few minutes, I opened my eyes and when I finally saw myself in the mirror, my jaw dropped to the floor, and my eyes went wide open.

I am so—

"You are so gorgeous, Ollie! Oh my God! What a masterpiece! Stefan would surely swallow his tongue when he sees you. Such an angel!" Jesse gushed while I just nodded, dumbstruck. I can't believe it. With just mascara, an eyeliner, and a lip gloss, Jesse turned me into a beauty.

"Wow, you are so beautiful, Ollie," Elijah mumbled while Noah was grinning widely. I even forgot the reason why I was dressed up in the first place, or that I had to go downstairs, if not for Eli's shocked gasp.

"Guys, Devon sent me a message. Code Green, guys. Let's go!" Elijah grabbed Noah by the hand while Jesse brushed my hair before pulling me up.

"Jesse, what's code green? What's happening—" I let out a soft "oomph" when Jesse jumped me and embraced me so tight. "BFF, what's wrong? Are you crying?" I frowned and held his shoulders so I could look at his face but Jesse tightened his hug on me.

"I am just so happy, Ollie. Finally. You'll finally have your ever-after." The last words were a whisper, but I heard them. My heart hammered in my chest, my mind swimming from so many thoughts, and all of them leads to a single conclusion.

Jesse leaned back, his eyes glistening and his lips formed a tremulous smile. "J-Jesse... I..." My hand went to my chest as I tried to even out my breathing, with Jesse helping me with my breathing exercises. When I finally calmed down, I stared at Jesse with incredulity.

"Babe, just calm down. I can't have you fainting before you even step out of your room. Your man will kill me," Jesse breathed out, as he smiled at me nervously. I opened my mouth to retort but they cut me off again.

Jesse dragged me downstairs, my lips jutted. No one has ever explained to me what the hell is happening, and as much as I want to jump to conclusions, I don't want to be disappointed. I don't want to give Jesse's words a deeper meaning, but when we finally stepped on the landing, I think I stopped breathing for a moment.

The huge estate outside the mansion is glittering with so many lights. It's so beautiful and enchanting to watch. Jesse let go of my hand but I can't even be bothered to ask where he was going. Finally, being able to step forward, my eyes took in the magical surroundings.

The door was decorated with Spanish lanterns and memorabilia. When I peeked outside through the door, the estate was illuminated by several lampposts with Spanish lamps hanging all over it. The bushes were also glittering with LED lights, and the most amazing of all was the maze.

"Oh, my goodness," I mustered breathlessly and gripped the side of the door. Small bulbs were hanging on the tall bushes, creating a pathway that I know will lead to the beautiful fountain.

Honestly, I have never been there because I would always get lost. Stef already offered a hand but I want to conquer the intricate maze on my own.

According to Stefan, there's a legend surrounding that particular fountain. It was already there when he bought the property, along with the maze. The legend states that if you prayed hard enough and uttered your wish while submerging your fingers in the cold water, which I know is strange, the universe will make that wish possible.

But now, I feel a bit conflicted. It's like all of my hard work was in vain with this arrangement. Still, the maze is incredibly magical. I was pulled out of my thoughts when someone touched my arm. I turned to the person and gasped.

"Chris!" He smiled and pulled me into a brief hug.

"Happy birthday, Oliver," he whispered and placed a soft kiss on top of my head. I giggled softly and patted his back.

I leaned back and smiled at him. "Thank you! Where's my present? You did not bring anything?" I faked a disappointed gasp and shook my head slowly.

Chris chuckled and pinched my cheek lightly. "Stop pouting, you. I have it in my car trunk." My expression brightened and Chris chuckled even more. He put my hand on his arm and handed me a long-stemmed red rose that I gratefully accepted. "Why were you frowning earlier?"

I pouted again and shared about my failed maze adventures as we climbed down the stairs of the patio down to the cobblestones surrounded by well-trimmed grasses. By the time I finished, Chris lost his composure and was laughing uncontrollably.

"Wow, way to make fun of my failures, Chris," I deadpanned with a roll of my eyes, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

He pulled me to a stop when we were three meters from the entrance of the maze so I turned to face him. He was smiling brightly with an amused expression plastered on his face. He cleared his throat and held my shoulders, and the fondness visible in his eyes got me floored.

"Oliver, thank you for coming to Stefan's life. Thank you for making him happy. I wish you all the best, buddy." I had to blink several times when I felt that familiar sting. This is new. Chris is not usually like this. Is it because it's my birthday? "I look forward to teasing you and your failed adventures," he added with a guffaw and I was seconds away from slugging the big guy.

I was never a violent person but Chris is just provoking the dormant beast inside of me.

"Ha-ha. Very funny. You just had to ruin the moment, huh?" He threw me a cute grin and added a peace sign. I rolled my eyes again before glancing at the maze entrance. "Why did we stop?"

"My work here is done, Oliver. I wish you the best," Chris saluted and escaped. Before I can protest, I was swooped by the waist by Reeve, the most serious of the three but he also spoils me endlessly. He looks so dashing with his navy-blue three-piece suit that will make all the ladies and men drool.

"Reeve!" I threw him a tight hug and he chuckled softly.

"Hey, bud. It's been a long time." I nodded and he wrapped my arms around him, and we walked slowly towards the maze entrance. It has been a long time. I heard the workaholic finally started dating, but daddy and I didn't want to jinx it, so we kept our mouths shut. "Happy birthday, Oliver." He also handed me a red rose and I beamed at him.

At first, I was scared of Reeve. He has an intimidating aura around him, and he rarely smiles. When he does, the recipient would only be his family members. However, that changed when he learned about my abuse and he doted on me like an older brother. Even Chris joined in which made my daddy bear happy, but at the same time, pouty and sulky because I was not paying attention to him anymore.

That is not true. All of my senses have been occupied by Stefan. All of me thinks about him and only him. That was just my daddy being silly.

"Someone's happy," Reeve chirped and I forgot that I was with him till he spoke. See? I always lose myself when I think about my daddy bear. "Thinking about my brother again?" He guessed, and I nodded happily.

He chuckled softly. "That's nice. I also want that kind of love. I want someone to look at me like you do with Stef, but I'm still scared bud. It's so scary to give everything you have towards another person, only to have them taken away from you." His soft voice was filled with so much pain that all I could do was give his arm soft squeezes.

"I don't want to tell you to let it go when the wound is still fresh. I can't even imagine it happening to me. I would rather die than live a life without Stef." I ignored the pain in my chest and focused my attention on Reeve. "Why are you telling me this? Does it have to do with a certain someone?" I narrowed my eyes on him, and because of the bright lights illuminating the path, I noticed a faint blush crept on Reeve's cheek.

Oh, my Lord. What the heck is happening? My birthday is full of surprises!

Reeve began to share how he met someone after he went back to the dating scene and that person is the most gorgeous boy he has ever met. Take note, a boy, and it took all of me to rein my squeals and just settle with a face-splitting grin. Oh, my goodness!

Before I can ask for more details, Reeve stopped in his tracks and smiled. "Sorry, bud. This is my stop. We'll continue our chat next time."

"But—"

"Later, bud. Again, happy birthday!" He gave me a short hug and disappeared.

I did not have enough time to grumble when Anna and Lucas jumped on me. I was more curious where the hell they appeared from, rather than the reason why they're here now. They called me earlier that they can't visit today because they have an urgent business in London, but I guess it was just an excuse to surprise me. Their excuse would have been predictable if only I did not forget my birthday. I gratefully accepted the roses and their straightforward praises got me blushing furiously.

"Hey, guys. Busy huh?" I teased with a raise on my brow and both of them laughed. Lucas patted my back and Anna encircled her arms on mine. She was so cheerful and gushed about Stefan's and I's relationship. When they stopped after a few minutes of catching up, I knew that someone was about to take their position. I saw grandma approaching me and I gave her a wide smile.

Anna and Lucas wished me a happy birthday and pressed a kiss on my cheeks before they went on their way. I opened my arms for Grandma and she engulfed me in a warm hug.

"Olive, my boy. Happy birthday, dear. I still can't believe that I get to celebrate your 22nd birthday," Grandma poured out emotionally. I remembered last year when Grandpa disclosed that he had grandma treated in Switzerland for a rare illness.

Grandma also handed me a red rose and kissed me on the cheeks before we went on our way. She was telling me stories during my childhood, and nothing much has changed. "You were a crybaby, Olive. Izen was always running around frantically just to please you and comfort you," Grandma reminisced with a chuckle and a fond look in her eyes. A soft smile crossed my lips and I felt a warm emotion spreading throughout my senses.