CEO loves me with all his soul.-Chapter 68.

Adrian noticed Ethan’s silence as they lay in bed that evening. The twins were finally asleep after a long day, leaving just the two of them in the dimly lit room. Adrian reached over, gently running his fingers along Ethan’s arm.

"You’ve been quiet all evening," he said softly. "Is something wrong?"

Ethan took a deep breath and rolled onto his side to face Adrian, his gaze softening as he looked into his husband’s eyes. "I had a visit from the Special Police today. Chief Argo and his team dropped by for... a rather unusual conversation."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, worry flickering across his face. "Unusual how? Are we in some sort of trouble?"

"No, no." Ethan reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair from Adrian’s face, then leaned forward to kiss his forehead. "But they told me something that’s been weighing on me." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "They’re investigating an old case involving a scientist who was doing... experiments on kids, specifically children from powerful families. They think I might have been one of his test subjects."

Adrian’s fingers froze mid-stroke on Ethan’s arm. "Experiments...? Ethan, that’s horrible. Are you... are you okay?"

Ethan gave a tired smile. "I am. It’s just—" He sighed, wrapping an arm around Adrian and pulling him close, running his thumb over Adrian’s knuckles. "The thing that’s bugging me... is how it might affect Aurelius and Seraphina. I mean, if they experimented on me as a kid, could it pass down to them? Are they at risk?"

Adrian’s eyes softened with sympathy, but a glimmer of worry was there too. "I hadn’t thought of that..." he whispered, then squeezed Ethan’s hand. "But I know you. Whatever they did, it didn’t change who you are. You’re strong, Ethan. And whatever they find, we’ll face it together."

Ethan’s gaze softened as he leaned forward, kissing Adrian’s forehead. "You’re right. It’s just... it’s a lot to take in." He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Imagine me, the test subject of some mad scientist. Feels like a bad superhero origin story, doesn’t it?"

Adrian snorted, nudging him. "Yeah, maybe you’ve got some superpowers you haven’t unlocked yet. Watch out; next thing we know, you’ll start flying or turning invisible."

"Oh, I’d go straight for invisibility," Ethan laughed, raising his eyebrows mischievously. "Can you imagine the things I could get away with? Scaring you out of your wits would be a new daily hobby."

Adrian smirked. "Careful, or I might just make you sleep on the couch tonight, Super-Stealth."

They both laughed, letting the tension ease a little as they fell into a comfortable silence, Ethan’s fingers idly tracing patterns on Adrian’s hand.

Elsewhere in the city, Isaac had another plan brewing. It was a rare night where he had some free time and, naturally, he chose to make a surprise visit. He slipped into a dark hoodie, climbed a nearby tree with ease, and quietly opened a window that led straight into Lucas’s bedroom.

Lucas was oblivious, eyes fixed on his laptop screen, scrolling through hospital files, his face lit by the soft glow of the screen. Just as he leaned in to read something more closely, a sudden warmth pressed against his back, strong arms wrapping around his waist. Lucas nearly dropped the laptop.

"Isaac!" he muttered, his voice laced with annoyance but tinged with surprise. "Must you always sneak up on me like this?"

Isaac chuckled, not moving. "It’s not my fault you’re so easy to surprise," he replied, his tone smug. "What’s the point of having a window if you’re not going to make use of it?"

"It’s meant to let air in, not you," Lucas grumbled, though a small smile betrayed him. "And you could at least try to be polite and keep some distance."

Isaac’s lips curved into a playful grin, and instead of loosening his hold, he leaned closer, his head coming to rest in the crook of Lucas’s neck. "Polite, huh?" he murmured, letting his breath tickle Lucas’s ear. "If I were polite, I’d be boring."

Lucas’s cheeks heated up, but he kept his composure. "Ever thought of getting a hobby, Isaac?" He sighed, shaking his head. "I’m beginning to think I should lock my windows."

"Try it," Isaac whispered, leaning even closer. "I’ll just pick the lock next time."

Lucas finally let out a laugh, unable to resist any longer. "Unbelievable. You’re more stubborn than a stray cat."

Isaac leaned back slightly, grinning. "I’ll take that as a compliment." He tilted his head, noticing the files on Lucas’s screen. "What’s all this? Something interesting?"

Lucas shrugged, feeling the heat on his neck begin to fade as he reclaimed a bit of his usual reserve. "Just work files. Trying to get a better grasp on the records for some patients. But..." he paused, glancing at Isaac from the corner of his eye. "It’s confidential."

Isaac raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I’m not here to cause trouble. Just wanted to see you. Is that so wrong?"

Lucas softened a little, though he rolled his eyes. "I suppose not. But I have a feeling your idea of ’just seeing me’ would get us both into trouble."

"Maybe." Isaac smirked, a mischievous gleam in his eye. "But you’re worth the risk."

They shared a look that lingered for a moment, then Lucas cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. "Alright, enough distractions. I have work to do."

"Fine." Isaac sighed, though he was still smiling. "Just don’t expect me to leave. I’m making myself at home."

Lucas shook his head, unable to hide his amusement. "You already have."

--

After a month of adjusting to life with the twins, Adrian was finally allowed a short reprieve from the house under Augustin’s watchful eye. The air was crisp and refreshing, a welcome change from the four walls that had defined his life for weeks. Carrying a small list of art supplies, he felt the familiar thrill of creativity sparking as he entered the art shop with Augustin.

As Adrian browsed, his attention drawn to a new set of brushes, he felt a gaze lingering on him. He glanced up and froze, meeting the eyes of a man he didn’t recognize—yet something in the man’s features felt eerily familiar. The man was tall with striking silver eyes and blonde hair, a unique blend of warmth and elegance. Adrian’s curiosity piqued, but before he could say anything, Augustin nudged him.

"We should get going, Adrian," Augustin said gently, already carrying a basket with everything they needed.

Adrian nodded, offering the man a polite smile before turning to leave. The stranger’s gaze stayed locked on him, his eyes wide and almost vulnerable. Adrian couldn’t shake the feeling as they walked out. The way that man had looked at him was haunting, like he had been staring at a ghost or an impossible dream.

As soon as Adrian and Augustin disappeared from sight, Jesper felt his legs give out, and he slowly sank down to the floor of the art shop, clutching his hands to his chest. He took a shaky breath, but the tears came before he could stop them, welling up and slipping down his face. He had longed for this moment, dreamed of what it would be like to see his son again, yet nothing had prepared him for this.

"My boy..." Jesper whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He struggled to hold back the flood of tears. "You’ve grown up... and you look just like me."

People glanced over, some offering him sympathetic looks as they passed by. But Jesper didn’t care; he was lost in a whirlpool of conflicting emotions, smiling even as he cried, feeling both pride and sadness in equal measure. Adrian had grown into a stunning young man, with a peaceful grace and kindness that was evident in every move he made.

"I missed you," Jesper murmured softly to himself, still crouched where he’d first seen Adrian. It had been so long, and though he had lost precious time, seeing Adrian even for those brief moments had filled his heart with warmth he hadn’t felt in years.

After several minutes, Jesper pulled himself together, wiping his tears with trembling hands. A small, bittersweet smile lingered on his face. He knew he couldn’t approach Adrian yet, but seeing him today had rekindled his hope.

One day, Jesper thought to himself, he would be able to tell Adrian everything. But for now, this glimpse of his son would have to be enough.

While outside the art shop, Adrian looked back as if he wanted to look one more time at the man but he didn’t see anyone through the shop door and sighed.

If fate let them meet again, He will like to make friends with that person.

Augustin thought he forgot something to buy and asked, "You forgot something? Let me buy it for you."

Adrian smiled and shook his head, "No, I was just enjoying the moment."

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m