CEO loves me with all his soul.-Chapter 69. A warm moment of Ethan.

Ethan stepped into the quiet bedroom, relieved to find Adrian finally resting. The gentle rise and fall of his breathing reassured Ethan, though the slight redness on Adrian’s cheeks hinted at the lingering effects of his recent cough. Quietly, he approached the bed and placed a cool hand on Adrian’s forehead, frowning as he confirmed a low-grade fever. "You just can’t help worrying me, can you?" he murmured softly to himself.

He moved around the room, closing the windows against the chilly breeze, hoping it would help Adrian rest more comfortably. As he finished, he gave one last look at Adrian, allowing himself a small, fond smile before heading downstairs.

The lively sounds of chatter and giggles drifted up from the living room, pulling him from his thoughts. There, Augustin was seated on the floor, completely absorbed in a game with Seraphina. She looked delighted, her tiny face lighting up as Augustin stacked up blocks in front of her, only to let her knock them down with the most enthusiastic smack of her little hand.

Nearby, Luri was amusing herself by wiggling a stuffed toy in front of Aurelius, who watched her with wide eyes as if studying her every move. The moment Ethan walked in, though, Aurelius’ expression changed dramatically. His eyes locked onto Ethan, and his tiny mouth quivered. Before anyone could intervene, a loud, wailing cry erupted from his little lungs.

Luri jumped, looking flustered. "Oh no, what did I do? Ethan, take him before he tears the house down with those lungs!"

Chuckling, Ethan took Aurelius from her arms, gently cradling him. "What’s all this fuss, little man? Missed your daddy, did you?" he cooed, lightly bouncing him in his arms. Aurelius immediately quieted, nestling into his father’s shoulder with a contented sigh, his little hand gripping Ethan’s shirt.

"Oh, please," Luri snorted, rolling her eyes. "You’re going to spoil him rotten at this rate. He’s not even two months old and already knows how to work you."

Ethan grinned, unbothered. "I mean, can you blame him? My boy knows who his favorite is, don’t you, Aurelius?" He glanced down at the baby, who stared up at him with wide, curious eyes, completely captivated.

Luri shook her head in mock horror. "This is too much. I came over for a fun afternoon, and instead, I’m getting free tickets to the world’s cheesiest dad show."

Augustin laughed from his spot on the floor, not missing the chance to add to the fun. "He’s got you wrapped around his finger, Ethan. No doubt about it. Watch out, or he’ll be running the house by the time he learns to walk."

Ethan chuckled, shrugging with a good-natured grin. "If that’s how it goes, so be it. Who could resist this face?"

Luri made a gagging motion, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Alright, that’s my cue to go. I can’t handle any more ’my boy’ this or ’daddy’s little guy’ that. You’re going to turn him into a little prince with all that fuss."

"Prince Aurelius has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?" Ethan replied, only half-joking as he gave Aurelius a little bounce.

"Absolutely not," Luri deadpanned, grabbing her bag. "Before I go, Augustin, you can handle Seraphina, right? You’ve practically adopted her by now."

Augustin looked up from where Seraphina was gurgling happily in his lap, her tiny hands reaching out for his face. "She’s the cutest apprentice I’ve ever had," he replied, tilting his head so she could pat his cheek, earning a soft giggle from her.

"Good luck with your new job, Uncle Gus," Luri quipped, giving him a quick salute before she turned back to Ethan. "And you? Less doting, more balance. For your sanity. See you guys later." She waved, giving Aurelius a playful pat on his head before heading out.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Ethan looked down at Aurelius, who was now resting his head on Ethan’s shoulder with a satisfied little sigh. "I think Auntie Luri just doesn’t understand our bond," he whispered, making a show of conspiratorially whispering in his son’s ear. Aurelius let out a tiny squeal, almost as if in agreement, and Ethan’s face softened with a warm smile.

Augustin gave him a knowing look. "You know, she’s kind of right, Ethan. If you’re not careful, Aurelius here might end up ruling us all."

"Well, as long as he’s fair, I don’t see the problem," Ethan replied with a chuckle, watching as Seraphina began to mimic her brother’s little squeals from across the room.

Augustin lifted Seraphina into his arms and stood up, nodding toward the stairs. "Now, let’s get these little royals upstairs. I’ll put Seraphina in the nursery; maybe with her brother nearby, they’ll stay calm for a while. You go keep an eye on Adrian."

Ethan hesitated, glancing at the sleeping form of his wife upstairs, then back at his son who had already begun to doze off in his arms. "Thanks, Augustin. Adrian caught a bit of a cold, so I’m hoping he can get some decent rest tonight."

Augustin nodded understandingly. "Take care of him. And yourself. It’s been non-stop since the twins arrived."

Ethan’s expression softened with gratitude. "I know, and thank you for everything. We couldn’t do it without you."

Augustin smiled, giving Seraphina a playful bounce as they headed upstairs. "Get some rest if you can. Don’t let these little royals wear you out entirely."

Ethan chuckled, following him up and settling Aurelius in the crib next to his sister. Just as he was about to leave, Seraphina stirred, letting out a soft cry. Ethan glanced back, ready to step in, but Augustin held up a hand, offering a knowing smile. "I’ve got this, Ethan. Go."

After one last appreciative glance, Ethan slipped out of the nursery, leaving Augustin with the twins. He quietly stepped into his bedroom, where Adrian was still peacefully asleep, though he looked a bit flushed. Ethan approached him, carefully tucking the blanket up to his chin and brushing a few strands of hair from his face.

Adrian stirred, eyes fluttering open slightly. He offered Ethan a sleepy smile, his voice barely a whisper. "Are the kids... okay?"

Ethan nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Perfectly fine. They’re spending some time with Uncle Augustin for the night."

Adrian sighed, his smile widening. "You didn’t have to come back early."

Ethan took his hand, squeezing it gently. "And miss taking care of you? Not a chance."

Adrian blushed slightly, squeezing his hand in return. "You spoil me," he murmured, half-asleep again.

"Only because you deserve it," Ethan replied, settling in beside him, feeling grateful for this peaceful moment.

Adrian shifted slightly, feeling Ethan’s warm hand on his waist, a gentle pressure that pulled him closer. He sighed softly, reaching up to touch Ethan’s hand, his voice tender but a little drowsy. "Ethan, if you’re close, you might catch my cold," he murmured, glancing at him with a sleepy smile, but there was a gentle hint of protest in his voice. "Maybe we should take it easy tonight."

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head as his hand remained on Adrian’s waist. "You don’t worry about that," he whispered, his gaze filled with warmth as he leaned down, his lips brushing lightly against Adrian’s. "I don’t mind a little risk," he teased, his voice soft, laced with affection. Ethan’s fingers moved in soothing circles, and he gave Adrian a tender, lingering kiss.

Ethan brushed a stray lock of Adrian’s hair away, his fingers gentle as he looked down at him with a warm, unwavering gaze. "I love you, Adrian," he whispered, his voice soft yet full of conviction.

Adrian, half-asleep but unable to resist Ethan’s words, groggily opened his eyes, a sleepy smile spreading across his face as he whispered back, "I love you more than anyone, Ethan." His words were barely audible, yet they held an undeniable sincerity, a deep affection that reached straight to Ethan’s heart.

Ethan’s smile softened, and he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Adrian’s forehead. "Then I’ll do everything I can to keep you happy, to make you feel safe," he promised.

Adrian’s smile grew as he nestled closer, his eyes closing again in contentment. With Ethan’s arms around him and the quiet of the night settling over them, he felt a peace he hadn’t known in a long time.

---

In a dark, dimly lit laboratory, a small group of captives huddled together, their faces twisted in terror, their voices shaking as they pleaded. "Please... please don’t do this," one of them whimpered, clinging to a friend beside them, eyes wide with fear.

The man standing before them—a tall figure in a white coat, gloves smeared with traces of dried blood—watched them with an unsettling, almost gleeful indifference. In his hand, he held a syringe filled with a strange, viscous liquid, the contents swirling ominously as he shook it.

"Don’t worry," he sneered, his voice laced with cruel amusement. "This will only hurt... a lot." He rolled the syringe between his fingers as if admiring a piece of art, relishing the horror that spread through his captives.

The first victim tried to back away, their movements frantic, but the man advanced quickly, gripping their arm and pressing down with unexpected force. Before they could struggle further, he drove the needle deep, injecting the entire contents in one fluid motion.

As the liquid entered their bloodstream, the captive let out a bloodcurdling scream, their body convulsing as pain took over. Others watched, frozen, helpless, while the man chuckled, his eyes glinting with dark satisfaction.

"Yes, yes... the final phase is almost complete," he murmured to himself, his twisted smile never fading as he watched the agony unfold. "My finest creation yet."

One by one, the others began to scream, voices mixing in a cacophony of terror, their bodies wracked by the injection’s effects. Yet he remained unfazed, pacing with a detached satisfaction, as if admiring his handiwork.

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