CEO loves me with all his soul.-Chapter 75. Adrian’s decision.

Adrian leaned back on his bed, cradling the phone in his hand, smiling as he heard his friend’s voice after so long.

"Adrian!" his friend exclaimed from the other end. "It’s been ages! How’ve you been?"

Adrian chuckled softly. "I know, I know! I’ve been... well, it’s been a journey. How about you? Last I heard, you got a job?"

"Yeah, it’s been good! I’m working part-time while studying. Busy but fulfilling," his friend replied. "And you? I feel like I missed out on so much. So... tell me everything. How’s life?"

Adrian hesitated, glancing at the baby monitor on his nightstand. "A lot has changed. I’m... married now."

The line went silent for a beat, and then his friend gasped, "What? Married? Adrian, you didn’t even tell me you were seeing someone!"

Adrian laughed. "It happened fast. He was... well, it’s a long story. But yes, I’m married. And, uh... there’s more."

"There’s more? What, did you buy a house too?" his friend teased.

"Close," Adrian said, smiling. "I have kids. Twins, actually."

Another pause. Then an exaggerated gasp came through the line. "Adrian! Twins? Are you kidding me? I feel like I missed out on everything!"

Adrian shook his head, his laughter softening. "I feel like it’s been a whirlwind. But honestly, I’m happy here. I never expected to end up like this."

"You sound... really content, Adrian. That makes me happy too. So, does that mean you’re done with your studies? No degree?"

Adrian sighed, feeling a small pang. "I guess so. With everything that’s happened, I’m not sure I’ll go back. I just want to paint now."

"Paint? Adrian, I remember how you used to dream about graduating and setting up your own studio. Why not just finish that last semester? Get the degree in hand."

Adrian frowned. "It’s just... I’ve changed. I feel like my art is more focused on the present, on emotions, not on deadlines and assignments."

"I get it," his friend replied thoughtfully. "But having the degree would be a big achievement. Just in case. And besides, you’ve come so far."

Adrian bit his lip, thinking. "You’re right, I suppose. But with everything else, the babies, the family... it feels like such a small thing now."

"Adrian, don’t underestimate what you’ve achieved. You worked hard to get where you are. The last semester could be just a formality now, right?"

"Maybe," Adrian conceded. "But I’m not sure if I’m up for it anymore. My focus now is just on capturing all these new emotions... and expressing them through my art."

His friend sighed on the other end. "That’s beautiful, Adrian. But still, think about it. Having a degree can open so many doors—especially if you ever want to formally show your work."

"I guess you’re right. I’ll think about it. I just don’t know if it’s really necessary."

There was a pause, then his friend asked, "Adrian, what would your younger self say? Remember when we’d talk about making a career out of our art? You were always so determined."

Adrian chuckled. "Yes, I remember. And I was so set on following that path. But life has a funny way of changing things, doesn’t it?"

"Yes, but if you still have even a small chance, wouldn’t you want to finish what you started?"

Adrian nodded to himself. "You’re making sense. Maybe I should do it. I mean, it’s just one semester, right?"

"Exactly! And you can balance it with your life now. Your art is beautiful, Adrian, but having that official qualification can take you even further."

"Alright, alright, you’ve convinced me," Adrian laughed. "I’ll look into it. But only because you’re so persuasive."

"I knew it! You won’t regret it, I promise. Plus, imagine what your kids will think someday, seeing their dad’s degree on the wall."

Adrian felt a warmth spread through him. "Thank you. I didn’t realize how much I needed this conversation."

"That’s what I’m here for. Don’t forget your dreams, Adrian. You’ve inspired me too—more than you know."

They spoke a little longer, catching up on other little things in life, and Adrian hung up. He thought of the kids and left the room.

Adrian tiptoed into Seraphina and Aurelius’s room, the warm glow of the nightlight casting a soft, golden hue over the two tiny, sleeping forms. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched their gentle breathing, so peaceful, so tiny, and yet they filled his heart with a love he hadn’t known was possible.

He reached down, brushing his fingers gently across Seraphina’s tiny hand. "Hey, my little angel," he whispered, pressing a light kiss on her forehead. "Did you know that Daddy loves you more than anything?"

Aurelius stirred slightly, his little fingers curling around Adrian’s pinky. Adrian chuckled softly. "And you too, my little prince. I’m your Daddy, you know? I get to love you and take care of you for as long as I live."

The babies stayed quiet, but Adrian continued, as if they understood every word. "You two are my most beloved treasures," he said, his voice soft. "Do you know what else? I love your father so, so much. Your Daddy Ethan... he’s the reason I feel like I can be anyone, do anything."

He smiled down at them, imagining the little personalities they would grow up to have. "Your Daddy Ethan may look all cold and distant," he whispered, giving Seraphina’s cheek a gentle poke, "but trust me, he’s anything but. When he’s here with us, he’s the warmest person I know. He always makes sure I’m okay, that you’re okay. He’s always thinking of us."

Seraphina let out a tiny yawn, and Adrian couldn’t help but laugh quietly. "Look at you, already yawning at your old man’s stories."

"Did I tell you, though? Ethan—your Daddy—he may seem tough to the world, but he’s actually the cutest person when he’s at home with us," he went on. "You’ll see it as you grow up. How he watches over us, how he takes care of us."

He looked at Aurelius, who was now softly gripping his thumb. "And you, little one, you’re going to be so strong, just like him. And you, Seraphina," he glanced over at her, "I can already tell you’ll be just as kind and clever."

Adrian sighed, resting his forehead against Seraphina’s little fist. "I hope I can be a good Daddy to you both. I’ll do my best, I promise."

He stayed there a little longer, just holding their hands, the overwhelming feeling of love making his voice soft and steady as he spoke. "I love you both. More than anything. And I’m so grateful to have you."

After a few more precious moments, Adrian finally left the room, feeling more at peace.

Looking back at sleeping precious babies, Adrian decided to talk to Ethan about finishing his semester.

-

Ethan glanced up, surprised to see both Leclair and Isaac standing in the doorway of his office, their expressions unreadable but intense, like detectives cornering a suspect. He chuckled nervously, setting down his pen.

"What’s with those looks? Are you two planning an interrogation?" Ethan asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Leclair folded his arms, his gaze sharp. "That’s a funny question considering Dr. Rowan called me today. Apparently, you had a ’serious’ visit to the hospital," he began. "Care to explain why?"

Ethan’s shoulders tensed, but he forced a smile. "It was nothing serious, really. Just routine."

Isaac, standing next to Leclair, arched an eyebrow. "Routine? Funny, because Lucas’s file on you didn’t seem like just a routine check-up," he countered. "It had some strange findings, Ethan."

Ethan’s smile faded. "You... you saw my file?"

Isaac gave him a sharp nod. "Yes. I went to see Lucas about Adrian’s upcoming health check, and your file was right there on his desk. You should’ve been more careful."

Leclair stepped forward, his tone growing softer but still demanding. "So, what’s going on, Ethan? Dr. Rowan mentioned something about your body rejecting your own soul?"

Ethan hesitated, looking away. "It’s complicated. Honestly, I don’t even fully understand it myself."

Isaac crossed his arms, his voice laced with frustration. "Then help us understand. Why didn’t you tell us any of this?"

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I didn’t want to worry anyone, especially not Adrian. He’s already gone through so much, and now with the kids..."

Leclair exchanged a glance with Isaac before replying. "And what about us, Ethan? We’re your family too. You think we’d stand by and let you handle this alone?"

Ethan looked down, conflicted. "It’s not that I wanted to hide it from you. It’s just... every time I get close to the truth, it feels like there are more questions than answers."

Isaac frowned, his voice softer. "Dr. Rowan told you to stay in the country, right? That’s serious, Ethan. What if it’s something dangerous?"

Ethan clenched his fists. "I don’t know. Dr. Rowan seems to think so, but I have no idea what’s actually going on."

Isaac’s tone was measured but firm. "You said something about being kidnapped as a child. Is that connected to this?"

Ethan’s face paled slightly. "When I was two, yes. I don’t remember much, just... flashes, sounds. But I was returned by the time I was four."

Isaac’s gaze softened. "And no one told you anything after that?"

Ethan shook his head. "I tried to ask Leclair once, years ago, but no one had any answers. And now... I keep having these odd memories, dreams even. But they don’t make sense."

Leclair sighed. "This sounds like more than just memories. Dr. Rowan wouldn’t be so worried if this were a typical case."

Ethan nodded, running a hand down his face. "That’s what I keep thinking too. But what can I do? It’s not like I can just conjure up memories."

Isaac frowned thoughtfully. "We could help you dig. Find out more. There must be medical records from that time or even people who remember what happened."

Ethan glanced between them. "You two would do that?"

Leclair smirked. "What are big brothers for if not meddling?"

Isaac nodded, patting Ethan on the shoulder. "Adrian has always been my little brother, but now that you’re family, you’re one of us. We’ll figure this out together."

Ethan felt a wave of relief wash over him, and for the first time in a while, he allowed himself to relax. "Thanks... both of you."

Leclair looked him in the eye. "Promise us, though, if anything else comes up, you tell us first. No more hiding."

Ethan nodded solemnly. "I promise. No more secrets."

Isaac smirked, his usual playful side returning. "Good. Because you know I’d find out anyway."

Ethan chuckled. "I don’t doubt that."

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