Chapter 15

The second Caspian's eyes fluttered open, the first thought that came to his mind was of Julia. After they had left the hospital the other day to go see his uncle, he had to stop along the way and commanded Dominic to go in his place.

He was so glad that she was fine, and even more thrilling, the test results would come in soon. He’d know exactly why he kept feeling the way he did. Why does Liam have the same birthmark as he did?

“I can't wait to see what the universe has planned for me,” he smiled to himself before standing up from the bed.

It was more like he couldn't wait to hear that Julia was his and the little boy, Liam? His son.

Caspian made his way to the bathroom as he had an important event to get ready for. He had just returned, and his uncle decided to host a welcome party on his behalf, and he couldn't say no.

He moved quickly through his bath, relishing the sensation of cool water cascading over his heated, sculpted muscles.

The difference of the refreshing chill against his warm skin was invigorating, washing away the fatigue and tension that had built up.

Each drop seemed to revitalise him, making him feel renewed and alive.

After several minutes of luxuriating in the soothing bath, he emerged from the bathroom, droplets of water still glistening on his skin.

He began to dress, methodically pulling on his clothes with practised ease. Just as he was nearly finished, a sudden knock at the door shattered his concentration.

The sharp sound jolted him from his thoughts, causing him to stiffen momentarily.

His mind shifted focus instantly, the unexpected interruption pulling him out of his state and plunging him back into the present moment.

“And who is it?” he asked in a deep voice. He didn’t want anyone who would ruin his mood as he stood.

“It's Dominic, Mr. Caspian!” His voice echoed from outside the room, making Caspian nod.

“You can come in.”

Immediately, the door was pushed open, and Dominic rushed into the room. If there was anything Caspian could tell without staring at Dominic, it was the fact that he was excited about something.

Caspian halted in what he was doing and, dressed in black pants without a shirt, his chest on full display, turned to look at Dominic, who looked happier than expected.

Caspian's brows furrowed. “Are you okay? Did something get into your head before you could get a strong hold of it?” he mocked, still trying to hold his composure.

“What? No, Caspian,” Dominic responded briefly, which began to get on Caspian's nerves.

“Come on, Dominic… Are you going to tell me what all of this is about or just keep leaving me in the dark?” he asked, his tone etched with curiosity. He wanted to know it all.

Just then, Dominic turned around as if he was about to steal. He shut the door tightly after making sure that no one was standing close.

“Dominic, will you…” Caspian was going to say, but just then, Dominic turned his gaze to him and broke the news to him.

“The paternity results just came in, Caspian, and Julia was your one-night stand from five years ago… Guess what? Liam is your son, just as you had assumed. They belong to you!” Dominic declared, making Caspian pause for a split second.

He tilted his head to the right in confusion. Although he was expecting this kind of information, he just didn't believe it would come this way, and so soon too.

“Won't you say anything?” Dominic questioned, seeing how quiet Caspian was. Well, it wasn't his fault; it was a lot to take in.

That he had almost been killed by the ones he called his friends but escaped that night. He got into a room he couldn't remember the number of and had an affair, a hot affair, with a stranger who now turned out to be Julia?

She gets pregnant and gives birth to Liam, thinking she slept with her husband. It was just too much to take in.

"I can tell you're just as surprised as I was when I first heard the news," Dominic said, noticing Caspian's stunned expression.

"But since you’re not saying anything, why don't I speak up for you? Let’s make the child ours legally right now!" Dominic suddenly suggested his idea so outrageous that it immediately angered Caspian.

Caspian’s eyes shot over to Dominic, his face filled with disbelief. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing—how could Dominic suggest something so ridiculous?

"What? No way! We're not going to claim the child legally or anything like that!" Caspian said firmly, shaking his head in disagreement.

"Then how do you plan to get your child from Julia?" Dominic asked, looking frustrated. "Besides, they’ll be leaving the hospital soon!"

Caspian, however, still thought Dominic's idea was completely wrong.

"I’m not going to take a child away from his mother, Dominic! That’s not going to happen—now or ever!" Caspian said firmly, as he turned to look at the mirror behind him.

He picked up his shirt and started putting it on. As he dressed, he continued, "We both know how much Julia has suffered over the years I wasn’t with her. Instead of causing her more pain, I think the best thing to do is to fill the void and make them both part of my life."

"Make them yours? And how exactly do you plan to do that, Caspian?" Dominic asked, worried that Julia wouldn’t be willing to let Liam go.

"I have a plan," Caspian said with a confident grin as he put on his suit jacket and admired himself in the mirror.

"If I'm going to be a father, I need to act like one," he added, speaking with a sense of purpose.

"I don’t..."

"You don’t need to understand it, Dominic. You’ve never been in a situation like this," Caspian interrupted. "I’ll handle the details, and you just follow my instructions."

Caspian then walked over to his wardrobe and opened it. He took out an elegant, decorative box and moved quickly back to where Dominic stood. Without a word, he handed the box to Dominic, expecting him to carry it.

"And what’s this?" Dominic asked, intrigued, as he tried to peek through the openings on the sides of the box. But before he could get a good look, Caspian’s hand came down sharply on the top of the box, startling Dominic and making him pull back in surprise.

“This is for Julia. You have no right to look into it. Is that clear?” Caspian warned as he walked past Dominic.

He was heading for the door but halted. “That reminds me, this whole test has to be kept a secret until I'm ready to tell her. Do you understand?”

“But what if she takes it the wrong way? What if she doesn't even accept your gifts and gestures?” Dominic inquired with a curious gaze at Caspian.

“I'm sure she will. I just need time to soften her heart before I claim her as mine.”