RafaelI stood up from the table and pushed my chair back casually. “I need to use the restroom,” I said, brushing a hand over Wendy’s shoulder.She smiled up at me. “Okay, baby. Don’t keep me waiting.”I gave her a small grin and headed off, my pace steady and unhurried.The moment I pushed open the door, I saw Fred. He was standing by the sink, hunched forward, water dripping down his face. He looked like a man drowning in something he couldn’t shake.He saw me walk in... then looked away.Cute.I stood by him, stopping at the mirror, adjusting my collar, watching my own reflection... but mostly watching him behind it. Then I turned slightly toward him.“You really like her?” I asked, casually, like I was asking for the time.He frowned, like I’d just asked something insane. “What do you mean?”“I mean... do you like my girlfriend?”I looked him straight in the eye now.“What sort of stupid question is that?” he shot back.I shrugged, lips curving. “You tell me. Since you're the one
FredThe moment the clock hit closing time, I stood up like a machine—no words, no hesitation. I didn’t even glance Wendy's way. I just started packing my things: laptop shut, notebook into my bag, mug rinsed and flipped upside down. My chest felt too damn tight, and I needed to breathe somewhere that wasn’t here.I had just reached the door when her voice stopped me.“Fred?”I paused mid-step. That sweet, familiar voice always made me stop.I turned around slowly. “Yeah?”Wendy raised an eyebrow, arms folded. “Is it normal now to leave without saying bye to me? Is there a problem between us?”Shit. I rubbed the back of my neck.“No, not at all. Sorry. My mind was just out of it.” I forced a smile. “Bye, Wendy. I’m off.”I turned again, hoping to escape cleanly.But then she said, “How about you join I and Rafael for dinner tonight?”I froze. Literally froze. My bag strap slipped off my shoulder slightly, but I didn’t catch it. My brain was trying to process the emotional grenade she
RafaelThe elevator chimed again as it glided to a halt, but I barely noticed it over the heat burning into the back of my skull.I shifted awkwardly beside Wendy, slipping my phone from my jacket pocket. My fingers moved fast across the screen.“Why does your guy—Freddie, or whatever—keep staring at me like I owe him money?” I hit send.Wendy’s phone buzzed right after, and she glanced down. I watched the corners of her mouth curl as her fingers danced in reply.“More like glaring. Did you guys have a problem before now?”I rolled my eyes and shoved my phone back into my pocket. The glare had weight. It felt like Fred had laser vision, and I was the unlucky idiot standing in its line of fire.The doors slid open, and we stepped out into the cool hallway. Wendy adjusted her grip on her clipboard when Fred suddenly spoke.“Wendy, can I talk to you?”His voice was low, clipped. Suspicious.She turned to me with her usual cheery grin. “Wait for me here, Rafael. I won’t take long.”I gave
FredI stabbed a piece of omelet with my fork and leaned back in my chair, scrolling lazily through my phone. The apartment was quiet, morning sun spilling through the windows and warming my bare feet against the tiled floor. I’d woken up late, skipped coffee out of sheer laziness, and was now regretting it while trying to summon the energy to head out.I shot a quick text to Liam just for fun:Me: We already miss you at the office. When are you and your husband coming back from paradise? I’m dying here. Wendy won’t stop reminding me she has a boyfriend. It’s like a disease.I rolled my eyes at the thought. Wendy’s relationship was the newest running joke in the office — every time her boyfriend called, she’d make a big show of answering with this sugary voice like she was in a Hallmark movie. Every. Single. Time.My phone buzzed a few minutes later with Liam’s reply:Liam: *Sends strings of laughing and crying emojis* I’m so sorry! But don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. But are you sure
EpilogueThe sun spilled through the curtains in golden waves, lighting up the quiet living room. Outside, the garden was in bloom, soft petals swaying in the morning breeze. Inside, laughter echoed from the hallway — high-pitched and sweet.“Papa! Daddy!” a small voice called.Ronan looked up from the couch, setting his book aside just in time to catch a blur of energy as a little boy ran toward him. He scooped him up easily, spinning him in the air, both of them laughing.Liam walked in a moment later, holding a tray with two cups of coffee and a small plate of cookies.“Our little storm is awake early,” he said, smiling at the chaos unfolding before him.Ronan kissed the boy’s cheek, then turned that same affection toward Liam, tugging him down for a quick kiss. “And our little storm clearly missed his papa.”The boy — their boy — wriggled happily between them. He had Liam’s eyes and Ronan’s defiant chin. A perfect mix born not of blood, but of love, trust, and years of healing.Th
RonanI woke up to empty sheets.The sunlight poured in through gauzy curtains, soft and golden, the kind of light that made everything feel like a dream. I blinked slowly, dragging a hand across the warm side of the bed. Still faintly warm… but Liam was gone.I sat up, instantly alert. “Liam?”No answer.The villa was quiet except for the soft sounds of birds and waves crashing faintly in the distance. I got up, threw on my robe, and padded barefoot downstairs, heart thumping just a little too fast.Then I smelled it — eggs, honey, fresh bread.And there he was.In the open kitchen of our rented sea-view villa, standing in nothing but one of my oversized shirts — Liam. His hair was still a mess from sleep, his legs bare, his lips curved in a gentle smile as he plated more fruit.God help me.I didn’t even say anything. I just moved. Crossed the space and slipped behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist, pulling him to me.He let out that soft, startled laugh I loved. “Ronan—!”“