Stephen was a mess. He had been since the last time he saw Xavier. At first, he had assumed it would get better with time but after almost one and half months, he couldn't function properly. He had barely gotten out of his house and even eating had become a problem, which resulted in considerable weight loss. For days, he has been stalking Xavier on social media, and he got to learn that Alicia had given birth. The issue was: that Xavier didn't post anything personal. Just a few stories on his feed about his nephews. Stephen had contemplated picking up his phone and calling the man a few times, but he didn't trust himself to handle the rejection he knew waited for him if he dared call. All he could do was stare at their pictures in his gallery and the precious enhancement ring that Xavier had given him. He still had it. In fact, it was his prized possession, and he didn't know if he would ever be ready to part with it. “How I miss you.” He whispered, tracing Xavier's laughing face w

Stephen looked at his reflection, nervously adjusting his watch with shaky hands. He was planning to go see Xavier, and he couldn’t help but want to look his best. The mere thought of seeing the man he loves again made butterflies erupt in his lower abdomen. He stood in front of the mirror for what felt like an eternity before he gathered the courage to pick his car keys and leave. He was prepared for the worst, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t afraid of rejection. When he pulled up at Xavier’s gate, the security guy informed him that Xavier wasn’t home. Stephen remembered what Hilda had told him of Xavier's whereabouts, and he dreaded going to Theo’s because it meant everyone would be there. But he went, nonetheless, for he couldn’t leave without speaking to Xavier.Theo, Alicia, and Xavier were basking in the balcony watching Vikings Valhalla when they had the doorbell ring. Since Theo hadn’t prohibited his security from letting Stephen in, the man was able to get in without Theo bei

With the help of Louise, Alicia prepared a variety of dishes for dinner. Theo got an urgent call from one of his business associates and decided to meet the lady, but promised will be back shortly. After he left, Alicia called Xavier, who graciously helped look after the twins as Alicia and Louise set the table on the terrace. As expected, Hilda and Martin arrived on time, but Theo hadn't come back yet and all the calls went to voicemail.“Let's eat,” Alicia decided. “Perhaps he got held up.” The Cavill clan took their places at the table and overall, it was a joyful dinner. Even Xavier's mood had immensely improved, and to Hilda, he even looked giddy. “Are you expecting someone?” She asked cheekily. Xavier blushed and covered it quickly with a frown. “Of course, not.” He argued. But he was expecting something. A call from a certain hunk. Ever since Stephen said he would be calling him later, Xavier did nothing but anticipate it. And though he won't admit it loud, he couldn't wait t

Theo's surgery was estimated to take a couple of hours, so Martin decided to visit Rowan's mother and deliver the bad news. It wasn't easy. Rowan's mother was his only living relative apart from the daughter. She broke down, and all Martin could do was watch helplessly, especially when he had to tell her that the drunk driver survived. In his mind, he was planning on lawsuits that would ensure the bastard never saw the outside of the prison cell again, not that it would benefit him in any way, but at least it would save someone else somewhere from a fate like Rowan's. Or Theo's for that matter, who was fighting for his life. “I want to meet him.” Rowan's mother declared. She wanted an audience with the truck driver and though Martin didn't know for what, he assured her that he would make that happen. After promising to take care of the funeral arrangements, Martin left the heartbroken grandmother to break the news to her granddaughter. Martin could only imagine the pain the family wa

Martin was startled awake by the persistent ringing of his cell phone. He picked it up with a grunt. He hadn't uttered a word when a worried voice notified him that he was needed at the hospital because Theo had gone into cardiac arrest due to internal bleeding. Apparently, he had been rushed back to the theater for another surgery. Martin's heart skipped a beat and for a while, he didn't utter a word. His mouth suddenly dried and his breath held. “Sir,” Martin could hear the same voice call him over and over again. He attempted a response, but all that tore out of his throat was a loud sob. That woke Hilda. She immediately thought the worst. Her husband's wretched expression made her think they had lost Theo. “Martin,” she called softly. Her voice shook with dread. That is what drew Martin from his trance. “We will be there soonest.” He told the patient soul on the other end of the line and hung up the call. He turned to a now sobbing Hilda. “Don't tell me,” she cried, latching ont