Semua Bab Broke Up... Now I Am His Stepfather: Bab 21 - Bab 30

The next evening, Caleb walked into the hotel room feeling tired. He dropped his bag, took off his clothes until only his trunks were left, and collapsed onto the couch. Caleb tapped through his phone and started a W******p video call to Asher. The screen connected, and a moment later, Asher’s face appeared. His hair was slightly messy, and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Caleb. "There you are," Asher said, smiling. Caleb grinned. "We did it. I am officially collaborating with Maison Vernetti." Asher’s face brightened. "That is amazing, Caleb. I am so proud of you." "I am coming home tomorrow," Caleb said. "Just need one more good night of sleep." "I cannot wait to have you back here," Asher replied, his voice softer now as he studied Caleb’s face through the screen. Asher tilted his head a little. "You look tired, but beautiful." Caleb laughed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I feel like I have been dragged through ten airports, but hearing your voice makes it worth it.

"No, this is not true," Asher said, looking at Caleb as he drew nearer. "This bastard," Asher muttered, turning to walk away, but Caleb wrapped his arms around him, resting his head on Asher’s back. Asher stood still, breathing heavily, as Caleb pleaded softly, "Please don’t." Asher hesitated, then slowly turned around. His eyes locked with Caleb’s for a moment before he pulled him into a tight embrace. Caleb sobbed quietly, wrapping his arms around Asher. "It’s okay," Asher whispered, pressing a kiss to his neck. --- Asher stepped into the living room with Caleb, whose gaze was locked on Valen. "What’s going on?" Valen asked curiously as he stood up. Asher paused, letting Caleb walk ahead toward Valen, his head lowered toward the framed photographs. Caleb exhaled shakily, then lifted his head. "At first…" His voice came out as a whisper, fragile and broken. "I thought I was wrong about the resemblance." Valen blinked, confused. "About what?" Caleb held up the p

The front door clicked shut behind him with a soft thud. Will exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders back. “Mia?” he called gently, his voice barely rising above the hush of the evening. “In here,” her voice floated from the kitchen, light and honey-warm. He smiled as he dropped his keys into the ceramic bowl on the entryway table, shrugged off his coat, and followed the sound of her voice. Mia stood barefoot on the tiled floor, wrapped in one of his old college sweaters, the sleeves falling far past her wrists. She was humming a song as she stirred a pot on the stove, her golden-brown curls pinned lazily atop her head, with a few rebellious strands framing her face. Will paused in the doorway, his eyes softening as he smiled. He couldn’t look away. She turned just enough to catch him staring. “You’re home early,” she said with a quiet smile, her hand still stirring. Will walked toward her, his voice low and tender. “Couldn’t stay out there without you. And Will Junior.”

The plane hummed softly beneath them, a low thrum Caleb barely noticed anymore. He sat beside Derek, who was adjusting the earbuds in his ear while scrolling through a music playlist. The private flight had been smooth, with only the occasional turbulence stirring the drinks on their trays. Their boss, Mr. Collins, sat a few rows ahead, his tablet open with highlighted schedules for the meetings ahead. “So,” Derek murmured, nudging Caleb’s elbow with a sly grin, “do you think Mr. Collins booked us in a suite with a view or in a janitor’s closet with a pipe leak?” Caleb snorted. “Knowing Mr. Collins, he probably booked the presidential suite for himself and dumped us in the laundry room with a beautiful view of someone’s socks spinning in the dryer.” Derek burst out laughing. “With a mint on the washer?” “First class service,” Caleb said with a straight face, and they both broke into loud laughter. Mr. Collins glanced over his shoulder briefly, then turned back without a word,

The door creaked open with a low groan, followed by the soft thud of Derek’s shoes as he stepped inside. Caleb did not flinch. He sat curled up on the couch in the sitting room, one leg tucked beneath him, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the television screen. Derek paused, his brows slightly raised as he dropped his phone on the side table. “You are still up?” he asked, kicking off his shoes. “It is past eleven.” Caleb finally looked up. “Waiting for you.” There was a beat of silence before Derek raised a brow, amused. “Seriously?” “Derek,” Caleb admitted softly. “I would not sleep without you. Knowing you are out there with a stranger.” Derek’s grin faded. He stepped closer, shoving his hands into his pockets, unsure if he should sit or stay standing. “Did you and Jesse do anything?” Caleb asked, voice low but clear. His eyes followed Derek's every movement. Derek blinked. “You really want to know?” “I need to.” Derek sat on the armrest beside him, sighed, and nod