Chapter 36

10:55 am

The Gazebo,

Stefan's Manor

O L L I E

The moment our bums hit the soft couch, Jesse excitedly asked away. I found out that we have a lot in common. We both love the beach and watching the sunsets and sunrise. We both stan Chris Evans and his yumminess, to the point where we planned a movie marathon of all of Chris Evans's films.

"Did you know that Stefan has a private cinema here?"

He gasped and widened his eyes. "No way."

I nodded and smiled. "Yes, way. It has a popcorn machine too." Jesse's jaw dropped and I saw how his eyes sparkled.

Oh, so cute. No wonder Trevor is head over heels. Jesse is so adorable.

"What else, Ollie? What else?" Jesse bounced excitedly, as he clasped his hands, eagerly awaiting my answer.

"Hmm... there was a fridge full of cold treats and snacks. Like a lot," I answered with a nod and Jesse squealed, then reached for my hands and excitedly squeezed it. He was literally vibrating with joy.

"Like ice cream?"

"Of course. Lots of flavors too."

"Gosh, I'm so weak for ice cream. I love strawberries and mango. Oh, and chocolate too!" He gushed and giggled softly.

A wide smile broke my face and I furiously nodded. "Me too! We also love the same flavor? Wow!"

Jesse smiled and his blue eyes shined even more. "That's so cool. What else? Is there anything else I should know?"

"There's a vending machine too." He looked shocked as his mouth fell, his hands on his cheeks, as he stared at me incredulously.

"You're kidding me."

I shook my head and smiled. "Nope. There is a vending machine. We can also see a movie in 3D!" It was a new addition that Stefan recently installed. I enjoyed every single minute of it.

"Wow. I had always known that Stefan is amazing, but not this great! Moreover, he is so deeply in love with you. I can see hearts floating around him whenever he stares at you."

I bit my lip and cleared my throat, hoping that my cheeks would not explode from too much redness. "Well, Trevor is also the same. He is so in love with you, Jesse."

He blushed and wave his hand dismissively. "Oh, shush," he shyly mumbled, and I giggled. "By the way, what were you doing in the library?" I changed the topic, quite curious about that.

He laughed and snapped his fingers. "Yeah, that. I was doing some research, and Trev mentioned that your man has a tremendous collection of books." I nodded and smiled. "Stefan has limited edition volumes of the ones we used at university! Even our professors are having a hard time acquiring those, but Stefan..."

I smiled softly and stared at Jesse while he talked about his academic life animatedly. It must be nice. I also want to continue my education. I want to experience studying all night long because of exams and having fun with my classmates as we talked about our professors behind their backs.

A pain crossed my chest when I remembered the news I wanted to deliver to Mom and Dad; about being accepted to a prestigious art school. It has been what-- four months?

I sighed. I want everything with Elena to be over. I want to go back to how things were before. But who am I kidding? It will never be the same ever again. Mom and Dad are gone, but I still have a lot to thank for. I have Stefan, my grandparents, and my friends.

"-- ey Ollie!" I was snapped out of my musings and confusingly glanced at Jesse's worried face. "Hey, you alright? You went silent for a moment. Did I irritate you? Did I talk too much? I can try to tone it down--"

I reached for his hand and shook my head. "None of that. I just miss school."

I wanted to attend art school because I know that's what my Mom and Dad wanted for me too. But I can't even go abroad without someone tailing me.

Even my poor excuse of studying abroad to fool Elena only went so far. They were still able to find me. I did not approach anyone to ask for help because of the fear that they are in cahoots with her, but that will change in less than 48 hours. I will become the official heir and I will not back down. I will fight her, and this time I will not cower in fear.

"Don't worry, Ollie. Everything will be alright soon," Jesse consoled me and I just had to embrace him. He is so nice and warm. Like a sibling I never had.

"Thank you." I smiled and he nodded. "So um..."

"Yes?" A grin on his face as he waits for me to open my mouth.

I took a deep breath and gathered my courage. "Can we um... be... friends?" I asked hesitantly, and the smile on his face vanished. He frowned and I felt nervous. "Uh, sorry. You don't have to if--"

"What are you talking about? Friends? Hell no!" He strongly protested and I felt so embarrassed. This is all me, for assuming things. Who would even want to be friends with me--

"But BFF?! HELL YES!!!" Jesse cheered and jumped into me, as he hugged me so tight, driving all my insecurities away.

Thank God. He wants to be friends with me. Friends? Now it's my turn to frown. I pulled him away and asked. "What's BFF?" I don't know what that is. I'm not familiar with street slang since I don't have any friends back then. Even before Bryce started bullying me, my shy and introverted nature hindered me from making friends.

He gasped and with wide eyes, pinched my cheek. "So adorable! Gosh, I really like you, Ollie."

I blushed and nodded. "I like you too, Jesse. Let's be BFFs, whatever that is." We both laughed and I felt so relieved and happy. I had never been friends with someone my age, so this is a fresh experience.

"Ollie, BFF means Best Friend Forever. Are you down?" I smiled wide and squealed, so happy to have a best friend.

We were enjoying ourselves when I heard someone clear his throat. It surprised me to see Stefan's parents, looking at me with a smile on their faces.

"Um, I just remembered. I should be finishing my research. Later, best friend!" He bounced and gave me a flying kiss. I chuckled and waved at Jesse, then turned to the couple and gave them a short smile.

"Um, hello. Please, make yourselves comfortable." I gestured to the loveseat in front of me. I gasped in surprise when Stefan's mom, Anna, embraced me. The warmth I felt from her tight hold made me remember my mom... her smile, her warmth, and her love. My throat constricted and my eyes stung from unshed tears.

Anna gasped and cupped my face, as she wiped my tears in panic. "Oh no. Don't cry, Oliver. Stef will surely kill us if he learned that we made you cry," she said in a panic and pulled the hem of Lucas's shirt, asking for help.

Seeing both of them get frantic over me reminded me of dad and mom when I just burst out crying after I came out. I want to laugh at their expressions but I was busy bawling my eyes out at that time.

"Hey, Luke, darling. We made Oliver cry. After our son told us not to." Anna pulled Lucas's arm while her husband tried to calm her.

"Love, calm down. Oliver is fine, and Stef won't hurt us. As long you keep quiet, okay?" Anna nodded and hugged Lucas.

I sniffled and wiped my tears. "Uh, I'm alright. I'm sorry about that. You just reminded me of mom," I said to Anna and she smiled. They both sat down and stared at me fondly.

"You must miss your mom. We're sorry that we weren't informed about what happened," she said regrettably and I shook my head.

"No, please don't. We did not know what was going to happen. Mom and dad would get mad if you both blame yourselves."

Lucas chuckled and I'm quite amazed by how his laugh and the way his eyes crinkled are similar to Stefan. They really are father and son.

"How are you, Oliver? Is my son treating you right?" Lucas asked in his serious tone.

"Yes, Stef has been nothing but sweet and kind to me. He is so thoughtful, to the point where he gets me on the verge of tears. He really takes care of me. I'm so happy." I went on and on about Stefan, a dreamy look on my face, not noticing that the couple have smiles on their faces as they listened to me. I widened my eyes when I noticed how much I was rambling. Furious red tinted my cheeks, embarrassed about the entire situation.

"I can't believe you are talking about my son, Oliver," Lucas breathed out, amused.

Anna nodded in agreement. "That's true. After all, Stef has never been affectionate towards others. We were quite worried that he won't be able to find someone who will be with him in this lifetime. His exes only wanted his fortune, while my son doubted if love existed, as he experienced failed relationships one after another." Lucas squeezed her hand and they both sighed.

My daddy must have been hurt a lot, after experiencing so much betrayal. If I were him, my heart would turn cold as ice and hard as stone.

Now I understand where Stefan's insecurity is coming from. Just as I was scared that I'm just having a lucid dream, Stefan is scared that I will wake up from this dream and leave him. "I love him. So much. I won't ever leave him," I confessed wholeheartedly and Anna's eyes glistened, a grateful smile plastered on her face.

After the drama was a very enjoyable chat. I was surprised that the couple was friends with mom and dad way back in their college days. Lucas and Dad were already best buds, while Anna and Mom were the best of friends.

"I must say, I admire Izen's persistence towards Mara. No matter how many times she rejected him," Lucas shared and I gasped at the new revelation.

"Really?"

"Yeah. In fact, I was his wingman-- the one who delivers his flowers and letters to your mother. I was his gofer," Lucas added with a laugh, and I can't help but chuckle as well.

"That time, Mara was very conflicted. Her sister likes Izen, and Elena promised to mend their relationship if she rejected Izen's advances," Anna said with a shake of her head and sighed. "It was quite sad and painful. She was so confused, but I know how much he loves your father. The letters and the flowers she received were kept safely in a box."

Wow. This is like one of those dramas I once saw. Cool. I already know the ending of the story, seeing as I came into existence, but I am curious as to how it went.

"Then, what happened next?" Like an excited boy, I crossed my legs and looked at the couple excitedly. I wasn't able to ask my parents their love story when they were alive; one thing I regret.

Lucas leaned against the couch. "Well, my friend was the king of persistence. Despite multiple rejections, every single day, he will come up with many ideas to make your mother notice him," he groaned and Anna giggled.

"I remembered the time when Izen entered the battle of the bands during the college's sports festival. It was so hilarious. The crowds booed him but Izen sang his heart out. Your mother and I had to get out before he started to call her and have the spotlight on us," Anna recalled as she bursts into laughter, and me joining in.

Gosh, dad was so embarrassing. He should know that singing is not a talent he possessed.

Lucas facepalmed and shook his head. "But it seemed that my friend had a 'Mara radar'. He saw your mother despite the huge crowd and started confessing again. God, I don't even want to remember that night. That was so embarrassing. Even Anna won't let me live this down."

Anna shook her head and smiled. Then she turned to me with a dreamy look. "But that was the most memorable time for both Izen and Mara. It was where Mara finally gave in and agreed to go out with Izen."

I gasped and widened my eyes. "Really? Wow. What happened? I mean, how and why... what happened?" I asked impatiently, full of excitement.

"Actually, during that time, Elena was also there, smirking. She assumed that Mara was gonna reject Izen again, but she thought wrong. Mara did not walk out and just changed her position to get a clearer view of Izen. She was actually enjoying your father's performance."

I nodded. I was actually having a hard time understanding why Mom always requested Dad to sing, and Dad was always being smug about his 'singing prowess'. "Dad was always saying how his 'incredible' voice finally made Mom head over heels."

Anna laughed while Lucas groaned. "Izen has a phobia of being in public, like being in front of a crowd but he was able to overcome it because it was through his amazing performance that made Mara fall. The fear was replaced by something pleasant and memorable," Lucas explained and beamed.

I am extremely grateful to these two for telling me about my parents' past. It makes me feel that they're still with me. I gasped when I remembered something. It was a question I'd been dying to ask.

"How did you react when Stef came out?" I was curious. Did he have a hard time?

Anna and Lucas looked at each other, a knowing smile on their faces. "Stef did not come out, per se," Lucas shared. "He was very vocal about his sexuality, and when he saw a picture of a particular someone when he was in his teens, he fell. He kept on telling us how much he wanted to marry him."

"H-Him?" My heart dropped and all my energy was drained from me. A heavy feeling settled in my stomach and knots formed in my throat. Stefan had someone he wanted to marry before me? How conceited am I to think that I'm the only one he loves? There are people more attractive than me, much better than me. Someone who is not broken and gets overwhelmed emotionally.

"Oliver, are you alright?" I nodded and tried my best to smile, hoping that it would reach my eyes. "Do you want to see the picture?" Anna asked excitedly, quite oblivious about how much my heart is being crushed to bits.

"U-um... I'm fine so you don't have to..." But she already found the picture on her phone and when she held it in front of my face, I gaped. This can't be.

*****

Same time

Private Library,

Stefan's Manor

S T E F A N

Trevor and Devon shook their heads and smiled, while I was left dumbfounded when Jesse took my baby away from me. I just sighed and went back to the sofa. Even Roman and Elizabeth were both surprised when Jesse dragged Oliver out.

When Roman caught my gaze, he nodded and gave me a short smile. This is the man who Oliver respects and loves. I have heard of him. He was ruthless when it came to business, yet soft when it comes to his family.

Roman's family descended from a royal line, so he is extremely rich. Elizabeth, on the other hand, came from a middle-class family, yet her intelligence and beauty captivated the cold-hearted Roman.

Elizabeth smiled at me warmly. "Thank you for taking care of Olive. We were extremely worried when we learned about the accident. We couldn't go home and be with him--"

My forehead creased, my chest pounding from the unexpected revelation. "What do you mean? You knew all along?" I stared at them breathlessly while my baby's face flashed in my mind.

You have got to be kidding me.