Destined to be with you (MXM)

Chapter 12

The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the room.

I stirred awake, the lingering warmth of Nathan’s presence still pressed against my back— a comforting weight that had anchored me through the night.

His slow, steady breaths tickled the nape of my neck, each exhale sending a shiver down my spine, even in the haze of sleep.

His lips had brushed featherlight kisses just below my ear, so gentle I might have dreamed them. For the first time in months—years, even— I had slept deeply, wrapped in a peace I hadn’t known I was missing.

Then, like a tide pulling back, the memories of yesterday rushed in.

The way my body had arched under his touch, the heat of his skin, the way pleasure had coiled tight inside me before unraveling in waves.

My stomach fluttered at the thought, butterflies stirring with a mix of nerves and desire.

His c**k—thick and heavy—had filled my mouth until I gagged, my throat struggling to take him in.

But he had been patient, moving slow, guiding me with a tenderness that made my chest ache.

The salt of his skin, the way he had groaned when I swallowed around him—it had been intoxicating. I wanted more.

I wanted to taste him again, to feel him lose control.

My fingers trembled as I reached for my phone, typing out a quick message before he could slip too far from my thoughts.

Is he okay? Had his parents noticed his absence? Were they scolding him now for sneaking out?

His reply came swiftly: ”I’m good, baby. Told Mom I was at a friend’s.”

Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived.

I hurried through my morning routine, brushing my teeth with quick, efficient strokes, splashing cold water on my face to chase away the last traces of sleep.

I dressed in record time, eager to slip out before anyone else stirred in the house.

The front door creaked as I pulled it open, the cool morning air rushing in.

But my escape was cut short.

Two elderly figures emerged from a sleek black car, their movements deliberate but steady.

A butler followed, laden with luggage.

Before I could duck my head and slip away, Edward’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

”Ethan, wait. Help your grandparents inside.”

My breath hitched. His parents. I hadn’t expected them—not now, not like this.

Elizabeth appeared behind me, her presence a silent reminder of the role I was supposed to play.

The grandparents embraced, exchanging warm greetings, their voices rich with affection.

I lingered in the doorway, frozen, unsure of what to do.

”So you’re Ethan?” The older man’s voice was deep, measured.

I nodded, my throat suddenly dry. ”Good morning, sir. Hope you’re well.”

He gave a curt nod before turning toward the living room, his posture rigid.

The woman, however, stepped forward and pulled me into a hug.

Her embrace was warm, her perfume a mix of lavender and something sweetly nostalgic.

”You’re so lean, just like your mother,” she murmured, pulling back to study me.

”But those eyes—gorgeous blue.” She pressed a kiss to my cheek before releasing me, her hands lingering on my shoulders. ”How are you, dear?”

”I’m good, ma’am,” I managed.

”Ma’am?” She tsked, shaking her head. ”Call me Grandmother. No need for formality.”

She took my hand, leading me toward the living room and then into the dining hall, where Elizabeth and the maids had already set out steaming coffee and a spread of breakfast—fluffy scrambled eggs, golden pancakes, crisp bacon.

I stood there, paralyzed, until Grandmother patted the seat beside her.

I glanced at Elizabeth, but she was pointedly avoiding my gaze, her attention fixed on the coffee pot.

Swallowing hard, I sat, pouring myself a cup of coffee and loading my plate with eggs and pancakes, the syrup pooling in a glossy puddle.

”How are your studies going?” Grandmother asked, her voice gentle but probing.

”Good, ma’am—I mean, Grandmother. I’m pursuing business studies.”

”Oh, wonderful!” Her eyes lit up. ”Your grandfather and father both studied the same at Kingsley University.

You should apply there too.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just nodded, stealing a glance at Edward.

He smiled at me, a rare, approving curve of his lips.

”He’s doing exceptionally well. I get regular reports. He’ll make it into Kingsley without a doubt.”

”Where’s Justin?” Grandfather’s voice cut through the moment, abrupt and gruff.

”Getting ready for school, Father,” Elizabeth replied smoothly.

The grandparents were older, their faces lined with time, but they carried themselves with an effortless grace. Their health was impeccable—no slouching shoulders, no trembling hands. I envied them that.

I finished my breakfast quickly, excusing myself with a murmured ”Thank you.” The walk to school would give me time to think, to shake off the awkwardness of the morning. Maybe Nathan was busy. Maybe—

”I’ll drop both of you off at school,” Edward said, his voice leaving no room for argument. ”No need to rush, Ethan.”

My heart stuttered. ”I—I’m okay, Dad.” The word slipped out before I could stop it—the first time I’d ever called him that in front of anyone. I braced myself, waiting for his reaction.

His eyes softened. ”Alright. As you wish.” He didn’t push, didn’t make a fuss. Just nodded, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I said my goodbyes, my backpack slung over one shoulder, and stepped out into the crisp morning air, the weight of the day already settling on my shoulders.

The outside air was sharp and cool against my face after the heat of the house, where every set of eyes in the room had tracked me like I was something to be watched. I had only made it halfway down the front path when I heard the honk—two short taps— and looked up to find Nathan’s car easing to a stop along the curb.

I got in and pulled the door shut behind me.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” He was gripping the steering wheel with both hands, staring straight ahead at nothing.

“Is everything okay?”

“Small discussion with my parents.” His voice was flat, clipped.

I looked at his profile. The muscle in his jaw was working. I didn’t press—I knew that look—but I didn’t want him sitting in whatever that conversation had left behind, either.

“What classes do you have today?”

He exhaled slowly through his nose, and then, almost against his will, smiled.

“Your presence makes all worries go away” he said. He turned to look at me, and for a second the tightness in his face was gone. Then it came back.

“I don’t want to go to Switzerland. To finish school. That’s what they want.”