Chapter 21

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting a warm glow across the cozy sitting room where Daniel, Eleanor, and their son Oliver sat together. The atmosphere was tinged with nervous anticipation as Daniel and Eleanor exchanged a meaningful glance, silently acknowledging the weight of the conversation they were about to have.

"Oliver, sweetheart, there's something important we need to talk to you about," Eleanor began gently, her voice filled with a mix of love and apprehension.

Oliver, a bright-eyed six-year-old with tousled brown hair and curious eyes, looked up from his toy train set, sensing the seriousness in his parents' demeanor. "What is it, Mama?" he asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

Eleanor took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she reached out to take Oliver's small hand in hers. "Do you remember how we've talked about families being different, but all built on love?" she asked, her voice tender.

Oliver nodded, his expression earnest as he listened intently to his mother's words. "Yes, Mama," he replied, his curiosity piqued.

Daniel shifted in his seat, his heart pounding with nervousness as he prepared to reveal the truth to his son. "Well, Oliver, there's something special we want to share with you," he said, his voice gentle yet filled with emotion.

Oliver's eyes widened with curiosity, his attention fully captured by his parents' words. "What is it, Lord Daniel?" he asked, his voice eager.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel met Oliver's gaze, his heart swelling with love for the boy he had come to think of as his own. "Oliver, I want you to know that… I'm your father," he said, his voice filled with quiet intensity.

Oliver blinked in surprise, his young mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what his father had just revealed. "You're my… my real Papa?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Daniel nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he reached out to ruffle Oliver's hair affectionately. "Yes, Oliver. Your Mama and I were together a long time ago, and you're the most precious gift that came from our love," he explained, his eyes shining with emotion.

Eleanor leaned in, wrapping her arms around Oliver in a warm embrace. "We wanted to tell you because we love you more than anything in this world, and we want you to know that you are surrounded by love," she said, her voice soft but resolute.

Oliver's confusion began to fade as he took in the love and warmth radiating from his parents. 

In that moment, as they sat together as a family, Daniel and Eleanor knew that their love had overcome every obstacle, and they were bound together by a bond that nothing could ever break.

The sun cast a warm glow over the elegant study of the Duke's manor, where Daniel sat at his desk, engrossed in paperwork. His thoughts were consumed with the events of the past few days, particularly the heartfelt conversation he'd shared with Eleanor and Oliver.

As he sifted through the documents, his attention was suddenly drawn to the ringing of his mobile phone. With a curious frown, he picked up the device and saw Oliver's name flashing on the screen.

"Hello, Oliver?" Daniel answered, his voice filled with warmth.

"Hi, Papa!" came Oliver's cheerful voice from the other end of the line.

A smile tugged at the corners of Daniel's lips as he felt his heart swell with affection. "Hey there, buddy! What's up?" he asked, eager to hear from his newfound son.

Oliver's voice was brimming with excitement as he spoke. "I just wanted to call and tell you something, Papa," he said eagerly.

Daniel's curiosity piqued. "What is it, Oliver?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

There was a moment of hesitation before Oliver spoke again, his voice filled with emotion. "I... I wanted to call you Papa for the first time," he said, his words tinged with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Daniel's heart skipped a beat at the significance of Oliver's words. "Oliver..." he murmured, feeling overcome with emotion. "I'm honored, son. Thank you."

Oliver's voice was filled with happiness as he continued. "I love you, Papa," he said, the words ringing with sincerity.

Tears welled up in Daniel's eyes as he spoke, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you too, Oliver. More than you'll ever know."

In that moment, as father and son shared their love over the phone, Daniel felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the family he had found. And as he hung up the phone, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, their bond would always remain unbreakable.