Chapter 26 (Triplets)

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Ryan's smile turned cold. "If we can't get Chase, we'll go after the one who caused this. His lover."

"Like you know who that is," Valentina replied, uninterested. "Ivan Chase is a very secretive man. You won't get anything out of him."

"Their next auction is in three days. I'm sure he'll make an announcement."

—

"How many auctions are we doing this month?" Star complained.

"This is just the second one," Mia replied. "And you're going to Tenawyuv! It's amazing that you're opening a building there and holding an auction on the same day."

"What do you mean 'you're'?" Myiesha asked, eyeing Mia. "We got your ticket too."

"Really?" Mia was surprised but excited. "When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow," Callistus answered. "Ivan won't let me stay home alone."

"He's not wrong," Star laughed. "You can't leave your wife at home."

"He didn't propose!" Callistus protested. "I'm just dating him!"

"And you saved him from a marriage he didn't want by saying you'd be his wife," Myiesha teased. "You both just don't have the ring yet."

Everyone laughed as Ivan walked over to join them. They shared the joke with him before heading home to pack their bags for the flight the next morning. They arrived at Tenawyuv, where Shantel and Fea greeted them warmly at the airport.

Shantel guided everyone to the hotel she had booked. It wasn't five-star, but it was comfortable and suited their needs—a simple apartment-style hotel, with two people sharing each room.

"I need to show you all the places here!" Shantel said excitedly. She loved traveling and exploring new countries, and Tenawyuv wasn't new to her.

But before they could explore, Ivan and Star needed to check out the new Everlasting Chase Estate Auctions building. Luckily, the hotel Shantel booked was just a short walk away through a few shops and parks.

"Not bad," Star said as the venue lights turned on.

The place wasn't as big as Mia's design, but it was spacious. The stage featured a spotlight on the auction items and a huge touch screen backdrop. Modern tables and chairs were set up, each with a built-in 3D projector in the center to display the auctioned items.

"High tech," Myiesha said, spinning the projector around. "I agree with Star."

Everyone was impressed and proud to have the new venue under ECEA's name. It was an honour to be there for its opening and to use it for the first time. After looking around, they headed back to the hotel in the evening.

They walked through the park, taking short rests. Mia wandered with Myiesha, while Star sat on a bench with Isabell and Danish, leaving Ivan and Callistus some time alone.

They laughed as they strolled through the playground, watching kids run around and play.

"The tattoo was for me, wasn't it?" Callistus asked.

"Who else?" Ivan replied. "I never stopped searching for you after I went back. Honestly, I thought you might be with someone else by then—" he was cut off when a little boy bumped into him.

"Sorry," the boy said, getting up. A second boy and a girl, looking just like him, rushed over.

They looked worried and quickly apologized to Ivan.

"You three look alike," Ivan remarked.

"We're triplets!" the girl said proudly before they all ran off.

Callistus laughed at the random encounter. It was such a surprising moment.

"Imagine having three at once," Ivan said. "Have you ever thought about wanting kids?"

"No idea," Callistus shrugged.

"Would you want one?"

Callistus shrugged again.

"How about adopting one after we get married?"

Callistus stopped in his tracks at the question. 

"You really think we're ready for that?" he asks, considering the idea.

Ivan, seeing Callistus's smile, softened. "I think we could be. I can't imagine doing any of this with anyone else." He reaches out and takes Callistus's hand.

Callistus looks down at their joined hands and then back up at Ivan. "Maybe one day," he finally says, his voice soft. "We'll see."

Ivan nods, understanding. "One day then," he agrees, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Callistus's forehead.

As they continue their walk, the conversation shifts back to lighter topics, but the thought of a future together, possibly with a family, lingers in both of their minds. 

"Can't wait for tomorrow!" Mia exclaimed.

Shantel nodded, "My Star's gonna shine up there!"

Star laughed along with them. "We better get up early. They want us there before eleven."

"I'm sure we can make it," Ivan added with a smile.

—

Without warning, Ivan pulled Callistus down onto him, his hands gripping Callistus's waist. The sudden thrust made Callistus gasp, his body reacting immediately. His back arched as he rested his head on Ivan's shoulder, trying to catch his breath. His nails drilling into Ivan's back.

Callistus could feel the warmth of Ivan all around him, his breathing slow and uneven. Ivan, unable to hold back, moved in a steady rhythm that sent shivers through Callistus's body.

"Wait, stop..." Callistus whispered, his voice shaky. 

His face turned red, and tears of pleasure rolled down his cheeks. The intensity of the moment was almost too much for him.

As soon as Callistus spoke, Ivan stopped immediately, worry replacing the playful look in his eyes. He gently touched Callistus's face, wiping away the tears. 

"Are you okay?" Ivan asked softly, his voice full of concern.

Callistus nodded slowly, his body still trembling but comforted by Ivan's gentle touch. The room is quiet except for the sound of their breathing. Ivan wrapped his arms around Callistus, pulling him close and covering them both with the blanket falling asleep.

"Ivan!" Callistus shook him awake. "It's already 10:45!"

"Huh?" Ivan mumbled, still groggy from the night before.

"You have to go!" Callistus urged, trying to pull him up.

Ivan finally snapped out of it, remembering the auction. He quickly jumped into the shower and emerged moments later, dressed in a sharp suit for the opening ceremony.

As he fastened his watch, Ivan glanced back at Callistus. "Aren't you coming?"

"Nah," Callistus said, rubbing his back. "Hurts too much to move. You go ahead, I'll be watching you from the livestream."

"If you're okay with it," Ivan said softly, leaning in to give Callistus a gentle kiss. Callistus smiled into the kiss, his heart warming.

"Go on, you'll be late!" Callistus laughed, his eyes shining with affection.

Ivan smiled back, giving Callistus one last peck on the forehead before heading out the door, a soft grin still on his face.

—

"Where is Ivan?" Star asked, the ceremony starting.