Chapter 16: Tangled in Sweetness

The morning drive to Thaddeus's office was smooth and quiet, with the city slowly waking around them. Kayden sat beside him, eyes dancing with quiet excitement as he watched the streets blur past. It was his first time following Thaddeus to work, and the mere thought made his heart flutter.

As soon as they stepped out of the car at the company's private entrance, a woman in a sleek black dress hurried toward them.

"Elisa," Thaddeus said in a calm tone, just as she approached.

"Boss! Good morning." She was carrying a tablet and a file folder, breathless as she began rattling off names of interested investors. "Mr. Chambers confirmed, and the board from LiOS Group is asking if..." She stopped mid-sentence, her gaze landing on the young man standing quietly beside Thaddeus.

Her brows pinched together, curious. "This face looks familiar…"

Thaddeus's lips curled into a rare smile. "How could you forget Ryland's son so easily?"

Her eyes widened. "Kayden?" she asked, taking a step back. "Wow. You've grown up."

Kayden gave a polite smile, a little shy under her stare. Elisa had known him since he was barely a teenager. She'd been with Thaddeus for years, but this was her first time seeing Kayden after his return.

"Elisa, go ahead and bring those files to my office," Thaddeus said, steering the conversation away without missing a beat.

"Yes, sir."

Once they entered the large, modern office, Thaddeus set his briefcase down and turned to Kayden. "While I'm working," he said plainly, "I don't like being disturbed. If you need anything, call the staff or Elisa. Understood?"

Kayden nodded obediently. "Yes, daddy."

The day began. Thaddeus immersed himself in work while Kayden quietly settled on the couch near the window. He kept himself occupied, ordering coffee, scrolling on his phone, watching Thaddeus move with focus and grace behind the desk.

Later, Thaddeus excused himself for an interview session. He was hiring a new personal assistant, something he'd avoided for a while. His last assistant, along with his ex-girlfriend, had betrayed him, and ever since, he preferred doing things alone. But now, with Kayden around, he needed help managing his time.

Before heading to the boardroom, he paused at the door. "Food will be delivered soon. I won't be long."

"Okay," Kayden smiled.

By the time Thaddeus returned, the interview was done, and the sunlight had shifted across the office floor. He entered, shoulders heavy with exhaustion, and sank into his chair, tipping his head back with a low sigh.

Kayden stood and walked over, slow and quiet.

He leaned in, lips just inches from Thaddeus's face, and whispered, "Daddy."

Then again, more playfully, "Daddy…"

Thaddeus opened his eyes, meeting Kayden's bold, innocent gaze. For a beat, they just stared. Then he reached out and placed a soft kiss on Kayden's cheek.

Kayden blushed, eyes lighting up with joy. When Thaddeus straightened, Kayden asked, "Are you tired?"

"A bit," he admitted.

"Can you teach me what you're doing? Maybe I could help…"

Thaddeus chuckled. "Not yet. Focus on your studies first. Learn one thing at a time."

Kayden pouted, dragging a chair closer and sitting beside him with a dramatic sigh. "But I want to learn now."

Thaddeus touched his cheeks gently, brushing his thumbs across them. "You're too impatient."

"I just want to be useful."

"That will come," Thaddeus said warmly. "In time."

Then Kayden brought up something new. "I have a friend. He's twenty-four. Final year at my school, but already a CEO. I heard he's been working since he was my age."

Thaddeus's brows lifted, the word friend ringing louder in his ears than the rest.

"Are you talking about Darren?" he asked carefully.

"No," Kayden said innocently. "This one's new. He's really popular, tons of fans. Girls and boys. But mostly girls."

Thaddeus's expression turned curious. "And the funniest part?"

"He doesn't even like girls," Kayden grinned. "He's openly gay. People around him know, and no one really cares."

Thaddeus narrowed his eyes slightly, the protectiveness in his chest starting to simmer. "If he's older and still in school, how exactly did he become your friend? Shouldn't you call him senior?"

Kayden shrugged. "He approached me. Said he wanted to be my friend. Not senior."

Kayden spoke with pure innocence, not realizing how much more he was revealing. To him, it was harmless. To Thaddeus, it was a red flag.

"He must've invited you out," Thaddeus probed.

Kayden tilted his head. "How did you know? Yeah, he did. But I told him I'm not sure if I'll go. Depends on time."

That settled it. Thaddeus trusted Kayden, yes, but he didn't trust this mysterious friend. His chest tensed with unease.

Just as he sank into thought, Kayden changed the subject again.

"I want dessert."

Thaddeus blinked. "Dessert?"

"Yeah, he mentioned a dessert place that's supposed to be really good. I want to try it."

Thaddeus ruffled his hair. "We'll stop there on our way home."

"Yay," Kayden beamed. "I'll sit quietly until you're done."

Thaddeus turned back to his desk, trying to focus. But his thoughts weren't on his work anymore. They were on Kayden's friend. And the way Kayden spoke about him.

He worked until the room was quiet again and then realized Kayden had fallen asleep on the desk, arms folded, head resting gently on them.

He stared.

The way his soft hair fell over his forehead, the way his lips parted slightly in sleep... it was too much. Thaddeus stood, moved closer, and leaned down slowly.

And kissed him.

Kayden stirred, waking to the familiar warmth of Thaddeus's lips. His eyes fluttered open and then he kissed back, slow and sleepy.

Thaddeus pulled away, brushing hair from his face. "I'm done for the day. Let's go home."

As promised, they stopped at the dessert shop. Kayden lit up at the display, picking four different types with a grin that reached his eyes. The moment they slid into the backseat of the car, he dug in, devouring one on the spot before they even reached the house.

When they got home, the maid collected the rest to store until mealtime. Thaddeus watched from the side, arms crossed, silently observing the boy he loved eating sweets like it was his last day on earth.

He sighed to himself.

No wonder he can't last long in bed.

He opened his mouth to comment, then stopped. He didn't want to sound selfish or worse, possessive. So he kept it to himself.

That night, after dinner, Kayden smiled at him sweetly and said, "Thank you for taking me with you today. I had so much fun."

Thaddeus pulled him into a soft hug and kissed his temple. "You're welcome."

And just like that, their day ended, with quiet laughter, shared glances, and unspoken thoughts lingering between them.

Thaddeus had just stepped into his room, rolling the stiffness from his shoulders as he loosened his tie. The day had been long, but not unbearable, mostly because of the quiet joy Kayden brought into it, even in small moments. He sat on the edge of the bed, letting his head fall back briefly, until his phone buzzed with a familiar notification.

It was Ryland.

> Ryland: She'll be landing tomorrow afternoon. She'll head straight to the hotel from the airport.

Thaddeus stared at the message blankly for a second before unlocking his phone.

> Ryland: I already told her you'd meet her for dinner. Don't bail this time.

He sighed and leaned forward, running a hand through his hair.

> Ryland: Come on, man. You're not getting any younger. It's time to start thinking about real companionship. Marriage.

Another buzz.

> Ryland: She's smart, beautiful, runs her own business, and actually has time for a relationship. What more do you want?

Thaddeus didn't respond right away. His thumb hovered over the keyboard.

He and Ryland had gone through this conversation more than once. Ryland meant well. This wasn't just about matchmaking, it was about care. About making sure Thaddeus didn't grow old alone. Still, Ryland had no idea just how complicated things had already become.

Another message came through before Thaddeus could type anything:

> Ryland: You promised, remember? At least go see her. That's all I'm asking.

Thaddeus exhaled slowly and finally typed back:

> Thaddeus: Fine. I'll see her.

He put the phone down beside him and stared at the wall for a long, heavy moment.

Marriage.

He knew Ryland meant it with warmth, with good intentions. But Ryland didn't know that the very idea felt suffocating now… not because of fear, but because every time he tried to imagine a life with someone else, all he could see was Kayden. Smiling. Pouting. Laughing beside him.

He rubbed his temples and rose to his feet, pacing slowly.

He would go. Just like he promised.

But his heart?

It was already tangled in something far messier than a planned dinner or a perfect match.