Because of that unpleasant memory from years ago, even though they had been together for 20 years, Andrew had never stopped fearing that he would be abandoned.
It all came to a head the day he decided they needed a child to keep Samuel by his side. At that time, there was a very pretty secretary working with Samuel, who looked a bit like his ex-girlfriend from college. Andrew felt jealous but knew he couldn't force Samuel to do anything. Inside his heart, there was a nameless fire was burning him up.
Though living together was an agreement from years ago, by now, Samuel had become much stronger and had paid off all his debts. In fact, for some projects, Andrew even needed help from Samuel.
At that time, Samuel was working long hours and came home late, with his suit often smelling of women's perfume. Andrew was still young back then and only thought about his own happiness. He naively believed that he could change Samuel and didn't want to let him go.
Wanting to strengthen their relationship, he proposed having a child together. To his surprise, Samuel agreed. But Andrew didn't have much time to think it over; he just wanted to calm his restless heart. He even went as far as secretly using Samuel's sperm without asking him first.
Afterward, it was true that Samuel started coming home more often. But Andrew began to regret his actions. He felt he had been too selfish, not only taking advantage of Samuel's struggles to keep him close but now trying to tie him down even further with a child.
This regret kept him from making any more bold moves. After Ryan was born, he realized that although the boy looked a lot like his lover, his personality was a mirror image of Andrew's own.
Even though the child was born for all the wrong reasons, Andrew loved him dearly. Sometimes, he even thought that if one day Samuel grew tired of him and left for someone else, at least he would still have Ryan as a source of comfort.
After all, even at this age, Samuel was still handsome and charming, surrounded by admirers. Surely, one day he would grow bored of this troublesome, loveless marriage with someone as ugle as Andrew.
Besides, Andrew had been the wrong choice from the very start—wrong even by gender.
Back to the birthday party, after opening Samuel's gift, Andrew hurried to his room to open the present from his small dad, just as he had been instructed. It wasn't often that these two were home together, so of course, Ryan had to help give his small dad some extra time.
Andrew had given him a puzzle set that he really liked. It was very much in line with Andrew's youthful spirit.
But none of that could compare to sneaking a peek at his two dads interacting!
He quietly looked toward the door.
Out in the living room, though they were facing each other, neither of them said much.
"Uhm... How's work going these days?" Andrew awkwardly broke the silence.
Even though they had been married for decades, Andrew still couldn't stop stammering in front of the person he loved.
In contrast, Samuel calmly replied, "It's going well. How about you?"
Andrew: "Uhm... Same as always."
Ryan: "..."
What a dull conversation...
The birthday party continued peacefully until suddenly, Samuel received a phone call.
His expression briefly became serious before he quickly regained his usual calm.
"Sorry, I need to take this call." Samuel politely excused himself and stepped out onto the balcony.
Andrew and Ryan exchanged a worried glance, both anxious about what might have happened.
After a few minutes, Samuel returned with a light smile on his face.
"It was a call for a university reunion." He explained. "Our homeroom teacher called and wants us to meet up this weekend."[TD1]
Andrew's heart sank a little. He felt an irrational wave of worry.
Samuel's first love had been a classmate from that same university. Although she had moved abroad years ago, and they had broken up on bad terms, Samuel's had been heartbroken for 5-6 months. Andrew couldn't help but feel that the woman still held a special place in his heart.
But he just smiled, hiding his concern, not wanting to trouble Samuel further. "Are you planning to go?" Andrew asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Samuel nodded. "Yes, it's been a long time since I've seen my old friends. It's a good chance to reminisce. Plus, some of them are contractors for a project I want to collaborate on."