________________CASPIAN_____________
As the twins grew into lively three-year-olds, their personalities blossomed, each showing hints of mischief and curiosity that kept Ivy and I on our toes. They followed their big brother, Ian, everywhere, and Ian, now nine, took his role as their protector very seriously. He was often found guiding them through their little adventures, patiently explaining things, and keeping a watchful eye to make sure they stayed safe.
Believe me those twin are mischievous but only listens to their brother.
Ariel had one day mischievously poured water on the floor and started cleaning it on sighting her brother.
Author is another head crumb I need to take care of because why would I be dragging Ivy with him. He clings on her any chance he gets. He doesn't like me kissing his mum. Can you believe that little boy?.
We would deliberately tease him by me kissing his mum and he would used his hand to cover her mouth.
"Swoop eawting myy muwmy!" he would shout. Only if he knows the things I eats on his Mum.
Whenever they played in the yard, Ian made sure they didn't wander too close to the gate, always reminding them to "stay close." If they stumbled or felt upset, Ian was the first to comfort them, his young heart full of love and responsibility.
One afternoon, while they were playing at the park, Author tumbled while trying to climb the slide. Ian rushed over immediately, helping them up and brushing off their clothes, reassuring them in a calm, big-brotherly way that melted Ivy's heart. I watched with pride as Ian looked out for them, his protective instincts growing stronger with every passing day.
"I think we've got ourselves a future guardian," I remarked to Ivy with a warm smile, as we watched Ian guide his younger siblings around the playground, never straying far from their side. Ivy couldn't have been prouder, seeing the beautiful bond our children shared—a bond that would only grow stronger as we continued to build a life filled with love and protection.
Each day was a mix of business and the joys of parenting, filled with the usual chaos of young children but also an immense sense of fulfillment.
Ivy had fully embraced her dual role as a mother and a professional, seamlessly blending the two worlds. Her mornings were filled with the laughter and energy of the kids, getting them ready for the day before starting her work. She often worked from a home office I set up in one corner of the house for, where she could keep an eye on the kids while focusing on her projects. On the days she went into the office, she stayed in constant contact with Tyler and Ian to make sure the twins were always well taken care of.
Ivy's work was demanding, but she had carved out a respected position in the industry. Her strategic mind and strong work ethic were admired by her colleagues and clients alike.
I often involved her in projects that aligned with her expertise, valuing her insights and wanting to keep her close in both personal and professional spheres. She'd become not just my wife but my confidante and advisor, the perfect partner in every sense.
I continued to be the strong, guiding force behind my businesses, managing an empire with precision and decisiveness. My life as a successful businessman was fast-paced, but I'd become skilled at balancing my work with my commitment to my family. I made sure to keep my mornings and evenings free for family time, knowing these moments were irreplaceable. Sometimes it's hard but I can always try. Ivy understands and always guide the kids to perfection
As a father, I am protective, tender, and involved. I spent weekends teaching Ian everything from life lessons to small business principles, taking him to the office or including him in light meetings, treating him like my little apprentice. I also made it a point to keep Ivy involved in my work, respecting her opinions and letting her know how much I valued her insight. Even during my busiest days, I would call Ivy just to share a quick update or to hear her voice, reminding her how much she meant to me.
Despite our demanding careers, Ivy and I managed to prioritize our marriage. We frequently planned date nights, where we could slip away for a few hours, enjoying a romantic dinner or a quiet walk to reconnect without the distractions of work or parenting. Our relationship was our anchor, a bond strengthened by years of shared experiences, challenges, and dreams.
We were also intentional about creating family traditions—Sunday morning pancakes with the kids, evening story times, and holiday trips that became treasured memories. Watching Ian help the twins and seeing my own self softening demeanor around our children brought Ivy a deep happiness. I would often whispered to her in quiet moments how grateful I was for our life together, a life I had never thought possible until I met her.
Though life was full and sometimes exhausting, Ivy and I both felt we were exactly where we were meant to be. Our careers thrived alongside our family, and the love and respect we shared made us a formidable team, both at home and in the world. In each other, we found strength, support, and a love that only deepened as time went on.
In the midst of our family-centered lives, I continued to manage the empire, including the complex world of the underground operations. While I kept most of my darker dealings from touching our home life, Ivy, with her intelligence and intuitive nature, occasionally became involved when needed, showing a side of her that few expected—firm, calculating, and not afraid to stand her ground. She was my equal in every sense, and I trusted her instincts implicitly, knowing she had a sharp mind for strategy and was fearless in protecting our family.
While Ivy didn't interfere in my underworld business, she kept herself informed, often advising me on matters that required a different perspective. She was fully aware of the dangers and the people surrounding my world, and on more than one occasion, Ivy's input had made a critical difference. I valued her insights; she had a natural instinct for reading people and saw through deceit in ways even I admired.
When situations grew particularly intense, Ivy was never far from my side. She could switch from nurturing mother to unyielding partner in a heartbeat, a transformation that both astonished and impressed my associates. There were times when, during a meeting with my inner circle, I would invite her in to give her perspective, especially when we dealt with delicate matters or potentially risky alliances. She'd listen calmly, assessing every detail, then speak with a quiet strength that left no room for doubt.
One evening, Ivy and I were in my office, reviewing some troubling intel that one of my lieutenants had uncovered about a potential betrayal within the ranks. As I went over strategies for how to respond, Ivy interrupted with a thoughtful look.
"Whoever this is, they've clearly underestimated you," she remarked, her voice calm but laced with a steely edge. "They probably assume that you won't act because you're a father now, that family life has softened you. I think we need to remind them that family makes you stronger, not weaker."
From the day she had asked me for a gun, I knew that behind this soft angelic face and nature lies a tigeress that shouldn't be tampered with or you get bitten.
I watched as she outlined a plan that involved revealing the traitor's actions without an immediate confrontation, forcing him into an isolated position until he had no allies left. It was a clever approach, one that leveraged both power and psychology, and I couldn't help but smile as I watched her.
"There's a reason I married you," I said, admiration in my eyes. "You're brilliant." she had smiled and said we're just getting started.
Once, a rival had the audacity to spread rumors about my supposed "weakness" after becoming a family man, taunting that my wife and children were my vulnerability. The words reached Ivy, and rather than simply brushing it off, she requested to meet the man under a pretense. I was hesitant, but Ivy assured me she could handle it.
When she arrived at the meeting place, she wore an expression of calm authority that made even the rival boss hesitate. She delivered a pointed message: she was not a weakness, but a strength. Her tone was cool, unwavering, as she outlined exactly what would happen if her family was threatened again. The man left that day under no illusion of her resolve and intelligence.
Ivy and I had built an empire, one that was powerful, disciplined, and loyal, largely because it was built on respect. Ivy's occasional presence in my world didn't weaken it; it only strengthened my position, showing the world that I have a partner capable of both love and strength.
In the end, we balanced each other. I remained the head, but Ivy was always a powerful, respected partner. And those around us knew that to cross either one was to cross us both—something very few dared to do.
We often arrange a family dinner where all our families and friends comes together just to remind ourselves that love live within us. Something I never thought I would ever enjoy.
I thought about Brandon, right, Brandon has been hiding something from me.
The realization struck me like a cold wave. For months, I had sensed something unusual between my best friend, Brandon, and Ivy's friend, Grace, but I hadn't been able to pinpoint what it was. Their interactions seemed innocent enough on the surface—little conversations at family gatherings, shared laughter during parties—but recently, I had begun to notice subtle glances, lingering looks, the kind of chemistry that only two people in love could share.
On that evening, after a particularly intense family dinner where Brandon and Grace had both been present, I took a quiet moment with Ivy to voice my suspicions. As always, she listened carefully, her intuition aligning with mine.
"I've seen it too," Ivy admitted, her tone thoughtful. "I wasn't sure at first, but it's hard to miss when you know what to look for."
With Ivy's agreement, I decided to confront the two of them, hoping I could understand what had drawn them together and why they had kept it a secret. I arranged to meet them at a quiet restaurant, somewhere neutral, and chose a time when they would be less likely to be seen. Taking Ivy with me.
Brandon and Grace arrived separately, as they always did. But I could see the way their eyes lit up when they saw each other—a flash of emotion they both tried, but failed, to conceal.
When they were seated across from me, I looked at each of them with a mixture of disappointment and curiosity. "You didn't think we'd notice?" I began, my voice steady but carrying a hint of sadness. "You're both important to Ivy and me, yet you chose to keep this a secret?"
Brandon and Grace exchanged a glance, clearly struggling with how to respond. After a moment, Brandon spoke, his voice low and filled with sincerity. "Caspian, we didn't mean to hide it from you, or from Ivy. We didn't know where it was going at first, and then… we were afraid. Afraid of how Ivy would react, and of what it would mean."
I looked over to Ivy in confusion.
Grace reached over, taking Brandon's hand, her gaze softening as she looked at me and Ivy. "I know I've been Iv's friend for years, and I never wanted to betray her trust. We wanted to make sure this was real before saying anything, but… it is real."
What do you mean you silly idiot. I have been shipping you both for long. Ivy said.
I remember telling you I would want to see you get loved during last Christmas. Ivy had hit Brandon on his head with her purse.
I studied them, taking in the genuine affection between them. Despite the secrecy, I could see they truly cared for each other, and that their relationship hadn't been intended as a betrayal.
After a pause, I nodded slowly, my tone softening. "I understand. But next time, don't underestimate my capacity to support those I care about. You're both family, in your own way, and family is honest with each other. Ivy and I would have understood."
Relief washed over both Brandon and Grace faces as my words sank in. They knew it would still take time for everyone to adjust, especially Ivy's other friends as they have kept it hidden for long, but the fact that we had chosen to give them our support and a chance to be open was more than they'd expected.
I never thought Brandon would be this timid when he finally found love.
In the weeks that followed, they took things slowly, allowing Ivy and her friends as well as myself to adjust to this new dynamic. Ivy, supportive as ever, welcomed Grace honesty and began to see the happiness the relationship brought her friend. Ivy have told me of Grace story and why they seems to hide it. As for me, I kept a watchful eye on Brandon knowing he's an idiot sometimes and I wouldn't want him to mess things up, knowing that our friendship had changed in dynamic based on love. My friend has found love finally. but was still worth keeping eye out. Grace has been a very supportive friend to our family especially to Ivy and I wouldn't want any of them to get hurt. This is going to be weird.
Ivy and I are both happy. Everyone is doing well and our family is growing.
Together, we redefined what it meant to be a family, one that could endure both revelations and growth, strengthened by trust and a willingness to forgive and expand.
The end.....
Epilogue up next.