In the morning, Willy woke up to a heavy, throbbing headache. His entire body felt exhausted and achy, as if he had been running a marathon in his sleep. Right beside him, Tim was still sleeping peacefully, his breathing slow and steady. Willy blinked against the bright morning light, trying to piece together the events of the previous evening, but his memory was completely blank. All he knew was that his head hurt terribly.
I definitely shouldn't have drunk that much wine, he thought, groaning inwardly. He couldn't even lift his head off the pillow without a sharp wave of dizziness hitting him.
Just then, Tim began to stir. The moment he opened his dark eyes and saw his husband awake, a warm smile touched his lips, and he immediately leaned over to press a tender kiss against Willy's forehead.
Tim's voice was a low, morning rumble. "Do you have a headache, love?"
Willy pouted, burying his face deeper into the pillow. "Yes, and it hurts terribly."
Tim chuckled softly, running a hand through Willy's messy hair. "I explicitly warned you last night, but you completely refused to listen to my voice."
Willy knew he should have trusted Tim's warning, but the night before, the cozy atmosphere and the warm wine had simply put him in the perfect mood to drink. I really deserve this punishment, he thought miserably. He was completely lost in his self-pity when suddenly, Tim's strong arms slipped beneath him, effortlessly lifting his entire frame off the mattress.
Willy blinked in surprise, instinctively wrapping his arms around Tim's neck. "Hey... what are you doing?"
Tim didn't answer, simply carrying him down the stairs and carefully setting him down on the comfortable living room couch. After tucking a blanket around him, Tim vanished into the kitchen, returning a couple of minutes later with a tall glass in his hand.
Willy looked at the strange liquid skeptically. "What is that?"
Tim handed it over, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You said your head was splitting. Just drink it, and you'll be feeling completely fine in no time. For someone with a monstrous headache, you're certainly asking a lot of questions this morning."
Willy smiled gratefully, taking a sip. "Thank you, my love. I love you... and I'm truly sorry that you always have to step up and take care of me like this."
To Willy's utter amazement, the throbbing pain in his temples began to fade away almost instantly. Tim's homemade remedy worked like absolute magic. Within minutes, he felt completely refreshed.
Willy sat up, looking at Tim. "Did your crew members call you back this morning? Is everyone okay out there?"
Tim smiled, his posture relaxing. "They are perfectly fine. The operation was a complete success, and they've already returned to headquarters safely."
The night before, Tim's emergency response crew had successfully navigated the post-earthquake crisis, managing to pull families to safety. The local communities had been profoundly grateful for their rapid intervention. Tim and his dedicated circle were always poised to deploy whenever human lives were on the line.
Willy stretched his limbs, feeling much better. "So, what are our official plans for the day?"
Tim leaned down, kissing his cheek. "Let's just play some of those board games we bought, watch a good movie, and take a long, quiet walk along the shore later. We came out to this beach for a real vacation, and I don't want us rushing anywhere else."
True to their word, the couple spent the remainder of the week enjoying absolute peace and rest. They were technically supposed to attend an important university club competition back in the city, but Willy had happily exercised his presidential privilege to excuse them both. It was highly amusing how much the dynamic had shifted over the months; at the beginning of the semester, Willy used to constantly argue with Tim about his empty seat at club meetings, but now, they were skipping events entirely because Willy simply preferred to stay wrapped in Tim's embrace.
By Friday evening, they finally packed their bags and made the drive back to their city apartment. They would have loved to spend the entire weekend lounging around, but they had a highly critical dinner to attend at Willy's parents' house the next day. Miles had been sending daily texts to remind them of the appointment, ensuring they wouldn't back out.
Willy sighed happily as they unpacked. "It was an absolutely perfect vacation, Tim. We definitely need to go back to the beach the second we find some free time. It would be beautiful in the summer, but honestly, since the weather is turning cold, lighting the fireplace and staying inside was incredibly cozy."
Tim smiled warmly, pulling him close. "We can travel wherever your heart desires, Willy."
Willy chuckled, looking up at him playfully. "It's exceptionally easy for you to say that, husband, because you hold a passport that doesn't require a visa for almost any country on earth. Meanwhile, I have to fill out a million tedious documents just to cross a single border."
Tim smirked, a mysterious glint in his eyes. "Just hold on a little bit longer, love. Soon, you won't have to fill out a single piece of international paperwork ever again."
Willy blinked, completely lost by the sudden statement. "What do you mean by that?"
Tim brushed a thumb over Willy's cheek, his voice dropping into a tender murmur. "Since we legally tied our names together in marriage, you are fully eligible to claim citizenship through me. I've already submitted the legal files, and the process is almost finished. Very soon, you will hold dual citizenship, just like I do."
Willy's jaw dropped. He hadn't even thought about the legal benefits of their secret marriage. The reality that he could easily claim dual citizenship because he was Tim's husband had completely slipped his mind. When he was wrapped in Tim's world, he rarely had to stress over practical details because Tim quietly managed every single variable behind the scenes before Willy could even think to worry.
Willy smiled softly, hiding his face in Tim's chest. "Oh... I completely forgot about that chapter."
Tim chuckled, patting his head affectionately. "I knew your mind would forget, which is exactly why I stepped up and took care of the paperwork myself."
Willy was entirely accustomed to Tim's constant, protective care. It was the reason why, whenever they were together, he could simply breathe and exist without a single worry clouding his mind. They understood each other's needs without ever needing to exchange a single word. Over the past months, they had uncovered every hidden corner of each other's hearts, growing closer with every passing day.
Tim paused, his expression turning slightly thoughtful. "Sweetheart, is there any specific family tradition or detail I should consider before we meet your parents tomorrow?"
Willy offered a dry, sympathetic laugh. "Just the primary detail is the reality that they absolutely do not like you."
"I am already well aware of that fact," Tim replied smoothly. "I mean more along the lines of formal etiquette. This is my very first time being introduced to your mother and father."
Willy raised an eyebrow playfully. "What kind of formal etiquette are you expecting, Tim? It's just a normal family dinner. Were you planning on formally asking them for my hand in marriage?"
Tim burst into a bright, genuine laugh. "You are already my husband, love. But if that formal gesture is what your heart desires, then I will gladly stand before them and ask for your hand in marriage."
Willy's eyes widened, and he quickly patted Tim's chest in a mild panic. "Hey! Do not dare say that to their faces! They will literally lose their minds on the spot. We have to be exceptionally cautious tonight because they are actively looking for a reason to break us apart. If they discover that we are already legally married, I honestly don't know what kind of chaos they will unleash."
Tim's expression turned serious, his protective instincts flaring. "Don't worry, love. I won't breathe a single word about our marriage to them. I deeply dislike the reality that we have to hide our bond from the world, but I will maintain the secret for as long as it takes to ensure your absolute safety."
Tim was willing to swallow his own pride because he completely refused to put Willy in any form of danger. He had no idea how his dangerous enemies would react if they discovered he had a husband, and keeping Willy hidden from that dark world was his top priority.
They went to bed early that night, but Willy found himself tossing and turning, his chest tight with intense anxiety regarding the upcoming family dinner. Tim noticed his husband's restless movements instantly. Slipped into the dark, Tim pulled Willy's frame flush against his powerful chest, wrapping his strong arms securely around him. The comforting weight of Tim's embrace acted like a soothing balm to Willy's frayed nerves, and burying his face deep into Tim's chest, he finally drifted into a peaceful, deep sleep.
When Willy woke up the next morning, the space beside him was already cold. Knowing exactly where to find his husband, he slipped out of bed and walked down the stairs toward the kitchen. Sure enough, Tim was standing by the stove, expertly preparing a fresh breakfast. Smiling warmly, Willy walked up silently and wrapped both arms around Tim's waist from behind, leaning his cheek against his broad back.
Willy murmured softly, "Good morning, my love."
Tim tilted his head, a warm smile touching his lips. "Good morning, my dear. Did you manage to get some quality sleep?"
Willy nodded against his back. "I'm still incredibly nervous about this dinner with my parents, but thanks to your embrace, I slept soundly through the night." Willy leaned up, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against the side of Tim's neck.
Tim shivered slightly, a quiet laugh vibrating in his chest. "Hey... you know exceptionally well that I don't like it when you kiss my neck like that."
Willy smirked, tightening his grip around his waist. "I know, that's exactly why I do it. Your reactions are far too cute to resist."
They spent the next hour teasing each other and enjoying their quiet breakfast until Willy's phone vibrated on the counter. It was a message from Miles.
"The twins and I have already arrived at the main house. What time are you two planning to show up?"
Willy looked up from the screen. "Miles and the twins are already at my parents' house. They want to know when we'll be arriving."
Tim turned off the stove, his expression steady and calm. "If the family is waiting for us, let's get dressed and head over."
Willy quickly replied to his brother, letting him know they were on their way. After cleaning up the kitchen and dressing in smart, elegant clothes, they headed out to the garage. Fortunately, the weekend traffic was entirely clear, and before long, they pulled up the grand driveway of Willy's childhood home. Willy turned off the engine, his hands freezing on the steering wheel.
Willy turned to look at his husband. "Are you nervous at all, Tim?"
Tim smiled gently, reaching over to cover Willy's freezing hands with his own warm palms, squeezing them reassuringly. "Not in the slightest, love. But I can feel just how terrified you are."
Willy let out a shaky breath. "How do you always manage to remain so perfectly calm in these situations?"
Tim shrugged casually. "Worrying about a future moment alters absolutely nothing about the outcome, Willy. I am entirely confident in myself and what I bring to the table."
Stepping out of the car, they walked up the front steps. The moment they pushed the heavy front door open and stepped into the grand foyer, the family twins came running down the hallway toward them, their faces full of intense curiosity.
The girl stepped forward first, offering a bright smile. "Hello! I'm Mila, Willy's one and only sister."
The boy stood beside her, nodding politely. "And hello, I'm Alan."
The two teenagers were bursting with excitement, talking a mile a minute as they eyed Tim up and down.
Tim offered them a warm, charming smile, extending a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. You can call me Timmy. Only the people closest to my heart are allowed to use that name."
Mila's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, I like you already!"
Tim chuckled softly. "Well, that's a relief. It means I won't have to use a financial bribe to win your loyalty."
Mila and Alan burst out laughing at the blunt joke.
Alan grinned, crossing his arms playfully. "Wait, I actually want a bribe. I'm highly curious to see what kind of offer you can put on the table, Timmy."
Tim smiled mysteriously. He pulled out his phone, tapped the screen a few times, and slipped it back into his pocket. A split second later, two distinct notification chimes echoed from Mila and Alan's pockets.
Tim raised an eyebrow. "What do you think about that particular offer?"
Mila and Alan quickly pulled out their phones, scanning their screens. A look of absolute, profound shock washed over their faces, instantly replaced by pure, unadulterated joy.
Alan gasped, staring at Tim in utter disbelief. "How on earth did you know about this? Man, thank you so much!"
Mila was practically jumping up and down. "Thank you! I've been begging Miles to buy these for weeks, and he completely refused to listen to me!"
Willy looked between his siblings and his husband, totally baffled. "Wait... what on earth did you just buy for them, Tim?"
Tim chuckled casually. "Just a few front-row tickets."
"Tickets for what?" Willy pressed.
The three of them exchanged a look, Mila and Alan turning to glare at Willy with playful frustration.
Mila scoffed, "Are you serious, Willy? We've been complaining about this concert for days at the apartment, and you didn't pay attention to a single word we said?"
Alan patted Tim's shoulder firmly. "Timmy, from this exact second forward, you are officially our brother. We are entirely on your side of the table."
Tim had successfully won over the toughest critics in a matter of seconds. He leaned down, his lips brushing against Willy's ear as he whispered under his breath. "I always map out a strategy beforehand, love, which is why I am never nervous. I did a thorough background check on your family before stepping through that door. I knew your siblings were dying to attend that sold-out concert, so I secured the VIP tickets in advance."
Willy smiled, thoroughly impressed by his husband's brilliance. He whispered back, "Are you planning on using a financial bribe on my parents too?"
Tim smirked wickedly. "Perhaps..."
It was crystal clear that Tim had mapped out every single variable; he understood the entire family dynamic before he had even shaken their hands.
With the ice thoroughly broken, the group moved into the grand living room where Miles was waiting for them. The twins were bursting with excitement, immediately showing Miles their phones and recounting Tim's grand gesture.
Miles let out a low laugh, offering Tim an appreciative nod. "Brilliant job, Tim. That was an exceptionally strategic move. You already have two family members firmly on your side of the fence. That leaves only three more to go."
Tim offered a confident smile. "Winning over the remaining seats will be entirely simple."
Willy looked around the grand room. "Where are mom and dad?"
Miles checked his watch. "They'll be joining our circle shortly."
A moment later, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall, and Willy's parents stepped into the grand living room, their postures stiff and formal.
Willy's father, Benjamin, offered a tight, emotionless nod. "Hello. Let us move directly to the dining room so we can eat breakfast and discuss matters properly."
Though Tim and Willy had already enjoyed their breakfast hours ago, they quietly joined the family at the grand dining table to maintain the peace.
Benjamin took a sip of his coffee, his sharp eyes locking onto Tim across the table. "Tim, I understand you finally enrolled in the university this year. Why did you choose to delay your higher education until now?"
Tim answered smoothly, his voice perfectly polite. "I had several pressing international business matters to secure before I could allocate time for campus lectures, sir."
Willy's mother, Alexandra, chimed in, her tone dripping with skepticism. "And do you currently hold a job anywhere in the city?"
Tim looked at her directly. "I do not work under anyone's employment, ma'am."
Willy could feel the heavy atmosphere shifting; it felt entirely like an aggressive courtroom interrogation, but Tim continued to answer every single query with absolute grace and calm composure.
Benjamin set his fork down, his expression hardening. "Miles informed me about the entire chaotic scene that unfolded at the city bar last week. You may claim to our faces that the violence was not your fault, Tim, but I completely refuse to invest my trust in you. To be perfectly blunt, I deeply dislike the reality of your presence in my son's life."
Willy's chest tightened with sudden anger, and he opened his mouth to defend his husband, but Tim gently pressed a hand flat against Willy's knee beneath the table, silently signaling for him to remain still.
Tim looked directly into Benjamin's harsh eyes, his voice remaining smooth and unfazed. "I completely understand your perspective, sir. From where you stand, you believe my history makes me an unsuitable partner for your child. It is entirely natural that you desire the absolute best future for his life."
Benjamin let out a cold, arrogant scoff. "I am glad your mind possesses enough intelligence to recognize that reality, because I have been entirely unable to make my idiot son understand a single piece of logic. He has spent years receiving a high-class education, yet his brain remains entirely empty. There is a long list of highly suitable, wealthy individuals walking that university campus, yet his broken judgment chose to settle for you. Rest assured, I will have absolutely no problem forcing you to leave his side."
Throughout the entire interrogation, Tim had fought hard to maintain his calm composure for Willy's sake. But hearing Benjamin openly insult his own son's intelligence and call him an idiot right in front of the table was the absolute final straw.
How on earth could a father look at his own flesh and blood and speak such vile, cruel words? Tim's eyes turned entirely dark, the cold aura of a protector rising within him.