Daddy (GEMINIFOURTH)

Chapter 23: A New Beginning

A year had passed since that night in Gemini's office—the night that had changed everything. What began as a relationship built on transaction and power had evolved into something far deeper, something real. The confession had been the first step, but over the months that followed, their bond had solidified into a partnership that neither of them had anticipated. It wasn't just about control anymore; it was about love, respect, and mutual trust.

Fourth still called Gemini "Daddy," but now, it was playful, affectionate, not tied to the dynamics of their past arrangement. It had become a term of endearment, a nod to the history they shared, but the foundation of their relationship had shifted. Fourth wasn't just a sugar baby anymore—he was Gemini's partner, and the two of them had found a balance that worked.

Today, as the sun shone brightly overhead, Fourth was preparing for one of the most important moments in his life: his graduation. The day had finally come, and after years of navigating his way through university—sometimes through hard work, sometimes through careful manipulation—he was about to receive his degree. But the journey hadn't been without its challenges. His past with Tin, the control Gemini had exerted over his academic career, and his own doubts about his future had all played a part in shaping who he was today.

Fourth stood in front of the mirror in his condo, adjusting the graduation cap on his head. He smirked at his reflection, a mixture of pride and disbelief filling him. He had made it, and today was a celebration of that success—not just for him, but for everything he and Gemini had built together.

His phone buzzed on the dresser, pulling him from his thoughts. He picked it up, already knowing who it was.

"You ready, baby?" Gemini's message read, the familiar warmth of his words bringing a smile to Fourth's face.

"Almost. See you soon, Daddy ❤️," Fourth replied, feeling the excitement building inside him.

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The ceremony was being held in the university's grand auditorium, a place Fourth had spent years trying to navigate, first as a student, then as someone caught between Gemini and Tin, and finally as a man who had learned to stand on his own. Today, the place felt different. It wasn't a battlefield of manipulation or tension—it was a place of victory.

As Fourth walked across the stage to accept his diploma, he felt a sense of pride that was new to him. This wasn't just about playing the game or keeping people happy—this was about achieving something real. His eyes scanned the audience, and there, in the front row, sat Gemini.

Even though Gemini was a man used to dominating boardrooms and running empires, here in the university auditorium, he looked at Fourth with nothing but pride and warmth. He was dressed impeccably, as always, but his sharp, calculating expression had softened. Fourth could see it in his eyes—the quiet support, the love that had grown between them over the past year.

When Fourth's name was called, the applause rang out, and Fourth smiled, his heart swelling as he accepted his diploma. He glanced down at Gemini, who gave him a small, approving nod. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. It wasn't about power, money, or control anymore. It was about *them*, about the future they were building together.

After the ceremony, as the graduates spilled out into the sunlit courtyard, families and friends gathering to celebrate, Fourth felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, and there was Gemini, towering above him with that familiar, unreadable look in his eyes, though there was a softness to it that only Fourth ever saw.

"You did it," Gemini said simply, his voice low and filled with pride.

Fourth grinned, the playful spark returning to his eyes. "Well, I had a little help," he teased, knowing full well that without Gemini's influence—and the large donation that had secured his academic future—things might have turned out differently.

Gemini smirked, shaking his head. "You did the work, Fourth. This is yours."

Fourth's smile widened, and before he could stop himself, he leaned up, wrapping his arms around Gemini's neck and pulling him into a tight hug. For a moment, it didn't matter that they were surrounded by people. It didn't matter that Gemini was still every bit the powerful businessman, or that Fourth had once been little more than his kept companion. Right now, it was just the two of them, and that was all that mattered.

"I love you, Daddy," Fourth whispered softly into Gemini's ear, his voice filled with emotion.

Gemini pulled back just enough to look down at him, his hand resting on Fourth's waist. "I love you too," he replied, his voice just as soft.

They stood there for a moment, the world fading away around them. It was a quiet, intimate moment in the midst of the crowd, but it was theirs.

As they walked through the courtyard together, Fourth's graduation gown flowing behind him, they headed toward the sleek black car waiting for them at the edge of the campus. It was the same car that had taken Fourth to and from Gemini's penthouse so many times before, but today it felt different.

Today, they were leaving as partners, not just lovers. There were no more secrets, no more hidden games. They had come through it all—jealousy, manipulation, love—and now, the future stretched out in front of them, open and full of possibilities.

As they drove away from the university, Fourth leaned back against the leather seat, his hand resting comfortably on Gemini's. He glanced out the window, watching the familiar campus fade into the distance, and smiled.

This was just the beginning.