Title: Shadows of Deception: A Tale of Love

Chapter 11 : Loving in silence

The Warin estate was quiet for once as Babe sat by his father's bedside, spooning out another mouthful of porridge. Warin leaned back against the pillows, his frail face lighting up with a soft smile.
"You're spoiling me, my boy," Warin said, his voice still weak.
"You deserve it, Dad," Babe replied, hiding his frustration. "I'll do anything to make sure you're well again."
Before Warin could respond, the door swung open, revealing Saran in a pristine white dress, carrying a tray of herbal tea.
"My love!" Saran exclaimed, her saccharine voice making Babe's stomach churn. "I thought you'd like something to soothe your nerves."
"Saran, I told you not to disturb him," Babe snapped.
Warin waved off Babe's protests with a weak laugh. "Now, now, no fighting. Saran's only trying to help."
Babe clenched his fists. He can't see it, he thought bitterly. She's fooling him at every turn.
After yet another spat over who would oversee Warin's care, Babe stormed out of the house, dialing Billy's number. He needed a break—a safe space away from the constant battles.
Billy was at his desk when Babe arrived at Mars office. The whispers began almost immediately as Babe made his way to the private elevator. Employees exchanged curious glances, murmuring about the enigmatic young designer visiting the CEO.
As the elevator doors opened to Billy's penthouse office, Babe stepped out, a mix of relief and longing washing over him. Billy looked up from his desk, his golden retriever-like smile instantly brightening the room.
"Hey, you," Billy said, standing and walking toward Babe. "Missed me?"
Without a word, Babe closed the distance between them, pulling Billy into a deep, passionate kiss. Billy wrapped his arms around Babe, holding him tightly as though the world outside didn't exist.
After catching their breath, Babe rested his head against Billy's chest. "I couldn't take it anymore," he confessed. "My dad, Saran, everything... I just needed to see you."
Billy stroked Babe's hair gently. "You're here now, and that's all that matters. Let's take the afternoon off. We'll go somewhere private, just us."
Babe smiled, his heart finally feeling lighter. "You're too good to me."
The couple left the office discreetly, though not discreetly enough to escape the eyes of a few employees. Whispers turned into rumors, and the story of Babe and Billy's relationship began to circulate within the company.
Billy took Babe to an exclusive, secluded restaurant on the outskirts of the city. The dim lighting, soft music, and the comforting presence of Billy made Babe feel at ease for the first time in weeks.
As they sat across from each other, sharing stories and stealing kisses, Billy reached for Babe's hand. "I know things have been rough, but I promise, we'll figure it all out. You're not alone in this."
Babe's eyes welled up with tears, but he blinked them away, nodding. "Thank you, Billy. For everything."
Billy leaned in, his forehead resting against Babe's. "You're my world now, Babe Warin. And nothing—not your stepmother, not the press, not even the world—will change that."
The two shared a tender kiss, unaware of the storm brewing around them. Their love, though genuine, was quickly becoming a weapon in the hands of those who sought to tear them apart.
The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Billy's penthouse, casting a golden glow over the living room. Babe stood by the window, admiring the sprawling cityscape, while Billy approached from behind, wrapping his arms around Babe's waist.
"Can I just say you look breathtaking in this blouse?" Billy murmured, his lips brushing against Babe's neck. His hands wandered under the silk fabric, exploring the smooth expanse of Babe's skin.
Babe turned his head, a teasing smile on his lips. "You've been saying that since lunch. Are you trying to seduce me again?"
"Always," Billy replied with a mischievous grin.
What started as playful banter quickly turned passionate. The couple moved to the bedroom, their laughter and kisses filling the space as they lost themselves in each other.
While Babe and Billy reveled in their private world, Saran sat in her lavishly decorated study, flipping through a folder of photos provided by the private investigator. Each image showed Babe and Billy together—laughing, holding hands, and even entering Billy's penthouse. Saran's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.
"Perfect," she said under her breath.
She picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Dawn, I've got something interesting for you. Meet me at the club tomorrow. Bring Joon, too."
Meanwhile, at a luxurious resort south of the city, Dawn and Joon lounged by the pool, both nursing their hangovers from the previous night.
"You're quiet today," Dawn remarked, swirling his cocktail.
Joon leaned back in his chair, sunglasses hiding his bloodshot eyes. "Still thinking about Babe."
Dawn rolled his eyes dramatically. "Seriously? You're still hung up on him? He made his choice. Move on, Joon."
"Easy for you to say," Joon muttered. "I wasn't expecting him to pick Billy."
Dawn sat up, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Speaking of Billy, aren't you still friends with that rich moron? Does he know you know about him and Babe?"
Joon stiffened. "No. Why?"
Dawn's grin widened. "We should invite him for a little game this weekend. Maybe he'll spill something useful."
Joon hesitated, but Dawn's persuasive tone and the promise of getting closer to Babe's world made him nod reluctantly.
"Fine," he said. "But if this backfires, it's on you."
Dawn laughed, clinking her glass against Joon's. "Trust me, darling. This is just the beginning."
Unbeknownst to Babe and Billy, their love story was becoming a target. With Saran plotting, Joon sulking, and Dawn scheming, the stakes were only getting higher. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the storm clouds of betrayal and manipulation loomed ever closer.