Chapter 80: The Risk of Loving Your Best Friend

Chapter 80: Chapter 80: The Risk of Loving Your Best Friend

"Glad you guys made it, Your Highness" Henry said as Elisha joined him, resting a hand around his waist.

"Wouldn’t miss it for the world," Raphael replied with a bright grin, draping an arm comfortably around Frank’s shoulders.

Frank offered them a warm, genuine smile. "Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you," Henry and Elisha said in unison.

"Please, come in," Elisha added, gesturing toward the terrace.

They all made their way back to the beautifully lit terrace. Raphael and Frank went over to greet both sets of parents and the other family members, exchanging pleasantries with everyone before turning back to Henry and Elisha.

"Come on," Elisha said, gesturing for them to follow him.

The four of them then made their way to a separate table that had been arranged especially for them, away from the main family table.

Once they settled into their seats, Raphael glanced around, taking in the soft lighting, crisp linens, and elegant emerald and gold accents. "Wow, you have a really nice place, Elisha."

Elisha gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Moments later, the staff approached their table and began serving the first course.

As everyone settled in, Raphael leaned closer to Henry and lowered his voice to a playful whisper. "I can already tell you’re glowing differently. Your husband is definitely taking good care of you."

Henry glanced at him with a soft smile. "Your Highness, can you please wait until it’s actually official before you start calling him my husband?"

Raphael chuckled, clearly amused. "The way you’re blushing right now? I bet you love hearing it more than you’re willing to admit."

Henry simply smiled and shook his head as Raphael continued teasing him.

Elisha watched the exchange between them for a moment, noticing how brightly Henry was smiling at Raphael. He waited before finally leaning closer to Henry’s ear, his hand still resting around Henry’s waist.

"I’m still sitting right here," Elisha murmured.

To emphasize his point, Elisha’s hand slowly slid from Henry’s waist and down to rest firmly over his lap beneath the table.

Henry glanced at Elisha and let out a quiet, exasperated sigh before leaning back toward Raphael. "My man is very jealous," Henry whispered with an amused huff.

Raphael laughed softly, glancing at Frank, who had been quietly watching the exchange with an affectionate smile. "Trust me, mine is no different."

Sharing a knowing smile, Henry and Raphael finally stopped whispering and turned their attention back to their partners as the evening continued.

Soft, ambient music drifted across the terrace, blending with the cheerful murmur of conversation. The families were thoroughly enjoying themselves, laughter carrying down the long table as Henry and Elisha’s siblings occasionally came over to exchange a few playful words or congratulations with them.

Frank leaned slightly toward Raphael and lowered his voice. "Seriously, these two look so damn good together. They’re both established and wealthy, completely on equal footing. They’re a true match in every sense."

Raphael raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Equal in status, sure. But you can’t exactly say they’re equal in the bedroom. One has to be the giver, and the other has to be the one receiving."

Frank rolled his eyes and nudged Raphael sharply with his elbow. "Your Majesty, you are incorrigible. You always manage to turn everything into a dirty joke. I was talking about their social and financial status, not whatever twisted thing is running through your mind."

Raphael chuckled, raising his glass in mock defense. "Alright, alright. I’m just giving my expert opinion too."

"Then keep your expert opinion to yourself," Frank muttered, shaking his head.

Raphael grinned, amused by his slight annoyance. "Why are you getting worked up? When you talk, I listen. Why does mine always have to be different?"

"Because yours always has nothing to do with what we’re talking about," Frank replied.

Raphael grinned. "How does it have nothing to do with the conversation when it’s true?"

Frank scoffed. "I’m so done with you."

He shook his head and deliberately turned his attention back toward the table.

Just then, Elisha scooped up a delicate piece of dessert with a small spoon and held it out to Henry. Henry parted his lips and accepted it, and when a tiny trace of cream lingered at the corner of his mouth, Elisha gently reached for a napkin and wiped it away with practiced tenderness.

Frank watched the quiet display of affection, a wistful smile touching his lips. "Seriously... you two are so sweet. And brave, too. It takes a lot to actually open up and take that step with your feelings."

Elisha and Henry turned their attention toward Frank, surprised by the sudden change in his tone.

Raphael blinked and leaned back slightly. "Why do you say that?"

Frank rested his chin on his hand, thinking for a moment. "I guess I just understand what it’s like. I heard you two have been friends since childhood, right?"

Henry nodded. "Yeah. We’ve known each other practically our whole lives."

"Exactly," Frank said. "And when you’ve been that close to someone for so long, admitting that you’ve fallen in love with them can be scary. You start wondering what happens if they don’t feel the same way. What if you ruin the friendship you’ve had all your life?"

Raphael studied him for a moment, then narrowed his eyes playfully. "How would you know all that? Have you ever fallen in love with your best friend?"

Frank went quiet for a brief moment, his expression turning distant. "There’s no point in lying to you now. He isn’t single anymore, so..." He gave a small shrug. "Yeah. I have."

Raphael’s playful expression disappeared. "Why didn’t you ever tell me about that?"

Frank looked at him calmly. "I’m telling you now, aren’t I?"

Raphael picked up his glass and took a slow sip, his expression thoughtful. Elisha and Henry listened intently, sensing there was more to the story.

Frank let out a soft sigh. "I used to have two close friends, Adrian and Charles. Adrian was... well, striking. Anyone could fall for his looks in an instant."

"Not me," Raphael interjected dryly.

Frank shot him a warning look. "You wouldn’t dare."

Raphael only smiled, clearly enjoying himself. "Why? Are you jealous?"

Frank scoffed. "Me? Jealous? I’m only trying to save your life."

Elisha and Henry couldn’t help but chuckle.

"His partner would literally murder you," Frank added, shaking his head.

Henry leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. "Is his partner involved with the mafia?"

"Exactly," Frank said, snapping his fingers. "And he controls Central City with an iron fist."

Elisha’s eyes widened slightly in recognition. "Then his partner must be Matteo."

Frank lightly slapped a hand against the table and picked up his glass. "Bingo. Exactly."

Raphael raised an eyebrow. "So how did your friend end up with a man like that?"

"You wouldn’t believe it, but they’re actually sickeningly sweet together." Frank smiled fondly. "But that’s not really the point. Back then, I had feelings for Adrian, long before Matteo came into the picture. I was too afraid to say anything because I didn’t want to risk losing our friendship. So I kept my feelings to myself... until Matteo came along and claimed him."

Frank looked at Elisha and Henry with a warm smile. "That’s why I’m genuinely envious of you two. You actually had the courage to close that gap and end up together. It’s not easy."

Raphael reached across the table, covering Frank’s hand with his own and gently rubbing his thumb over his knuckles. "Well, it’s a good thing you didn’t end up with him, because you were destined to end up with me. Prince Raphael."

Frank smiled, a faint blush on his cheeks. He turned his attention back to the grooms-to-be. "Anyway, I wish you both a beautiful and lasting marriage."

"Thank you so much, Frank," Henry and Elisha said together, deeply touched.

Raphael smiled brightly, raising his glass. "Hear, hear. And honestly, looking at how wonderful this is... we should probably plan our own wedding soon."

Frank let out a small laugh and glanced around the terrace. "Oh, really? Then look behind us, Your Highness. What do you see?"

Raphael followed his gaze.

Henry and Elisha’s families were gathered around the terrace, laughing and talking over dinner. Some were sharing food, others were joking with each other, their voices mixing with the soft music playing in the background. No one was hiding anything. They were simply together, enjoying the evening and celebrating the two men they loved.

Raphael’s eyes moved slowly across the families before returning to Frank.

Frank held his gaze for a moment. "Exactly."

Raphael’s expression shifted as he understood.

He didn’t need Frank to explain.

This was what Frank was talking about.

Henry and Elisha didn’t have to hide their relationship from anyone. Their families knew about them, accepted them, and were here tonight to celebrate their love.

Raphael lowered his glass and looked at Frank for a long moment.

Frank hadn’t asked him a question. He had simply shown him what was missing...