Chapter 126: More Than Just Your Bedmate

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: More Than Just Your Bedmate

~Third- POV~

"Sweet dreams, baby," he whispered.

He closed his eyes, pulling Reynold tighter against his chest, and finally allowed himself to fall asleep right beside him.

They slept peacefully for hours, undisturbed by the world outside. By the time Frederick finally began to stir, it was already past noon, and the afternoon sun shone softly through the curtains of the luxurious suite. Reynold remained asleep in his arms, nestled against his chest beneath the soft white bedding.

Frederick was the first to wake fully. Mindful of how tired Reynold had been, he gently lifted his head from his chest and settled it on the pillow before carefully easing himself out of their embrace without disturbing him. He reached for the bedside hotel phone and called room service, ordering a lavish lunch. He wanted everything ready so that Reynold could enjoy a hot, delicious meal as soon as he was fully awake.

After placing the order, Frederick carefully pulled the blanket over Reynold’s shoulders. Satisfied that he was comfortable, he quietly left the bedroom.

Frederick walked into the living area and called his personal team, keeping his voice low as he discussed the evening’s arrangements. He ended one call and immediately dialed another. Just as he lowered his phone after the final call, a polite knock sounded at the suite’s entrance.

He crossed the room and opened the door. Two hotel staff members stood outside with a silver trolley loaded with their meal. He stepped aside to let them in, and they wheeled the trolley toward the dining table before carefully arranging the gourmet Parisian dishes, fresh juice, and warm bread.

Once everything was in place, they bowed politely and left the suite.

Frederick glanced toward the bedroom, intending to wake Reynold, but before he could head back, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.

Turning around, he found Reynold emerging from the bedroom in his oversized white robe. His blond hair was slightly tousled, and he rubbed his sleepy eyes, looking adorably drowsy.

Frederick’s expression melted instantly. "You’re awake, sweetheart."

Reynold blinked away the lingering drowsiness, looking around the wide living space. "I heard a few footsteps... and I heard you whispering to someone, so I came to check."

Frederick smiled warmly and walked toward him, moving around to stand behind him. He slipped a gentle arm around Reynold’s shoulders and guided him toward the dining table. "It was just the hotel staff bringing our food."

When they reached the table, Frederick pulled out a chair for Reynold and waited for him to sit before taking the seat beside him.

Reynold’s gaze wandered over the elaborate spread before shifting back to Frederick. His lips curved into a small, playful pout as he leaned closer. "So... it was the hotel staff who brought the food, and you were smiling at them?"

Frederick let out a soft chuckle and leaned back in his chair. " I was only being polite, baby. It was just a little smile."

Reynold rolled his eyes and adjusted his napkin, muttering under his breath, "It was just a little smile? If it was so little, why smile at strangers in the first place?"

Frederick caught every word. Amusement flickered in his dark eyes as he leaned toward him. "Are you jealous because I smiled at the staff?"

Reynold immediately picked up his fork, suddenly very interested in the food in front of him. He lifted his chin and gave Frederick an indignant look.

"Me? Jealous? Daddy, stop. I was just saying the food is delicious."

Frederick raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "But you haven’t even taken a bite yet, sweetheart."

"I mean... it looks delicious. Let’s just eat, Daddy," Reynold replied quickly, taking a small bite of his meal.

Frederick chuckled softly and followed suit, picking up his fork and taking a bite of his own.

As Reynold lifted his fork for another bite, Frederick set his cutlery down and turned his full attention to him.

"You know, I really don’t mind if you’re jealous, baby. At least then I’ll know for sure that you want me all to yourself."

Reynold paused with his fork halfway to his mouth. Slowly, he lowered it to his plate and let out a soft sigh before meeting Frederick’s gaze.

"Fine," he admitted. "I was jealous. I heard you talking quietly to someone while I was still in bed, and I heard you laughing. I didn’t like it, so I got up to see who you were talking to."

Frederick’s lips curved into a warm smile. "So, you love me so much that you want me all to yourself?"

"Yes," Reynold answered without hesitation, his gaze steady. "Without a doubt."

Frederick stared at him for a long moment, deeply touched by Reynold’s absolute confidence. Taking advantage of the intimate moment between them, he rested his chin on his folded hands and turned the conversation toward something he had been wanting to ask.

"Tell me something, Reynold. If you could choose the next step in our relationship, what would you want it to be?"

Reynold tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Frederick smiled faintly. "I mean, let’s say I gave you three options to choose from, and you had to pick what you wanted our next step to be. What would you choose?"

Reynold tilted his head curiously. "What are the options?"

"Option one, we remain bedmates, and you continue enjoying all the luxuries that come with being with me. Option two, we become official boyfriends. Oroption three, we get married." Frederick paused, watching Reynold’s reaction. "Which one would you choose, baby?"

Reynold fell silent. He glanced down at his plate, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before lifting his gaze back to Frederick. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm and thoughtful.

"Honestly, Daddy, I’ve been your bedmate for a long time without any real title," Reynold began. "Even though I know you love me and care for me deeply, being just your bedmate still makes me feel like someone you enjoy having in your bed and keeping around for comfort. It doesn’t change the fact that I don’t have a proper place beside you. So, I would never choose option one."

Frederick listened without interrupting, his gaze fixed on Reynold as he continued.

"As for option two, I would accept it, but not because it’s what my heart truly desires." Reynold paused briefly before continuing. "I would agree to be your boyfriend because I know you sometimes see me as young, or think I still need time to grow up and build something for myself. At least being your boyfriend would give me a proper title beside you instead of leaving me with nothing at all."

He lowered his eyes for a moment, then looked directly at Frederick.

"But if I had to choose what I truly wanted, what would make me genuinely happy and fulfilled, I would choose option three."

Frederick leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Why option three, sweetheart? Are you afraid someone else might take me away from you?"

"No, it’s not about being afraid someone will take you away." Reynold hesitated, holding Frederick’s gaze for a moment before lowering his eyes. "Never mind..."

"Tell me, baby." Frederick reached across the table and gently wrapped his hand around Reynold’s fingers. "I’m asking because I genuinely want to know what’s in your heart."

Reynold tightened his hold on Frederick’s hand and met his eyes again, his expression sincere.

"I want option three because marriage isn’t just a title or a legal document to me, Daddy. It means choosing each other for life. It means building a home together, standing by each other through every challenge, and being able to stand beside you openly as your equal and your life partner."

His voice softened, but his gaze remained steady.

"I don’t want to be someone who only has a place in your bed, Frederick. I want a permanent place in your life. I want to spend the rest of my days loving you, caring for you, and standing beside you as your husband."

Frederick looked at Reynold, letting out a quiet, heavy sigh. "What if I don’t love you enough to make you my husband?"

Reynold looked at him. The words sounded harsh and carried a sudden sting, but he didn’t let them break his resolve or pull him out of his composure. He took a slow breath, his eyes remaining calm and unshakeable as he looked directly into Frederick’s gaze.

"Then I’ll wait, Frederick," Reynold replied softly. "I’ll wait until the day you feel ready to give me all of your heart, just as I’ve given you all of mine."

He paused, gently squeezing Frederick’s hand.

"I would never force you into marriage or make you feel like you have to choose me before you’re ready, Daddy. I want you to be sure about me, just as I’m sure about you. I know I’m still young, and there’s a lot I have yet to learn, but that doesn’t mean I have any less love to give you."

"I know I can be a good husband to you, someone who stands by your side, takes care of you, and makes you happy. And when it comes to your daughter, I would love her and care for her, too, even though we’re close in age. I’m not asking you to believe all of that just because I say it. I want to show you, day by day, until you can see for yourself that I’m someone you can build a life with and never regret choosing."

Reynold rested his other hand over Frederick’s, his thumb gently stroking his knuckles.

"I don’t want to rush you or make things confusing, Daddy. I just want you to see who I am and the kind of partner I can be. I know I’m young, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take our future seriously. If we build a home together, I’ll put us first. You’ll always be a priority to me."

Frederick said nothing. He simply stared at Reynold, letting the weight of his words settle deep in his chest.

Reynold offered him a small, understanding smile. "That’s why I said I’d gladly accept being your boyfriend for now. Maybe in a few years, you’ll have come to love me enough to want to marry me."

Frederick raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity entering his expression.

"How many years, exactly?" he asked quietly.

"It depends on when you finally see my worth," Reynold replied without hesitation. "As for me, I’m ready whenever you are."

Frederick studied him for a moment, impressed by Reynold’s confidence. The corners of his lips twitched, but he kept his tone firm. "Alright, sweetheart. Eat your food."

Reynold picked up his fork, but before taking a bite, he paused and tilted his head, curiosity returning to his eyes. "Or... is there someone else you have in mind?"

Frederick’s expression softened. He shook his head gently as he looked at Reynold. "Sweetheart, eat your food."