CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 117 BREAKFAST IN BED.

Life had returned to the villa like nothing ever happened. It was as if all the trouble from the other day had been erased—although it itched Draven so badly to bring it up. But Alex had warned him it might end in a disaster, so he kept his mouth shut.

Daniel, on the other hand, was strangely calm—doing his usual chores like he hadn’t been threatened by Mateo Valez just days ago. Like he hadn’t nearly been killed. He was still enjoying his holiday, refusing to let some useless fellow ruin it for him.

He had asked for a hot bath, and the poor chefs—who hadn’t even taken a night break—were the ones helping to prepare the tub for his use. Wrapped in a bathrobe and with a towel tied around his hair, Daniel headed to brush his teeth.

The bath was already steamy, hot mist curling up like soft smoke, and Daniel gave a satisfied hum at the sight. Speaking aloud since his servers were nearby, he addressed them gently.

"You two can go home. You need rest. What you did for me was sweet, but without rest, I doubt you’ll be much help. Take the day off," Daniel advised. Norman just shrugged it off.

"At least let us finish our work for the day. After breakfast, we’ll leave—but until then, we’re staying," he grinned, not complaining one bit.

Thomas was already outside, handling the kitchen duties, making toast and salad, and preparing tea for Daniel—something light and refreshing.

Daniel simply nodded, letting him be, then returned to brushing his teeth until they sparkled white. He set the brush back in its holder, let the towel and bathrobe fall to the floor, and slid into the tub, his long, slender legs disappearing into the bubbles.

"Mmm." He sighed softly. Nothing in this world could beat a hot bubble bath. But his relaxation was interrupted by the shift of shadows at the door—three men standing at the bathroom entrance, staring at him.

"What is happening?" Daniel’s eyes narrowed. The three stood there like he was some kind of alien that had just descended from the sky.

"Can we not with the creepy stares like you’re some bunch of murderers? Or I might actually attack," Daniel warned, and finally, they stepped closer.

"We’re just checking on you. That experience must’ve been torture. And the baby—we need a checkup. Who knows what kind of stress you and the baby are going through?" Draven blurted, still watching Daniel intently.

Daniel sighed, long and deep. Okay, let him count... Nope. Couldn’t. These fools really couldn’t pick up on the hint that he didn’t want to talk about it. Take a hint, dears.

"Come here, sweetheart!" Daniel beckoned to Alex, who grinned and made a face at the others—especially Xylander, who clearly looked like he was being dragged into this against his will.

Alex knelt down beside the tub, and Daniel reached forward, giving him a soft knock on the head. Alex winced.

"Take your boys and get the hell out, you perverts. Tell me you didn’t come to peek," Daniel gave him a sharp glare as Alex slithered back, holding his head in exaggerated pain.

"Oh stop that, you baby. I didn’t even hit you hard. We both know you deserve worse," Daniel muttered, still eyeing them like a hawk.

"Okay, we’ve gotten what we came for—or rather, I’ve been the sacrificial lamb here. But fine. Can we let him be now?" Alex said, nudging the others out. Xylander, however, kept his eyes fixed, trying to get another peek before a towel landed squarely on his face.

"Move. Now." Daniel’s command was sharp, and Xylander groaned, dramatically pouting as Alex continued pushing him out.

"I’m charging you all for this knock on the head," Alex grumbled, still rubbing his forehead.

"Says the one who begged us to come check on him. We’re the ones who deserve apologies," Xylander shot back, rolling his eyes.

"Apologies? If it was for someone like Draven, sure—I know I did him a favor. The poor boy was dying in silence, wanting to see Daniel so badly. I saved his life," Alex replied coolly before walking off.

He had other things to do—like answering to the local authorities. He was a tagged witness along with Xylander, though the latter didn’t want his face shown, so Alex was taking the fall again. He didn’t complain; he was always the savior.

Draven rushed to the kitchen, hanging around Thomas, mimicking his actions. He wanted to make the same breakfast—maybe add tea and toast bread. That would be nice.

Meanwhile, back in the bathroom, Daniel had begun applying lotion to his skin. He dipped his body lower into the water, moving his hands along his neck. That’s when he noticed the three marks—each unique, different, and oddly beautiful.

"Did they make these marks?" Daniel murmured, confused as to when they even had the time.

He stood up, wrapped himself in a towel, and dried off his dripping body.

Today was going to be a great day—he could feel it. Only three days left in the vacation. How time flew, and still, nothing much had been done. How fast everything was moving.

"Norman, is today’s outfit ready?" Daniel called while applying more lotion to his back and arms.

Norman emerged from the closet, holding a red loose backless top—stylish and similar to a baggy shirt—paired with three-quarter jeans and black boots. It was fashionable, and exactly Daniel’s taste.

"I knew you were special, Norman. This is perfection at its peak," Daniel praised, then slipped into the closet to dress while humming a soft tune.

Once he was dressed, he admired himself in the mirror—and then noticed something odd. His stomach looked slightly bigger.

Weird. He was a sucker for flat tummies. Why did it seem like his was getting round?

"Norman, did my stomach increase by any chance? Just take a look," Daniel asked, still staring at the mirror.

Norman glanced at him, then nodded. "Definitely changing. Seems like it’s becoming noticeable."

Daniel blinked. Wait.

"No, this mirror is just playing tricks. Like, why is my stomach suddenly growing? Not like I’m pregnant or anything." Daniel laughed it off awkwardly, and Norman joined in—but silently questioned if he’d misunderstood something.

"Young master... aren’t you pregnant for your husband?" Norman asked gently. He wanted to name the other men too, but wisely chose not to get into it.

Daniel’s face lit up as the realization dawned.

"Oh right, I am pregnant! Silly me. I guess old age really is messing with my memory." He giggled, fluffing the lower curls of his hair. Norman blinked. Old age??

Never mind. He walked out quietly after Daniel dismissed him for rest, saying he didn’t need his service anymore.

As Norman left the room, Daniel made his way downstairs—only to be stopped midway by Draven holding a tray with tea and toast bread. Draven’s face turned beet red with embarrassment.

"Is this what I think it is?" Daniel asked, raising a brow. Draven scratched his head, letting out a deep breath.

"Breakfast in bed... or something like that. I just wanted to surprise you," he admitted, eyes avoiding Daniel’s.

Daniel paused. He wasn’t sure how to respond. It was cute, no doubt—but Draven really didn’t need to go through the stress. He was coming downstairs to eat anyway.

"Aww, so considerate. Thanks, honey." Daniel placed a soft kiss on Draven’s cheek before brushing past him.

"Aren’t you eating?" Draven called after him. "Come, have a little bite. Thomas said it’s the best toast bread ever."

Daniel just nodded, not exactly in the mood for toast bread chatter. He sat at the dining table and made a hand gesture for Draven to bring the food.

Excited, Draven rushed forward—only to collide with Alexander, who suddenly appeared from a corner like a summoned evil spirit. The tray flew from Draven’s hands, crashing to the floor with a loud clang!

Silence.

Both men stood frozen, eyes on Daniel, whose expression changed like a glitching chameleon. His eye twitched. His forehead creased. And then...

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

He screamed like a maniac, yanking at his hair with such force it looked like he was about to scalp himself.

Both men rushed to him, trying to calm him down, patting his shoulders—but that was a mistake.

Daniel’s boots came off, flying across the room like heat-seeking missiles, chasing both men as they screamed and ran for their lives.

"JERKS!!"