Chapter 316: The Reunion He Never Expected

In the middle of their conversation, Adrian quietly pulled out his phone and sent Matteo a quick text.

Babe, don’t stay too late at the office today. Come home early. I have a very special surprise waiting for you.

At his desk, Matteo felt his phone buzz. He picked it up, a soft, fond smile spreading across his face as he read the message. Deciding to play along, he typed back:

I might come home late today, baby. Just tell me what the surprise is over text.

Adrian scoffed playfully at the screen and quickly replied:

No. You have to come home early, and don’t you dare be late.

Matteo chuckled, leaning back in his executive chair as he typed another teasing response:

Actually, you know what? I’m not coming home tonight. You can keep your little surprise if you don’t tell me.

Adrian’s eyes widened in mock outrage. He shot back a swift, sassy text:

Fine! I’ll tell your men to lock the front gates and bar the doors so you can’t get in tonight. Have a wonderful time wherever you’re staying.😂😂😂

Matteo couldn’t help smiling as he quickly replied:

Won’t you miss me if I don’t come home?

Adrian rolled his eyes with an affectionate grin before texting back:

When did you start talking this much and whining like me? You really enjoy teasing me lately, don’t you?

Matteo replied with a laughing emoji, followed by another message:

If my boyfriend can dish it out, why can’t I? Besides, I’m just a baby, same as you.

Adrian shook his head, a warm smile melting across his face as he finally gave in.

Fine, you win. But baby, don’t be stubborn. Please come home early. I promise you’re really going to like this surprise.

Matteo chuckled, leaning back and slowly spinning his executive chair before typing another reply.

Beg me first. Be sweet.

Adrian let out a breath of mock exasperation, shaking his head as his fingers flew across the screen:

Please, baby? My cute Teo, my sweet Teo, my handsome Teo, my love, my heartbeat, my home, my big baby, my daddy... please come home early, okay?

Matteo’s heart swelled. He replied immediately:

Okay, baby. I love you so much.

Adrian’s smile softened as he typed back:

I love you more.

Matteo sent a string of kissing emojis.😘💋

Sitting on the living room sofa, Adrian stared at the screen, unable to stop the lovesick smile spreading across his face. He set his phone down on the cushion beside him, cleared his throat, and turned his full attention back to the unexpected visitor sitting across from him, ready to continue their conversation.

Time slipped away as the afternoon hours quietly melted into evening. After his conversation with the visitor wrapped up, Adrian spent a little while resting upstairs in their bedroom before heading back down to the ground floor just as dusk settled over the estate.

His phone buzzed on the coffee table. Picking it up, he saw a new text from Matteo:

Baby, I just left the office. I’ll be home in twenty minutes. Wait for me. ❤️

A thrill of excitement fluttered in Adrian’s chest. He turned to the visitor, and together, they quickly finalized the little plan they had cooked up for Matteo’s homecoming.

True to his word, twenty minutes later, the familiar rumble of Matteo’s convoy echoed through the courtyard. The line of armored vehicles rolled through the gates and came to a smooth stop at the front entrance.

This time, Adrian didn’t wait on the sofa. He practically raced to the front foyer, stopping just behind the grand double doors. With his hands clasped neatly behind his back and an eager, breathless smile lighting up his face, he waited impatiently for Matteo to come inside.

A moment later, the heavy front doors swung open.

Matteo stepped inside, casually shrugging off his tailored suit jacket and handing it to a waiting staff member. The instant his tired gaze landed on Adrian, standing there with that radiant smile, looking happier and more beautiful than ever, all the exhaustion from a long day at the office melted away.

Adrian’s smile widened as their eyes met.

"Welcome home, Daddy," he said warmly.

A soft, heart-melting smile spread across Matteo’s face.

Even with several bodyguards standing discreetly around the grand foyer, Matteo couldn’t have cared less.

He crossed the distance between them in a few long strides. The moment he reached Adrian, he gently cupped the back of his neck and drew him into a deep, lingering kiss, savoring the sweet taste of the man he had been longing to come home to.

Before Adrian could even pull back for breath, Matteo slid his hand down, boldly grabbing a handful of Adrian’s firm ass and pulling him flush against his body.

Adrian gasped softly against his lips, his cheeks flushing bright red as he slapped playfully at Matteo’s shoulder. He whispered frantically, his eyes darting to the guards standing nearby, "Babe... stop! They’re watching."

Matteo just chuckled, a low, rumbling sound vibrating against Adrian’s mouth as he gave him one final, teasing squeeze before finally letting go with a smirk.

Adrian shook his head, a fond, helpless smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You are completely impossible. What’s gotten into you lately?"

Matteo smiled and leaned in to press a lingering kiss against Adrian’s flushed cheek. "I’m hopelessly in love with you, baby. That’s why."

Heat instantly crept across Adrian’s cheeks, and he lowered his gaze shyly. "We’re not a new couple, Matteo. Why are you acting like we only met yesterday?"

Matteo gently lifted Adrian’s chin with a finger until their eyes met. His expression softened, every trace of teasing replaced by quiet sincerity.

"It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been together," he said softly. "Every time I look at you, I fall in love with you all over again. And I know I’ll keep loving you more with every passing day."

Adrian felt his heart skip a beat. A soft, breathless laugh escaped him as he smiled up at Matteo. "You’re getting way too good at making me blush, you know that?"

"Then I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure my baby keeps blushing," Matteo replied smoothly, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.

Adrian rolled his eyes, though the affectionate grin on his face only widened. He gave Matteo’s arm a gentle nudge. "Alright, that’s enough. Let’s go upstairs."

Matteo frowned playfully and caught Adrian’s wrist before he could take another step. "Wait a second. Where’s my surprise?"

Adrian smiled mysteriously as he pulled his hand free. "Let’s go upstairs first. After your shower, we’ll come back downstairs, and then I’ll show you."

"Alright. Anything my princess wants," Matteo said without the slightest hesitation as he followed after him.

Nearby, one of the younger maids quickly covered her mouth, trying—and failing—to hide her amused giggle at the affectionate nickname.

Adrian’s face instantly turned bright red. He whirled around, grabbed Matteo’s arm, and whispered frantically, "Babe, have some shame, please!"

Matteo simply laughed, completely unrepentant.

"Never."

Shaking his head with a helpless but loving smile, Adrian intertwined their fingers and led Matteo up the grand staircase. Side by side, they returned to the comfort of their bedroom.

An hour later, they made their way downstairs together.

Chef Selene had already prepared a magnificent dinner, the dining table elegantly set as the rich aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air.

Matteo pulled out a chair for Adrian with practiced ease. After Adrian sat down with a grateful smile, Matteo took the seat beside him.

Just as Matteo reached for his silverware, Adrian lightly caught his arm, a bright, mischievous grin spreading across his face.

"Wait! Don’t eat yet. Close your eyes, baby."

Matteo let out a soft chuckle, giving Adrian a fond, knowing look. "Alright, baby."

Without another question, he leaned back in his chair and obediently closed his eyes, curious to see what little surprise Adrian had prepared for him.

A few seconds later, soft footsteps echoed through the dining room.

An unexpected visitor emerged from the hallway and quietly walked over to Matteo’s chair. Leaning down from behind, the visitor pressed a warm, familiar kiss to Matteo’s cheek.

Even with his eyes still closed, Matteo’s lips curved into a smile. He recognized the familiar scent immediately, but before he could say a word, a cheerful voice whispered into his ear.

"T for Teo."

Matteo’s smile instantly widened, and a quiet laugh escaped him.

"Baby... I’m here. Your baby is back," the voice teased affectionately.

Sitting across the table, Adrian rested his chin on his hand, watching the heartwarming reunion unfold with a bright, satisfied smile.

Matteo let out a disbelieving chuckle and slowly shook his head. "What the fuck... Maxwell?"

Maxwell burst into laughter as he stepped around the chair.

The moment Matteo opened his eyes, Maxwell threw himself into his older brother’s arms, wrapping them tightly around his neck. "I missed you so much, Teo!"

Matteo was too stunned to react for a heartbeat. Then he laughed and hugged Maxwell back just as tightly, pulling him into a fierce embrace.

"What the hell?" he said, still shaking his head in disbelief. "How did you get here? When did you come back?"

Maxwell leaned back just enough to flash him a cheeky grin before tapping his own cheek. "Tell me you missed me first."

Matteo didn’t hesitate for even a second. "I missed you so much, you little idiot."

With that, he pulled Maxwell into another tight, brotherly hug before giving him a playful shove.

Grinning from ear to ear, Maxwell pulled over a chair and sat beside them. He flashed Matteo his brightest smile before finally revealing what he really wanted.

"So... can I stay with you, please, Teo?" he asked hopefully. "Can you please help me talk to Mark? Tell him you’re the one who insisted I stay with you."

Matteo narrowed his eyes immediately.

"Why?