"Stefan's eyes won't move from you", Leo declares suddenly.

I follow his gaze and find him really staring at me. He winks when he catches my gaze.

"Man he's whipped!", Leo adds while sipping his drink.

I blush and look away. After our hug, we went to look for Liam. He was ecstatic when he saw us as always. Stefan took him immediately and since then he kept his son with him and now watching both of them from a little distance literally makes me want to go and hug them.

But I'm letting him mingle with his friends and family even though he looks like he would rather be with me. I know his eyes has been on me for a long time.

"Jess", Leo's voice breaks me away from my thoughts. "Does he know that we have been working for him two years ago?"

"No and I pray to God it remains like this", I say and cringe. "I don't want him remembering anything. I don't want him to know that it was me Leo. Do you remember how cringy I was with my chubby cheeks?"

"I beg to differ. Girl you were cute with them", he scolds me. "Only an asshole would said otherwise."

"Stefan had called me ugly", I recall.

"He was a bitch back then", Leo glares at him. "And now look at him. Both father and son are smitten by you."

I veer my gaze towards them and this time, I find both of them looking at me. Liam is smiling happily as always.

"You are the girlfriend now", he teases me making me go crimson again. "I'm so happy for you Jess. Oh god! I might actually cry"

He wipes his non-existent tears and sniff. I laugh at his dramatic manner.

"Thank you bestie", I hook my arm around his arm.

"You manifested this man", Leo continues. "And it realized with a baby. Your little crush became true."

"Leo", I groan. "I didn't do anything. Never in my wildest dream, I thought I would ever be Stefan's girlfriend."

My eyes search for Stefan again and this time he is walking towards us with Liam in his arms. The sight is breathtaking for real. Men in suit just hit different and on top of that, he is carrying a baby.

When did I actually get this lucky?

"Hey", he smiles once he reaches closer.

"Hey", I grin back.

"Come here Liam", Leo exclaims and takes him from Stefan. The little guy laughs when he extends his arms towards him. He hugs Leo back while looking at me. My heart melts.

"I'm taking him for a walk", Leo says to Stefan.

"Don't take too long", Stefan says and checks his wrist watch. "We'll be leaving in a few. Liam needs to sleep."

Leo walks away with Liam and Stefan instantly places his hands on my hips. I look up and give him a smile.

"Did I mention that you look handsome?", I say.

"I recall you humbled me quickly when I came in your room with Liam earlier", he replies, his eyes twinkling under the lights.

"Someone has to keep you in check", I tease him. "Or else your god complex might get worse."

"Come on", he smirks. "You know I'm hot. You just don't want to accept it."

I'm about to speak when Cara calls him. Rolling my eyes internally, I look at her.

"Stefan would you like to dance?", she asks in a hopeful voice.

"I'm sorry Cara", he says. "I don't want to leave Jess alone. Just ask someone else."

She looks dejected and I start feeling bad for her. One dance won't hurt anyone.

"It's okay Stefan", I say with an encouraging smile. "Go. It's only one dance. I'll be fine on my own for a while."

He is about to shake his head but I give his hand a reassuring squeeze signaling him that I'll be fine.

"Okay", he sighs without moving his eyes from me. "I'll join you in a few minutes Cara."

"I'm waiting", she chirps and walks away.

"Aren't you suppose to feel jealous?", Stefan demands with a little frown. "I don't want to dance with her."

"I'm not jealous at all", I laugh. "Because I know you don't want to dance with her and because I trust you."

"Come on Stef", I cajole him when he keeps frowning cutely. "It's just a little dance. Besides she's your friend. By the way, you didn't mind it when you brought her home to make me jealous the other time so just go and dance with her. I don't mind at all. She looked hurt when you turned her down."

"I'm sorry for trying to make you jealous", he murmurs as if sulking. "It totally backfired. I really thought you would speak to me but....."

"It's okay", I stop him gently when he starts tensing up. "Don't think too much about it now. Now go and dance with her so that you can come back to me quickly."

"I'll be right back", he places a gentle kiss on my lips.

"I better not find her lips on yours", I warn him. "Again."

"You won't"

I watch them get on the dance floor. Stefan keeps his distance from her even when dancing. Cara has her hands hook around his neck. Her gaze is solely on him in a dreamy way. She looks totally smitten by him. I don't blame her honestly. He is really handsome.

I find him looking around, his gaze searching definitely for someone. Specifically mine. Once his eyes are on me, he smiles. I give him a small wave and a thumbs up.

"Jess", Esme says suddenly, coming by my side. "I have been looking for you sweetheart. Did you eat?"

"Yes", my heart warms at her concern motherly tone.

"Where's Stefan?", she inquires.

"He's dancing with Cara", I look back at the dance floor and she follows my gaze. Stefan is still looking at me.

"Poor Cara", she utters sadly. "She's still head over heels for my son. I really thought after the whole Ana scenario, she would be perfect for him. I even tried to make them date several times. But it never worked out."

Somehow I start feeling guilty. Now it will never work out because Stefan is with me. My heart twists a little bit when I realize that Cara is Esme's choice for Stefan and of course, as his mother she will only wants the best for his son. Cara is a rich, beautiful and elegant woman. Anyone will choose her.

"Oh I'm sorry honey", Esme clasps my hands in her warm and soft palms instantly when she notices the faraway look on my face.

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I apologize if unknowingly I hurt you my dear."

"Oh no, it's okay", I assure her with a small smile.

"Actually Cara likes Stefan since they have been in high school but he never reciprocated her feelings. Cara is a good girl so I thought maybe after Ana, she might be the right person for him", she elaborates and gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

"But then he found you. I can't thank you enough of how you have actually changed my son Jess. He smiles more because of you. He looks so happy whenever I see him with you."

Seeing her warm and genuine smile make me heave a sign a relief internally. I'm glad she likes me despite the fact that I'm literally an outsider and not of the same society as them.

"You both look great together", she gives a hug. "And Liam loves you too much. Welcome to the family."

Family? I have my own family now?

"Thank you so much Esme", I say when she removes her arms around me. "Thank you for having me with your arms open. It means a lot for me."

"You deserve it Jess", she smiles softly. "I can see the love shining for my son and grandson in your eyes."

I blush and look towards Stefan again. Is it that obvious that I love him?

"And don't worry about Cara", she continues in a serious tone this time. "I'll speak with her. She's a nice girl Jess. I'll make her understand."

I give her small nod and just then Ciara calls her mom. She excuses herself and I find myself standing alone again. I watch Stefan with a stupid grin on my face. The song finally ends and another starts playing. He starts coming towards me but Cara holds him back. I see her telling him something.

Maybe she wants another dance. Rolling my eyes, I make my way towards the bar. I'm thirsty and my ankle has starts to throb a little bit. The doctor did said that it would take time to heal but I didn't realized that it would take this long.

Just when I'm about to reach the bar, someone steps on my injured leg causing me to gasp and next thing, I know I'm falling. My hands automatically shield myself on the floor preventing my face to hit the hard surface. I groan when the pain in my ankle intensifies. Damn, it hurts.

"Jess!", I hear Ciara's concern voice as she rushes by my side. "Oh my God! Are you okay? Melissa what the fuck is wrong with you?!"

"Come on Ciara", she rolls her eyes. "I didn't do it on purpose unlike what you guys did to my hair! You ruined my hair and clothes! Besides, she can't even walk properly. Why did she even come here? She was in my way."

This bitch!

"Jess!", this time it's Stefan reaching out for me. I cringe when I see some of the guests watching me with pity and curiosity.

"Baby are you okay?", Stefan asks with concern, kneeling besides me.

"I am", I murmur with embarrassment.

"Stefan", Ciara chimes in. "Melissa did it on purpose. She stepped on her injured foot. I saw it!"

"What?!"

I watch as his eyes turn to slits in matter of seconds. He glares at Melissa and the latter pales.

"I d-did didn't d-do it on pur-purpose", she stutters.

"Look at you sttutering now bitch!", Ciara snaps and holds her arm in a deadly grip. "Let me call Leo!"

"Stefan it's okay", I add quickly when he looks literally second away from murdering her.

"Can you help me to get up please?", I ask in a hush voice in shame. "Everybody is looking at me."

His gaze softens when he looks at me and he places a kiss on my eyebrow. "I'm so sorry."

He picks me up bridal style instantly and my arms go around his neck for support quickly.

"Stefan", I say in low tone. "I can walk. You don't need to carry me infront of everyone."

My face heats up when the people around us keep looking at me. I feel so uncomfortable. I try to hide my face in his neck.

"I want to", he says firmly. "You are hurt again and I'll be damn if I let you by yourself this time. You are my girlfriend and I can carry you."

"Didn't I tell you to get the hell out of here earlier?!", I hear Ciara snapping. Damn Leo's company is definitely rubbing off her. She's literally turning into him.

"I hope they don't murder her", I state seriously when I see her dragging Melissa away.

"Stefan it's okay", I console him when he remains angry. "It doesn't even hurts that much."

"Don't lie", he says with a clench jaw. "I saw your face when you were on the floor."

"Are we leaving already?", I ask ignoring his words, when I see him marching towards the exit.

"Yes"

"What about Esme?", I say quickly, feeling guilty again. "Stefan you can't just leave like this because of me. It's your mother's anniversary."

"I'll call her later or Ciara will tell her what happened", he explains as he places me inside the car. "She will understand."

"What about Liam?", I demand quickly in concern. "We can't leave him here. I have to get him."

"Leo and Ciara will bring him home in a few minutes", he holds my arms when I'm about to get down the car. "They'll be just behind us in her car."

"Oh okay", I sigh and lean back.

"Let me see your ankle", he squats infront on me and taking my shoes off, he places my feet on his thigh.

"Does it hurts a lot?", he questions. "And I want an honest answer. Don't lie to me."

"A little bit", I confess.

"It's swollen", he states and swears under his breathe. "If I knew that girl would be this pathetic, I would have never left your side."

"It's okay", I assure him.

"That little bit...."

"Don't!", I scold him instantly. "Don't disrespect her. She likes you that's why she behaved like this."

"Respect goes both ways", he affirms in a tight voice. "And I don't give a flying fuck if she likes me or not! She crossed her limit with you."

"Stefan", I cup his face into my palms when I see the anger brewing in his eyes. "Don't be angry. I'm alright. And you are with me now so let's forget about her."

I kiss the tip of his nose and he sighs. His anger dissolves when I give him a kiss on the lips.

"You need to tell me how many women are smitten over you", I say when I pull away. "Just so I can be aware."

"I am totally smitten by you and I want only one woman", he kisses my nose. "You."

"Totally smitten Sir", I confirm and he smiles brightly.

"Come on", he says and puts my shoe on my feet again. "Let's get you home."

Later when we reach home, I'm lying in Stefan's bed while he tucks Liam in his nursery. Apparently he said, I no longer need my own room because I am his girlfriend. We can share his. I have already changed into shorts and loose tshirt. The only problem I'm having right now is my ankle. Even though I took two painkillers earlier, it is still throbbing.

"Hey", I hear Stefan's soft voice a few minutes later. He is already lying next to me. I open my eyes and smile.

"Is it still hurting?", he questions with concern.

"A little bit", I answer.

He gets up instantly, places my leg on his lap and starts massaging my ankle gently. My body relaxes instantly.

"That feels good", I murmur.

"Shut up", I add when I find him smirking.

I keep admiring him while he keeps his attention on my legs. His gaze moves appreciatively on them and for the first time ever, I don't squirm or feel uncomfortable. Usually, I don't like it when someone keeps looking at me but with him, it's different.

"Like what you see?", I tease him.

"Very much", he admits huskily and starts inching his hands up till my thighs. My heart starts thudding anxiously in my chest.

"What are you doing?", I ask in a breathy tone.

"Appreciating", he caresses my upper thigh gently and suddenly stops when he notices my fading mark. I keep looking at him to see his reaction. I actually got this mark when Jake tried to assault me.

"Will you tell me about it?", he asks slowly while running his fingertips gently over it.

"You know about it, don't you?", my voice is surprisingly calm.

His face gives everything away. He looks tense while staring at the marks and when he lifts his eyes to look at me, his gaze holds anger.

I start having flashback of that night all at once. It feels like, I'm reliving those dreadful moments again. Jake was hurting me and he took pleasure in my pain. He looked happy while digging the knife repeatedly in my thighs. The sight of my blood made him satisfied. I was screaming madly and that's when he started hitting me.

"Please stop", I beg. "Let me go. Please!"

"Tsk tsk", he grins while stalking closer to me. "I never let any task unfinish or should I say my new prey?".

He kicks me in my stomach causing me to cry loudly. Squatting next to me, he grips my hair in a tight hold and pulls my head up.

"I need to see your blood", he grins evilly while dragging the tip of the knife on my throat.

My heart pounds heavily in my chest. I can see the raw need to kill in his eyes and I'm going to be his prey in the next few minutes or seconds. Sweat starts trickling down my forehead. I am going to die.

"Jess!"

I snap out of my thoughts when I hear Stefan's voice loudly.

"Are you okay?", he looks concern while running his gaze on my face and that's when I feel sweat dripping down my forehead.

"I'm okay", I assure him a little breathlessly then add a small smile for him.

"I'm so sorry", he apologizes and comes by my side instantly. "I should not have said anything."

"I'm okay", I murmur with a little sign and let him hug me. "Can we talk about this later? I just don't want to ruin our night."

And I'm still a little bit scared of him. The look and urge to kill me in his eyes were terrifying enought to shook me to my core.

"I'm sorry", he repeats and wipes the sweat off my forehead. "I made you relieved those moments. I'm such an ass!"

"Stefan", I stop his rant quickly. "It's really okay. I promise you that I will tell you everything, just give me a little time."

"Take all the time you need", he utters and kisses my head. "There's no pressure at all and you don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to. I don't want you to relive those moments again."

I nod against his shoulder while looking at him. His eyes look trouble for me.

"You are safe here with me", he strokes my cheek. "You don't need to be afraid anymore."

"I'm so happy that you're with me", he declares genuinely after a few seconds while holding my gaze.

"I'm happy too", I admit and feel my stomach drops when I notice his pupils dilating.

He starts bending his face and once his lips meet mine, I close my eyes. As soon as he starts moving his lips on mine, all thoughts of my past fly away. It's only him and I in our own world in this moment.

Stefan wraps his arms around me and turns us around with him now lying on top of me. He kisses me softly at first then as if he can't get enough of me, his mouth becomes insistent against mine. I wound my fingers into his hair, clinging onto him, when his lips part my mouth open. Every touch of his sends a tremor along my nerves.

Goosebumps erupt on my whole body when his tongue brushes against mine. I drag my fingers over his skin and place my hand just above his heart. His heartbeat is matching mine almost as if they are becoming one. As Stefan keeps clinging on me, I feel as if I'm being drug by his touch and kiss. His hand moves down over my curves and he gives my hip a slight squeeze.

My own hands wander on his back, feeling his hard muscles beneath my fingertips. Stefan is kissing me with such an intense passion that I find my toes curling. His hands holds my shoulders gently and from there he starts dragging his fingers sensually over my arms until he reaches both of my hands. He interlaces our fingers together and as he brings our hands besides our heads, he deepens the kiss.

A small moan escapes from me and disappears into his mouth. Heat erupts on my entire body. That's a first. I have never moan. Stefan groans lowly and the sound reverbrates in my whole body. Well, that's hot.

I gasp when he starts leaving kisses on my jaw and makes his way on neck. His hands get easily under my shirt as it's already large on me. My breath gets caught in my throat when I feel his fingers grazing my stomach.

"Stefan", I breathe out when he kisses my throat. My voice sounds thick for some reason.

"Hmmm", he hums near my lips. "I can die hearing you saying my name like this."

I open my eyes and find him smiling down at me. His gaze is gentle and full of desire for me. His eyes travel down on my lips again and we find ourselves getting lost in another mind blowing kiss.

"Can we take it a little bit slower please?", I say softly in a breathless voice and move my thumb across his lower lip.

"I don't want us to go to fast", I confess further. I'm not ready yet.

"You don't have to say please", he leans his forehead against mine. "I want to treasure each and every moment with you slowly."

He starts peppering kisses everywhere on my face and when he looks at me again, I find myself staring at his lips again.

"I've never been kissed like this before", I blurt and touch his soft lips gently with my fingertips.

I want more of his kisses. They are addicting.