**Chapter 2: Family Ties**

Donovan stretched out on Lando and Max, his long silk press cascading down his back like a waterfall of night. The three of them were lounging in the living room of Prince, Lewis, and Nico's penthouse, enjoying each other's company on a lazy day. Prince, Lewis, and Nico sat on the couch next to them, engaged in a conversation. Prince turned to Donovan and asked, "So, Donovan, what's it like having a black Italian father?" Donovan laughed, a deep, throaty sound. "Man, the whole thing is fucking ridiculous," he said, shaking his head. Donovan's eyes sparkled with amusement as he continued, "My papá is so fucking dramatic about everything and emotional. He loves feeding me, and I'm not even kidding, he's always trying to get me to eat more." Donovan chuckled, his voice rising. "And he's not like a regular Italian dad, you know? He's all about talking about his emotions and shit." Donovan's gaze drifted off, a look of affection on his face. "My papá is actually shy, he's an introverted extrovert. He can talk to anybody about anything because he's charming, but he has his limits. And he's extremely sweet, which made me protect him even when I was younger." Donovan's voice dropped to a growl. "People take shyness for weakness, and I don't play about my papá. Even when I was a little bit, I was getting into it with grown ass adults over him." Donovan's expression softened, his voice taking on a gentle tone. "I still hold his hand when he gets nervous, and my papá is so fucking funny. He's witty, funny, but he's also a fucking goofball who's not afraid to make fun of himself. And he's extremely smart." Donovan smiled, his eyes shining with love. "That's why, even though my mom and my papá split, they got married again because they're life partners. My papá is one of a kind." Prince's eyes lit up with interest. "I remember that video of you surprising your papá when he was conducting, and you kissed him." Prince pulled out his phone and searched for the video. "Let me show you." The video played on the penthouse TV, showing Donovan, dressed in a stunning black Versace gown, his hair pulled back into a sleek middle part bun, his baby hairs swooped and laid. He kissed his papá everywhere on his face, his voice filled with excitement. "I missed you so much, and I don't want you to be nervous. My biggest fan is so fucking excited!" The room erupted in laughter and awws as Giovanni, Donovan's papá, laughed and swayed Donovan back and forth, giving him Eskimo kisses. "I'm so sorry, folks, we'll get straight to it, but my good luck charm had to give me a kiss first," Giovanni said, smiling. Donovan giggled, his face flushing with happiness. "My mama still talks shit about me and my papá because I still cuddle with him and sit on his lap like I'm a baby." Donovan chuckled. "That's why I didn't have one of those weird ass teen rebellion stages, even though I was famous young. I never wanted to hurt my papá's feelings." Max's hand rested on Donovan's stomach, his fingers gently stroking the baby bump that was growing. Lando sat beside them, a warm smile on his face. The room was filled with love and laughter, the bond between the group palpable. As the video ended, Lewis turned to Donovan and asked, "So, Donovan, how's the pregnancy going? Are you feeling okay?" Donovan smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "I'm good, Lewis. Just enjoying this time and getting ready for our little one to arrive." The conversation continued, with the group chatting and laughing together, enjoying each other's company on this lazy day.