Shen Yaojin didn't sleep well.
The mansion was too quiet. Too big. Too perfect.
He kept waking up, half-expecting to see Lu Zhiyuan sitting beside his bed, watching him like some obsessive guardian. But every time he opened his eyes, the room was empty, the curtains swaying slightly from the night breeze.
Good, he told himself. I don't need him hovering.
Still, the silence pressed against his ears, heavy and uncomfortable.
Morning came with sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows. A maid knocked gently before entering, followed by two others carrying clothes and a tray of breakfast.
"Young Master Shen, President Lu has already left for the company," one of them said softly.
Yaojin paused while brushing his teeth.
For a second, something in his chest twisted.
He didn't even say goodbye.
He frowned at his reflection. "Why should he?"
The maid smiled politely, but Yaojin noticed the way she avoided his eyes. To them, he wasn't just Shen Yaojin. He was the omega who married into the Lu family—the contract spouse everyone whispered about.
He hated that.
The drive to the Lu Group headquarters felt like entering another world. Skyscrapers pierced the sky, glass reflecting the city's wealth and ambition. His bodyguards walked behind him like shadows, people bowing as he passed.
Inside the building, employees whispered.
"That's President Lu's husband."
"He's prettier than I imagined."
"I heard it was a political marriage."
Yaojin kept his head high, expression indifferent. But their words clung to him like invisible dust.
Lu Zhiyuan was already in the executive meeting room when Yaojin arrived. He stood at the head of the long table, suit crisp, presence suffocating. Several board members were speaking, but the moment Yaojin entered, Zhiyuan's gaze flickered toward him.
Just for a second.
Then it was gone.
Yaojin sat beside him, crossing his legs, acting bored. Inside, his heartbeat was louder than he liked.
Why does he always look like that? Like he owns everything—including me.
The meeting ended quickly. As everyone left, Zhiyuan handed him a tablet.
"Your schedule," he said quietly. "You'll attend the charity gala tomorrow with me."
"Do I have a choice?"
"No."
Yaojin clicked his tongue. "You're really enjoying this husband role."
Zhiyuan leaned closer, voice low. "You're really enjoying pretending you don't."
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
Yaojin looked away first.
Across the city, Bai Group headquarters buzzed with tension of a different kind.
Han Zexu stood outside the HR office, holding his documents. He had applied for a strategic analyst position, and honestly, he didn't expect to pass. Bai Group was notorious for rejecting Omegas unless they were exceptional.
The door opened.
"Han Zexu? President Bai wants to see you directly."
Zexu froze. "President Bai?"
He entered the executive elevator, hands clenched.
When the doors opened, he was led into a sleek office with glass walls and a panoramic city view. Bai Lianyi stood near the window, jacket off, sleeves rolled up, expression unreadable.
"You're brave," Lianyi said, not turning around.
"For applying?" Zexu asked.
"For choosing Bai Group as an omega."
Zexu lifted his chin. "I chose it because I'm capable. Not because I'm an omega."
Lianyi turned, eyes sharp.
For a moment, the air felt heavy.
Then Lianyi smiled faintly. "Good. I hate fragile people."
He walked past Zexu, close enough for Zexu to catch a faint alpha scent—cold, clean, intimidating.
"You're hired," Lianyi said. "But don't expect mercy."
Zexu bowed slightly. "I don't want it."
Something in Lianyi's eyes shifted.
Back at Lu Group, trouble arrived in heels and silk.
Lin Meiqi stepped out of the elevator like she owned the building. Her dress was elegant, her smile perfect, her eyes calculating.
Yaojin saw her before she saw him.
She really followed him all the way here.
She walked toward him, heels clicking. "Yaojin, it's been a while."
"Not long enough," he replied sweetly.
She laughed. "You're still sharp. Congratulations on the marriage."
"Congratulations on still being shameless," Yaojin shot back.
Her smile didn't falter. "Zhiyuan and I have a long history. I'm sure you know."
"I know enough."
She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You're just a contract, right?"
Yaojin met her gaze calmly. "And you're just an ex. Choose your position carefully."
For a second, Meiqi's eyes darkened.
That night, Yaojin found himself in the mansion's garden. The place was quiet, lanterns glowing softly. He sat on a bench, staring at his phone, scrolling through nothing.
He didn't know why he was waiting.
Footsteps approached.
Lu Zhiyuan stopped beside him. "You should be sleeping."
"You're not my parent."
"You're my responsibility."
Yaojin laughed softly. "You talk like I'm a project."
Zhiyuan sat beside him, closer than necessary. "You're more complicated than any project."
Silence settled again.
"You met Lin Meiqi today," Zhiyuan said.
"Yes."
"She likes trouble."
"She likes you."
Zhiyuan's jaw tightened. "She likes control."
Yaojin looked at him sideways. "And you don't?"
Zhiyuan met his gaze, unblinking. "No. I like ownership."
Yaojin's breath caught.
For a moment, Zhiyuan's hand hovered near his wrist, not touching, but close enough that Yaojin could feel the heat.
Zhiyuan's fingers finally closed around Yaojin's wrist.
Yaojin stiffened, heartbeat racing. He wanted to pull away, but his body didn't move. The alpha's scent wrapped around him, warm and suffocating, making his thoughts blur.
"Let go," he whispered, but his voice sounded weak even to himself.
Zhiyuan leaned closer, their breaths almost touching.
"You don't sound like you mean that."
Yaojin swallowed. His eyes burned with defiance, but his body betrayed him, leaning just a little closer.
"This is fake," he said. "Everything between us is fake."
Zhiyuan's thumb brushed lightly against his pulse.
"Then why does your heart beat like this?"
Yaojin looked away, jaw clenched. He hated how easily this alpha could read him.
For a moment, Zhiyuan's hand moved to his waist, pulling him closer, their bodies nearly touching. Yaojin's breath hitched, heat flooding his face.
He pushed Zhiyuan's chest. "Stop."
Zhiyuan stared at him, eyes dark, then slowly released him.
"Sleep," he said quietly. "Before I forget this is just a contract."
"Go inside," he said. "It's cold."
Yaojin stood, but instead of walking away, he paused.
"Zhiyuan?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you agree to this contract?"
Zhiyuan looked up at the night sky. "Because some things are easier to keep when they're legally bound."
Yaojin didn't understand if that was romantic or terrifying.
In another part of the city, Han Zexu stayed late at Bai Group. He was analyzing data when a coffee cup appeared beside him.
Bai Lianyi stood there.
"You didn't go home."
"I like finishing my work."
"Liking work is dangerous."
Zexu smiled slightly. "Then I'll be dangerous."
Lianyi stared at him for a moment longer than necessary.
That night, Yaojin lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
He thought of Zhiyuan's words.
Ownership.
His hand drifted unconsciously to his stomach.
My first child will be his alpha's, he thought. But does that mean I have to be his too?
He turned to the side, hugging a pillow.
For the first time, he wished the mansion wasn't so quiet.