Chapter 4
*Hey Cutie, We Meet Again!*
Lucas finished getting ready and descended the staircase. He expected the usual solitude at breakfast,but today, his breath caught as he spotted his mother, Mrs. Ruo, already seated at the table, her presence like a rare jewel in the morning light. Despite raising two grown children, she was a vision of timeless allure, her ageless beauty defying the years. With her silken raven hair resting over her shoulders and a figure that could halt hearts, she is 55 yet she looked no older than a woman in her early thirties,a siren in a world of mortals.
In Yongtai's Holding, Mrs. Ruo was the omega every alpha wanted, a goddess in a human form. Her beauty was a weapon, her charm a spell, yet her heart belonged solely to Lucas's father, the formidable Mr. Zhang. Once his secretary, she'd been more than just a confidante—she was his forbidden obsession, his mistress. Their affair burned bright until fate intervened, she got pregnant. Her dreams hinged on bearing a male heir not just any male but an Alpha just like him, a son to get her place in Zhang's empire and carry his legacy. But destiny had other plans. Her first child, Mei, arrived,an omega, like her , but a breathtaking one, inheriting Ruo's oceanic blue eyes that shimmered like sapphires under starlight.
She never gave up,she tried all over again, not ready to lose and did everything possible to secure her spot and that was when Lucas came into the picture. She rose from being a mistress to a legitimate wife.
"Mom, what are you doing here this early?" Lucas inquired while taking his seat and ready to have his breakfast but his mom was all over him.
"Is that a pimple on your face?" She screamed causing a scene as she requested the presence of all the workers tending to her son's needs. There she goes again! How do I escape this?
Lucas watched her mother display her dramatic side and after she finished, he already lost his appetite.
"Mom, why are you really here?"
"Don't tell me you have forgotten what today is?" Her eyes searched for answers from her son and she looked disappointed when Lucas replied with no knowledge of what was happening today.
"Is there something urgent taking place today?"
"Today is your father's birthday and you know the custom in our family, we all need to be with him."
"Oh shit!!!"
"How could you forget your father's birthday? I am quite certain you have no gift prepared for him as well."
Mel walked in wearing a smile, "I knew he would forget just like how he forgets his own birthday, so I prepared everyone's gift."
"Sister! Thank goodness you are here." Lucas' mood lightened up a bit seeing his sister and they hugged, finally she saved him from their mother's nagging.
*
*
In Mr. Zhang's mansion was lively today because of his birthday celebration. His first wife named Shu, who is a beta, was all over him receiving guests and thanking them for the wishes and gifts. Her two beta daughters named Zi and Yi were busy with other activities as well. Mr Zhang mistress Yun was also well dressed and present with her daughter Fei,also a beta but she looks at Shu with disgust because she wishes to be the one standing with him. The atmosphere changed immediately when Lucas,his sister and mom stepped in.
"Happy birthday father!" Lucas said with a smile giving a sign to the maids to take the gift in. His dad hugged him with a smile announcing Lucas to everyone present and boasted that his Alpha son is his pride, he also talked about the mind blowing project he secured and how the family business keeps growing under his care, "Indeed my son,Jun Zhang is the future of Yongtai Holdings."
"I guess this is my spot." Ruo said to Shu who was filled with rage, "You are worthless, you know that." Shu whispered to her.
"Worthless to also become Zhang's legitimate wife,and also the mother of the heir of Yongtai Holdings, I guess the worthless one is you.."
"You!!" Shu almost allowed anger to consume her but she controlled herself immediately their husband called them.
Zi and Yi got so jealous of Mei and Lucas the way they easily stole the glances of the guests with their cutest especially Lucas' beauty, more reason they hate them.
The celebration continued when Lucas suddenly got a call about the meeting happening, immediately he got his father attention, he told him,his father allowed him to go because it's more urgent , the president of Li Dynasty Corporation himself will be attending and if it goes well, they would successfully secure a huge deal that would forever break new grounds for Yongtai Holdings.
Lucas excused himself immediately to the company.
Yongtai Holdings headquarters, top floor.
The conference room was silent except for nervous coughing and the ticking of a wall clock. Executives sat rigid, stealing glances at the empty seat at the head of the table which was meant for Lucas but for today, he had to sit at the next seat waiting patiently for the arrival of Li son, the president. Some murmur among themselves wondering if he would really come because everyone knows his only son left the country at age 15 and has never returned, he usually sends representatives so if it's true, it will attract more investors and other opportunities to Yongtai Holdings.
The double doors opened,security poured in first, black suits and earpieces. "He is here." They whispered and all stood on their feet. Lucas adjusted his wrist watch and was happy in his heart because he just won a jackpot for the company.
Suddenly the aura in the air changed, Lucas recognised it and behold the handsome tall S-Class Alpha who walked in turned out to be Alex…his rival back then in school and the first guy he kissed.
Alex was so dominating as everywhere shivers,Lucas' executive assistant cleared his throat. "President Li Wei, you are welcome, please this way."
Alex exchanged glances at Lucas and let out a brief flirty smile.
"He is so handsome." They whispered among themselves.
"We may now sit." The executive assistant added and proceeded with a proper introduction before they began the meeting.
The presentation started but Alex never looked away from Lucas. Lucas' heart was pounding fast, Is this the reason I dreamt of the past? Why him?
Halfway through the presentation, Lucas felt it,his suppressants losing ground against Alex's presence. Heat crawled under his skin,he suddenly remembered he didn't take his pills, a little mistake everyone will find out he is not an Alpha, he needs to leave to take the pills immediately.
He stood so abruptly his chair rolled back with a screech. "Excuse me," he said out, voice rougher than intended as he dashed out, unknown to him the pill container slipped from his pocket, Alex was the only one who noticed, he gently picked it up.
Alex rose slowly, face arranged into aristocratic outrage. "Did your CEO just walk out on me?" His voice was silk over steel. "Perhaps Yongtai Holdings doesn't need this partnership after all."
The executive assistant of Lucas named Jet tried pleading but it was in vain, Alex exited the meeting room and ordered the securities to wait downstairs. I need some quiet time with my cutie.
Alex had to observe the pill contained he picked earlier and when he realized what it was meant for he searched for Lucas then something weird happened, a pleasant scent filled the air leading him to the restroom. One of the restrooms was occupied which he forcefully opened and there was Lucas, he was braced against the marble counter, knuckles white, panting through his teeth as waves of omega heat rolled off him in frantic, intoxicating bursts. He was vulnerable
"Hey, cutie," Alex drawled, letting the door click shut behind him. "We finally meet again."
"Get out," Lucas snarled, but the words cracked halfway, turning into something dangerously close to a whimper. His body needed the alpha so badly. Why is he doing this to me? He ruins me once he is present. I need to control myself no matter what.
Alex dangled the suppressant bottle between two fingers. "Looking for these?"
Lucas lunged. Alex lifted the bottle higher, stepping in until Lucas's back hit the wall and there was nowhere left to go.
Years of secrets, of careful lies, of being the perfect Alpha son, shattered in the space between one breath and the next.