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Chapter Text

The world had narrowed to the frantic beating of his own heart and the harsh scrape of his chair against the floor. Gao Tu's whispered, "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," sounded like a scream in the suffocating silence of the restaurant. He didn't look back. He couldn't.

He heard the rustle of movement behind him, Shen Wenlang standing, and then his father's voice, oily and manipulative: "Let him go. Talking about aborting his child in front of an Omega is rather cruel..."

Gao Tu didn't wait to hear the rest. He ran out the restaurant door, the cold afternoon air hitting his face like a slap. It didn't help. It didn't stop the storm in his head. Aborted. 10 million. Not a cent less. The words played over and over, matching the dull pain in his stomach. His child, his and Shen Wenlang's, reduced to a transaction. A burden to be paid for and discarded.

And Shen Wenlang's face... that cold, impeccable indifference. The disdain Gao Tu had seen flash in his eyes confirmed his deepest fears. He was a problem. This pregnancy was a problem.

Tears blurred his vision as he fumbled for his phone, his fingers slippery with cold sweat. He needed to call Ma Heng and scape.

But before he could dial, a black car, sleek and silent as a predator, pulled up to the curb right in front of him before he could dial. The back door opened.

Shen Wenlang sat inside.

The light from the car cut across his sharp, hard profile. He didn't turn his head, just stared straight ahead. His voice was low, a complete contrast to the chaos tearing Gao Tu to pieces

“Get in.”

It wasn’t a request. It was an order, delivered with the same finality as a judge passing a sentence.

Gao Tu stumbled back a step, his heart trying to punch its way out of his chest. “I… I can’t.”

Finally, Shen Wenlang turned. His eyes, dark and impossible to read, moved over Gao Tu’s pale, tear-stained face, then down to the hand he had pressed against his still-flat stomach.

“Gao Tu,” he said, his voice dropping even lower, controlled calm. “Get in the car. Or I will carry you in myself.”

The threat was real. The street was empty. His men were probably close by. Running was not an option. A broken, pathetic sound escaped Gao Tu’s throat as the last of his willpower crumbled. He slid into the expensive leather seat, and the door closed behind him with a heavy thud, final as a coffin lid.

The car pulled away, smooth and fast, leaving the homely restaurant and its nightmare behind. The partition was up, trapping them in a tense, silent world. The smell of Shen Wenlang's pheromones, iris and burning incense, usually a shameful comfort, now felt suffocating, pressing him down into the seat.

"What is this about?" Shen Wenlang asked. His voice was too calm, the kind of calm that comes before a storm.

Gao Tu curled into himself, pressing against the door, wanting to disappear. “My father… he speaks for himself. Not for me.”

“I am not asking about your father,” Shen Wenlang snapped, his control finally cracking. He reached out, his fingers hovering just shy of Gao Tu’s chin, making him look up. “I am asking you. Is it true?”

The tears came then, hot and fast. He wanted to be brave, to fight back, but all he felt was a deep, hollow fear. His head gave a small, shaky nod.

The air in the car became heavy, hard to breathe. Shen Wenlang’s eyes widened just a little as if he was surprised. He looked down at Gao Tu’s stomach again, and for a single, fleeting moment, his expression was completely open. It wasn’t disgust he showed, but something closer to shock, maybe even wonder.

“I was the omega at the event.” Gao Tu whispered, his voice trembling.

Shen Wenlang was quiet for a while, processing. The car sped through the streets of Yi City, heading towards a destination only he knew.

"You were going to run," he said, his voice flat and sure. "You were going to take my child and just disappear.”

“And you were going to let him abort it!” The words burst out of Gao Tu, sharpened by a sudden, fierce need to protect. "I saw it in your eyes! You think this is all a mistake! A burden!”

Shen Wenlang’s jaw tightened. What I think," he said, each word like a cut, "is that you and my child were almost sold by your worthless father for 10 million. What I think is that you, in your stupidity, would rather trust someone like Ma Heng than the Alpha who put this child inside you.”

The words hurt, each one landing like a slap. A sudden, sharp pain twisted in Gao Tu's stomach, so bad it stole his breath. He gasped, folding in on himself, a cold sweat instantly covering his skin. The strong smell of iris and incense in the car became too much, like a heavy blanket smothering him. His own sage scent, wild with panic, surged in response, flooding the car with a desperate, clashing storm.

“It… it hurts…” he choked out.

In an instant, the cold mask on Shen Wenlang's face was gone, replaced by real alarm. He saw the greyish tint to Gao Tu's skin, the way his body tensed and curled from a pain that was clearly physical.

"Gao Tu?" His hand shot out, gripping Gao Tu's shoulder. The hold was firm, but not rough. "What's wrong?"

“The pheromones… too strong…” Gao Tu gasped, his vision spotting. The gland on his neck was burning, throbbing out of control. “Shen… Wenlang… please…”

He was losing consciousness. The last thing he felt was Shen Wenlang’s arms catching him as he slumped. The last thing he heard was Shen Wenlang’s voice, all its usual control gone, shouting at the driver with a raw, sharp fear he had never heard from him before.

He felt a desperate, tight grip around his body, and the fading, lonely scent of his own sage, swallowed up by the storm of iris and burning incense. He had been found. He had been caught. And now, his life and the life of their child were completely in the hands of the one man he had tried so hard to escape.

Shen Wenlang’s hand, usually so controlled, trembled as it brushed a damp strand of hair from Gao Tu’s forehead.

“What have they done to you?” The words were a raw, low whisper, meant for no one but himself. A terrible understanding was crashing down on him. The heavy weight of his own S-Alpha pheromones, the stress, the confrontation… he saw it now. He had done this. His own anger had pushed Gao Tu over the edge.

The car didn't go to the local Yi City hospital. Shen Wenlang had already made a call, his voice commanding. "Get the specialist team at He Ci ready. We're arriving soon. An Omega, pregnant, in critical pheromone distress." He paused, his jaw tightening. "My Omega."

The words were final, leaving no room for argument. He Ci Hospital in Jiang Hu City was his domain, the best and only place he would trust something that was now, undeniably, his.

Inside He Ci's emergency room, the air was thick with the scent of sage. It was a desperate, sickening aroma that clung to the sterile white walls. That scent that was life itself, gushing from a gland pushed far beyond its limits. It was so strong it almost felt like you could see it, a torrent of colors, like the last, brilliant burst of a dying sunset.

Shen Wenlang stood frozen outside the glass wall of the resuscitation room. The scent of his own iris pheromone was more intense than usual. He stood like a statue, his white knuckles clenched tightly. He watched the doctors work, their faces tense with concentration and concern. His eyes were fixed on the gland at the base of Gao Tu's neck. It was an angry, swollen, pulsing mass.

After four long hours, the frantic beeping of the monitors finally began to steady. Gao Tu’s vital signs were stabilizing. But the fight wasn't over. He was still balanced on the edge, not yet safe from the danger that held him.

Shen Wenlang had pulled every string he could and bypassed all the hospital bureaucracy to find one specific person: Gao Tu's family doctor. This was the man who had treated the omega since he first presented himself, the one who knew his entire history, including a lifetime of repressing his own nature.

The doctor who finally came out of the ICU was an older Omega. He had a kind face, but it was worn thin with worry and a deep, bitter anger that was always aimed at Shen Wenlang on the rare occasions they met.

"Mr. Shen," he said. The title was ice-cold, dripping with a dislike he didn't even try to hide.

"Report," Shen Wenlang commanded, his voice low and dangerous. He ignored the doctor's hatred. The only thing in the world that mattered was lying behind that glass.

"Gao Tu’s condition is extremely critical," the doctor began, his tone sharp. "His gland is in full rebellion after a lifetime of suppression and the recent extreme stress. It's producing pheromones at a rate it can't sustain, while the actual levels in his blood are crashing. It's a paradox—like an engine tearing itself to pieces."

He paused, his own eyes wandering toward the unconscious Omega. "The pregnancy…" He hesitated, seeing the dark storm gather in Shen Wenlang's expression. "The baby, against all odds, is holding on. It's strong. But the pressure on Gao Tu's body is immense. It's literally tearing him apart from the inside. We've placed a temporary artificial barrier to try to slow the pheromone overflow, but his body is fighting it, treating it like another enemy."

Shen Wenlang's knuckles were white. "What is the prognosis?"

To suppress the uncontrolled pheromone overflow, the doctors had made an incision in Gao Tu’s pheromone gland and implanted an artificial barrier device. To prevent unconscious convulsions from the agony from interfering with post-surgical healing, a cream-colored neck brace had been locked tightly around his throat. He looked small and broken amidst the web of wires and tubes.

“The medical interventions have reached their limit. He needs an Alpha.” The doctor's gaze was a direct challenge, fixed on Shen Wenlang. When the S-Alpha didn't respond, the doctor's voice grew sharper, each word intentional. "I mean a real Alpha. One who can stay by his side, providing constant, natural pheromone support. No more synthetic extracts or drugs. His body, his very spirit, needs to remember how to find its balance. And only a compatible Alpha can be that anchor for him. Nothing less will work."

This was no longer just medical advice. It was an accusation, a demand that placed Gao Tu's life straight in Shen Wenlang's hands.

For a moment, the S-Class Alpha was utterly still. The words "He needs an Alpha" echoed in the silent hallway, feeling less like a solution and more like a judgment on his own failure. He was the one whose actions had shattered Gao Tu's fragile control. Or so he believed.

Shen Wenlang had pursued him, nearly destroyed him. And now, Gao Tu wouldn't wake up to a friendly face like Ma Heng's. He would open his eyes to see Shen Wenlang; his Alpha, the father of his child, the man who would now rather destroy the world than let him go again.

"It's me," Shen Wenlang said, his voice low, all the usual arrogance gone, leaving something raw and confident beneath. "I'm his Alpha." The words hung in the air, a statement that was more of a bond. "What's our compatibility result?"

The family doctor's stern face didn't soften, but he nodded briefly, as if this was the least acknowledgment Shen Wenlang deserved. He glanced at the lab report in his hands. "Ninety percent."

The number hit Shen Wenlang with the force of a physical blow. Ninety percent. It wasn't just a high number; it was a deep, biological scream of belonging where most people only found a whisper.

Pheromone compatibility refers to the natural physiological match between an Alpha and an Omega. For random pairings, the median usually falls between 40–50%. Studies have shown that if the compatibility between an Alpha and an Omega exceeds 50%, they will naturally develop a sense of fondness toward each other, creating the possibility for further development.

Generally speaking, extremely loving and exemplary couples almost always had a compatibility rating of 75% or higher. At 90%, it was more than attraction; it was a bond that could soothe a devastated gland where all other remedies had failed.

“We will prepare the room for calming pheromone therapy immediately,” the doctor declared.

Soothing pheromone therapy was a key clinical project launched this year by the Provincial Capital Pheromone Specialist Hospital, still in its experimental stage. As a critically ill patient with a special condition, Gao Tu was recommended by his family doctor to be selected into the trial group. For an S-Alpha and an Omega with a 90% compatibility rating, the potential for success was significant, it was perhaps the only thing that could reach him now, in the depths of his physiological collapse.

Shen Wenlang nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the frail figure behind the glass. The path ahead was perfectly clear and terrifyingly simple. He would have to become Gao Tu's medicine. His stability. His protector. It was a duty he would embrace with every fiber of his being, the only way to repair the damage he had done.

Shen Wenlang took a slow, deep breath and entered Gao Tu's room.

The air was still, carrying only a faint, sweet scent of sage.

He pulled a chair closer to the bed, the simple movement seeming weightier and more important than any deal he had ever concluded. He reached out, his fingers pausing for a moment before finally resting on Gao Tu's limp hand. The touch sent a shiver through him; it was deeply intimate.

Then he began. He focused on lowering the rigid mental walls that controlled his own power. He let his pheromones permeate the room, not as a command or a threat, but as a gentle, constant, comforting presence. The strong scent of burning incense softened like the warmth of a fireplace. The sharpness of iris blossomed in the comfort of wet earth after a rain. It was an act of kindness from a man who had forgotten what kindness was. His very essence enveloped the fading spark of Gao Tu's, bringing it back to life.

αβΩ

He was back in the past, but this time he carried the heavy knowledge of everything that would go wrong. In this dream, he was careful. He kept his admiration for Shen Wenlang polite, measured, and safe.

He still felt grateful to him, but he let that be the end of it.

He didn't try to close the distance between them. He didn't take a single step forward.

Affection must be mutual. He told himself, the thought a quiet, sad echo in his mind.

The dream shifted, pulling up a memory, clear and painful. "Here, try this. It's sour, but it's good for you. It's suitable." Shen Wenlang smiled, holding out a bottle of sea buckthorn juice, his expression one of easy, superior charm.

This time, with hands that only shook on the inside, Gao Tu calmly pushed the juice away. "Thank you, Shen Wenlang," he said, his voice perfectly flat and polite. "But I don't need it."

The polite rejection cracked the Alpha's casual mask. His eyes turned cold. He set the bottle down, his handsome face tightening as something dark flickered in his gaze. "Are you telling me," he said, his voice low, "that you don't want it?"

Gao Tu's heart hammered against his ribs. His mouth went dry, and a frantic, blazing heat bloomed in his chest.

The dream shifted violently. The overwhelming scent of an Alpha hit him, and Gao Tu staggered back, off balance. In an instant, Shen Wenlang's hand reached out, gripping his wrist tightly. He thrust the bottle into Gao Tu's hands. His expression was cold to the point of terror as his voice sank low: “You’ve to accept it even if you don’t want it.”

Then the dream faded. The pressure on his wrist vanished.

Slowly, reality began to penetrate the haze of drugs and pain. It came not as a vision, but as a smell. The scent of burning incense and iris soothed his frayed nerves, his tense muscles feeling limp, limp, and helpless. There was a muffled sound in his ears, like someone speaking from the other end of a long tunnel. He couldn't understand the words and had no strength to respond. He could only sink into the strange comfort of the very presence that had once been the source of all his fear.

The familiar scent grew stronger, a fragrant wave washing over him. And then, deep in his belly, the tiny, budding life, just a cluster of cells and bones, seemed to stir of its own accord. It moved, stretched, instinctively seeking the scent of its Alpha father. A faint, vibrant sensation trembled against the inside of his womb. It was a silent, biological recognition.

From a distance, he heard a voice, deep with worry. “The baby is moving so much,” Shen Wenlang murmured, his hand a warm, heavy pressure on Gao Tu’s abdomen, right where the flutter had been. “Can this still go on? Are you certain it won’t harm them? Doctor?” The question lost all its usual authority, revealing a pure fear of causing further harm to Gao Tu or his son.
"He's getting better," the doctor's voice replied, firm and sure. "Right after the surgery, the pain got much worse. But he was too unconscious to even react. Now, he feels a slight discomfort. That's a sign of progress."

The doctor's footsteps approached. "Actually, these pheromone therapy sessions are working very well. If he wakes up in the next three days, his chances of a full recovery are very high. That's why we need to keep going. Don’t give up."

Don’t give up.

The words echoed in the hazy space between his defiant dream and his surrendered body. He had tried so hard, in his mind, to finally push it away, to say, "I don't need this." But there, in that hospital bed, his own biology was betraying him. His son, their son, instinctively reached for the Alpha he had just rejected in his dreams.

He was trapped not only by the wires and tubes, but by his baby's primal yearning, and by the relentless, soothing scent filling his lungs. The most frightening thing was the small, traitorous part of him that, soothed by that warmth and disturbed by the concern in that voice, wanted to stop fighting.

But his body, in its ancient wisdom, had already stopped fighting. It was giving in. It was healing...

αβΩ

Because of their compatibility, after eight long days of continuous soothing pheromone therapy, Gao Tu’s pheromone imbalance was finally brought under control. The doctors carefully removed the artificial inhibitor from his ravaged gland, and with the immediate crisis averted, Gao Tu was formally discharged from He Ci Hospital.

But leaving the hospital wasn't a return to freedom. The doctor's orders were clear and made perfect sense: he needed to continue his treatment at home. The reason was a simple, indisputable biological truth: a pregnant Omega is fragile, and he needed his Alpha's pheromones to stay healthy.

He wasn't taken back to his own small apartment. The expensive business car carried him instead to a penthouse high above the city; the two-story fortress with stunning views, belonging entirely to Shen Wenlang. The air inside was already heavy with the familiar scent of burning incense and iris, a perfect environment to keep him calm and steady.

To keep him.

The door closed behind them. Gao Tu stood in the middle of the enormous, luxurious living room, his gaze drifting past the soaring ceilings to the sleek staircase that led to a private upper level. One hand moving automatically to rest on the small curve of his belly.

The running was over. Now all that remained was the reality of the child growing inside him and the Alpha whose pheromones had become as essential as the air he breathed.

Chapter Text

The silence in the penthouse was heavy, uncomfortable, after the constant beeping and muffled voices of the hospital. It was a silence filled with unspoken words, a history of misunderstandings and hurts that sat between them. But Gao Tu was still fragile, recovering and raging hormones. He needed rest more than conversation.

Shen Wenlang, for his part, followed the doctor's instructions with almost intense concentration. He didn't led Gao Tu up the sweeping staircase to the guest room, but to his own. The message was clear, even if he didn't say it aloud: this was his space, and now, so was Gao Tu.

"This is for you," he said softly. "I will be in the guest room."

It wasn't a surrender. It was a calculated move. He was giving Gao Tu privacy, but within a space he had already filled with his own scent.

"We can continue with the pheromone therapy during the day," he said from the doorway. His sharp eyes scanning Gao Tu's tired face, and then added, the words clearly awkward for him, "And... tell me if you need anything for your, hm... nest."

The word sounded scientific and deeply personal, hanging in the air between them. Gao Tu felt his face heat with a wave of embarrassment and something else, something flustered and welcoming. Before he could even reply, the Alpha gave a short nod and was gone, the door closing.

The moment he found himself alone, Gao Tu's fragile composure shattered. He stood in the center of the luxurious room, completely adrift. He was immersed in Shen Wenlang's potent, comforting scent, a scent that emanated from the silk sheets, clung to the soft pillows, was woven into the air. It was a scent meant to calm him, but instead, it opened a floodgate of memories and cruel instincts he'd spent his entire life burying.

“Gao Tu, your father is a beast! He’d sell his wife and children for money! You must never let him find out you’re an Omega, do you hear me? Promise me! Say you’ll keep this secret! Say it! Say it!”

Her sobbing only grew more intense with fear and desperation, echoed in his mind as if she were right there. He could still feel the desperate, painful grip of her hands on his eleven-year-old arms, see the frantic terror in her eyes. His own eyes had filled with tears as he nodded, his small voice shaking. “I’ll keep this secret! Mom, don’t cry.”

She pulled him into a tight hug, tears soaking his shirt. “Gao Tu, you must remember,” she sobbed into his hair, “that you are a Beta. You are a Beta...”

From that day forward, he locked his Omega nature away in a deep, dark place. Daily suppressants became his ritual, a chemical mask that hid his true scent and stifled the instincts that yearned for warmth, for connection, for the simple, deep comfort of a nest. He taught himself to walk like a Beta, to talk like a Beta, to stifle the very core of himself that yearned for everything he was now forced to embrace.

His legs couldn't hold him anymore. He sank onto the edge of the huge bed, the expensive duvet cool and soft beneath his trembling hands. He ran his fingers over the pillow, which was so permeated with Shen Wenlang's scent that it felt like the man himself was there. A choked sob escaped his throat.

Stretching out on Shen Wenlang's bed, completely surrounded by the Alpha's presence, Gao Tu curled up into a tight ball. He curled up as small as he could, as if he could simply disappear into the mattress. He buried his face in the pillow, breathing in the scent of incense and iris, and for the first time since he was that terrified little boy, he cried. He cried for the Omega he was never allowed to be. A lifetime of hiding, a secret that had stolen his very identity.

αβΩ

A few hours later, Shen Wenlang knocked softly on the bedroom door. He said he would bring food, but when there was no answer, he pushed the door open slowly, careful not to make any noise.

The sight in front of him made his breath hitch and something deep in his chest clench. Gao Tu was asleep in the middle of the bed, but not under the expensive duvet. He had burrowed into a pile of Shen Wenlang's own clothes; shirts and sweaters left in a laundry basket. He was curled up deep in the fabrics that held the Alpha's most personal, unguarded scent. He looked terribly young and defenseless.

Shen Wenlang had planned to set out fresh clothes for when the omega got out of the shower, but it seemed Gao Tu had already found what he needed.

A fierce, possessive wave hit him, a raw need to climb into that nest of discarded laundry, wrap himself around the Omega, breathe in the scent at the nape of his neck and never let go. But he didn't. He suppressed the instinct, locking it away.

He carefully placed the tray of food on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the mattress, his weight causing it to dip slightly.

“Gao Tu.” He called his name softly.

When there was no response, Shen Wenlang called his name again. But this time, he let his hand rise and settle in the Omega's soft hair. His fingers gently combed through the strands.

At the touch, Gao Tu sighed, a soft, contented sound that was almost a purr. Still half asleep, he instinctively leaned into the contact, his body seeking more of that comfort before his mind could catch up. It was a pure reaction, an Omega responding to the care of his Alpha.

And then, he remembered.

His eyes fluttered open. The warm, safe haze of sleep faded, replaced by a shock of cold reality. He was in Shen Wenlang's house, buried in the man's clothes, and the Alpha himself was... petting him.

“President Shen.” The title escaped in a rushed breath. Even though he was no longer Shen Wenlang's personal secretary, years of professional habit and ingrained respect were hard to break.

Shen Wenlang's hand went still. A frown crossed his face, something dark and unreadable, displeasure, maybe frustration, passing through his eyes. But he didn't say a word. He pulled his hand back, and the sudden lack of touch left Gao Tu's scalp feeling strangely cold.

He stood up and picked up the tray.

"You need to eat," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He placed the tray firmly on Gao Tu's lap.

Gao Tu accepted the food, but before he could say something, Shen Wenlang was already walking away. “When you’re ready, we can continue the therapy,” he said, with his back to the Omega. Then the door clicked shut, leaving him alone once more.

Watching the Alpha leave so quickly felt like a confirmation of his worst fears. A heavy sadness settled in his chest. Of course, he thought. It must be hard for him. The Alpha was there only out of duty, bound by the doctor's orders and the accidental pregnancy.

He imagined how difficult it must be for Shen Wenlang to be around him. Gao Tu still couldn't fully control his own pheromones, and he knew that the Alpha had an aversion to the scent of omegas. His presence was a burden, an unpleasant obligation.

He ate a little, no longer hungry, and then lay back down in the pile of the Alpha's clothes. He buried his face in the fabric, breathing in the scent eagerly, as if it were the only pure air in a world that was suffocating him.

αβΩ

They didn't see each other again until the next morning. Gao Tu was so exhausted that he only woke once that night to go to the bathroom, his body heavy with sleep and the effort of recovery. But he knew Shen Wenlang had been there. The tray was gone from his bedside. In its place was a cool glass of water. And, carefully wrapped around it, a soft, heavy blanket that hadn't been there before.

Gao Tu made a decision. This strange, suffocating impasse could not continue. If Shen Wenlang could provide him with a supply of old clothes, imbued with his scent, he could get through the pregnancy alone. It didn't have to be a constant, daily burden.

The memory of his family doctor's warning echoed in his head: “If you insist on keeping this child, then you need to find the Alpha who got you pregnant! Even if he won’t give you a mark, at the very least you should ask him for a tube of whole blood!” The doctor told him helplessly, “Just 200 milliliters—there’s enough Alpha pheromone in that to save your life! This is your first pregnancy; you have no idea what kind of torture it is to endure gestation entirely on your own!”

He didn't need blood. Just some used shirts. It was a simple and discreet solution.

After a warm shower, he put on the Alpha's borrowed clothes, a necessity since none of his own were there, and left the room, ready to send the message that he was leaving. He padded down to the living room, but he stopped suddenly. His senses were flooded with the Alpha's strong, concentrated scent.

What? He should be at the office by now.

The scent pulled him into the study. The door was open, and Shen Wenlang's voice, hoarse with a fury Gao Tu had only heard when dealing with company problems, echoed down the hallway.

"Agree to what, Hua Yong!?" Shen Wenlang was coming apart, his usual control shattered. "Agree to give him 10 million and let Gao Tu abort my child?!"

Gao Tu's blood froze. Hua Yong. Of course. How could he be so stupid? Shen Wenlang and Hua Yong were together. He was discussing the pregnancy, their pregnancy, with his partner. The humiliation was a physical slap.

On the other end of the line, Hua Yong, wearing an apron while cooking for Sheng Shaoyou, offered pragmatic advice. “You should have listened to me months ago when I offered to help you win Secretary Gao back. If you're planning to confess, you'd better do it soon.”

“I know that now!” Shen Wenlang’s voice was a frustrated growl. Just then, a bitter, distressed wave of sage pheromones hit him. He glanced toward the door and his heart stopped. Gao Tu stood there, pale and wide-eyed, the very picture of shattered betrayal. "I have to go. Talk to you later." He ended the call abruptly.

Gao Tu tried to swallow, his throat like sandpaper. "President Shen, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your call." The words were automatic, the reflex of his time as a secretary masking a world of hurt.

"Interrupt? No, you did me a favor." The attempt at a joke fell flat, his tone tense.

He headed for the door, wanting to explain, to fill the gap his words had left. But Gao Tu instinctively took a step back. Once more... That flinch was like a knife to Shen Wenlang's heart. Would Gao Tu still be so afraid of him?

The urge to scream, to punch the wall, to somehow erase a lifetime of his own arrogance and blindness, was overwhelming. He truly had a lot of work ahead of him if he ever hoped to win back his Omega.

"Come on, you need to eat." Shen Wenlang's voice was low.

"Shen Wenlang-" Gao Tu started, his voice barely a whisper. He wanted to explain his plan, to say he was leaving and free them both from this impossible situation.

"Later," the Alpha cut him off. His tone was gentle but left no room for discussion. "You need to eat."

Gao Tu's protest died in his throat. He didn't want to stress the baby. Yes, he would leave, he was determined. But if he could stay a little longer in that close proximity, inhaling his scent… His decision wavered; his body's deep need fighting against the logic in his heart.

He was so grateful to his former boss. Shen Wenlang had been his unwitting savior countless times: paying for the treatment and surgery that saved his sister's life, placing her in the care of the best specialists, offering Gao Tu a job that had been his lifeline. The debt was too big to ever repay. The only thing left for Gao Tu, the last way to say thank you, was to disappear. Stop being a burden and allow this good and powerful man to build a life with his true mate, Hua Yong, without the complications of an unwanted Omega and an accidental child.

The omega was so immersed in this spiral of self-sacrificing insecurity that his own scent turned sharp and sour, a tang of distress cutting through the air.

Shen Wenlang felt the change instantly. A new wave of his calming pheromones, the soothing scent of burning incense and iris, inundated the space around them, an instinctive, protective response to the Omega's anguish. He still didn't have the words to fix this, but his own nature cried out for comfort, to protect Gao Tu from the pain he had inadvertently caused. It was a silent, desperate plea, written in the only language his Alpha nature knew.

The meal ended in a silence so heavy and awkward you could almost touch it. It was a world away from their old life, where business dinners were filled with easy conversation. Now, the only sounds were the clink of forks and the weight of all the things they weren't saying.

Needing to do something, anything, to escape the quiet, Gao Tu quickly gathered the empty plates. "I'll get these," he murmured, not waiting for an answer before heading to the kitchen.

Shen Wenlang watched him for a moment, then picked up the remaining glasses and followed. "Let me," he said, his voice firm as he stepped into the kitchen.

Gao Tu, already turning on the tap, glanced over his shoulder. "What? No, I can wash them." His tone was polite, but there was a thread of defiance there, a small stand for his autonomy.

"But you should be resting," Shen Wenlang insisted, using the doctor's orders as a reason for his own need to look after him.

A flash of frustration showed on Gao Tu's face. "I'm fine, really."

Shen Wenlang studied him for a long moment, the set of his shoulders, the firm line of his back. Arguing would only cause more stress. With a quiet, condescending sigh, he decided not to press the issue. Instead, he grabbed a clean towel from the counter.

He didn't leave. He moved to stand beside the omega, taking each freshly washed plate, bowl, and cup from Gao Tu's hands and drying them meticulously. It was a silent, stubborn partnership, a wordless negotiation in which Gao Tu was allowed to carry out his task, and Shen Wenlang ensured he was never truly alone in it. He was trying to help, to be there, in the only way he knew he wouldn't be immediately rejected.

The last dish was dry and put away. There were no more excuses to remain in the tense silence of the kitchen. Knowing he could no longer postpone the painful conversation; Gao Tu took a deep breath.

"We need to talk." He turned to face the alpha, his expression a mix of determination and profound exhaustion.

Shen Wenlang's gaze was steady. He had been waiting for this. "Okay," he agreed quietly. "Let's sit on the sofa." It was a practical suggestion; they could talk more comfortably there, and he could easily let his calming scent fill the air, a subtle anchor for what was to come.

In the living room, Gao Tu intentionally chose the farthest corner of the large sofa, putting as much space between them as he could. It was a sign of what he was about to do, to walk away not only from the Alpha's irresistible presence, but also from the desperate longing of his own heart. Letting go would hurt more than he could bear. But he had a baby to care for now. His hands moved over the small curve of his belly, a silent reminder of why he needed to be strong.

The silence in the living room was heavier and deeper than that in the kitchen. Gao Tu kept his eyes fixed on his hands, clasped tightly in his lap. He could feel the weight of Shen Wenlang's gaze, patient and expectant, and it made the words he had rehearsed feel like shards of glass in his throat.

He took a deep breath, the air thick with the same pheromones he was trying to escape.

"I... I'm going to leave," Gao Tu said, the words feeling both heavy and fragile in the quiet room. "It's for the best."

Shen Wenlang went very still. The air itself seemed to grow thick. "Leave?" he repeated, the single word laced with disbelief.

"Yes." The finality of it hung between them. He had to keep going, to lay out the practical plan that was his only way to survive this. "You've been... more responsible than anyone could ask. But this... us being here like this... it's not right. I'm a problem you shouldn't have to deal with."

He dared a quick look up. Was that pain he saw flash in Shen Wenlang's eyes? No, he must be imagining it. He hurried on, the words spilling out.

"I know this is inconvenient. I know it's getting in the way of your life. With your partner." He couldn't bring himself to say Hua Yong's name, giving the man a title felt safer, less real. "So, here's what I propose. Just... give me some of your old clothes. The ones that smell like you. I can take them and get through the pregnancy on my own. I won't be a burden anymore. Then you and... him... you can be free."

He finally met Shen Wenlang's gaze fully, his eyes wide, begging for this simple, terrible solution.

Shen Wenlang was silent for a long, suffocating moment. His dark eyes scanned Gao Tu's face, reading the fear and resignation there. When he finally spoke, his voice was dangerously soft, a low thrum of emotion that made the air vibrate. The scent of burning incense sharpened with a sting of pain and anger.

"Burden?" he repeated, the word a disbelieving whisper. "You think you're a burden to me?" He was trying to stay calm, but the insanity of the statement was cracking his control. His voice began to rise, carrying a frantic tone. "And which partner?"

Gao Tu nervously adjusted his glasses, his tongue darting out to wet his dry lips. "S-Secretary Hua," he managed to say.

Shen Wenlang stared at him, and the truth crashed over him with such a force. Damn it. He had completely forgotten that Gao Tu was still living in a reality constructed by Hua Yong's manipulative lies, still believing that Shen Wenlang’s heart belonged to someone else.

Back then, to secure the business alliance with Hua Yong, they had both played their parts perfectly, crafting an image of intimacy designed to mislead Sheng Shaoyou. Of course, Gao Tu, who was always by his side, had drawn the same painful conclusion.

Inside, Shen Wenlang was cursing Hua Yong a thousand times over, but on the outside, he held himself perfectly still. He couldn't risk a single spark of anger, not when Gao Tu looked so ready to bolt.

He ran a hand through his hair, a short, heartless laugh escaping him as he fought for composure. Then he moved, closing the distance between them on the sofa, his hands reaching out to capture Gao Tu's, forcing the omega to accept his touch, to really listen.

"Gao Tu," he said, his voice intense, pleading. "I'm sorry. Please, just let me explain. Let me tell you the truth."

Chapter Text

What had started as a simple, painful conversation about him leaving had spiraled into the most disorienting revelation of his life.

Gao Tu froze, the world spinning around him. He was trying to process the flood of words, to fit this new, shocking story into the reality he had accepted for a long time. It was too much. His eyes flickered up to meet Shen Wenlang's, only to dart away again as if burned, the contact sending a jolt straight through him.

What did it all mean? That Hua Yong was an enigma, not an Omega? That his entire relationship with Shen Wenlang had been an elaborate scheme to make Sheng Shaoyou jealous? The logic was there, cold and clear, but it crashed violently against the memories seared into his mind.

"But..." Gao Tu's voice was weak, his eyes fixed on their clasped hands.

"But what about the marks on his wrist that time?” he whispered, the memory vivid “And I... I saw you two kissing in your office." The admission was torn from him, carrying a faint, sharp sting of distressed sage that cut through the Alpha's soothing pheromones.

He was still trying to control it, to lock down the bitter jealousy threatening to spill out, but his body betrayed the ache of a wound he'd carried for so long.

To Shen Wenlang, that sour, painful note in the Omega's scent was not a sign of failure, but a gift. It was a confession in itself. A wave of fierce, desperate hope washed over him, so strong it felt like forgiveness. He allowed himself a single, internal moment of comfort, clinging to an undeniable truth: Gao Tu must be jealous. The emotion he had previously foolishly ignored was now the evidence he needed to prove his case.

"Tutu,"

The old nickname, one he hadn't used since they were students, slipped out without thinking, breaking through years of formality. The effect was instantaneous. Gao Tu jerked his head up, his eyes wide with shock. A blush crept across his cheeks, replacing some of the painful whiteness.

Shen Wenlang pressed his advantage, gently squeezing Gao Tu's hands, making the Omega turn to him. "I swear," he said, his voice low and intense, "besides that one staged moment, I have never kissed, touched, or slept with Hua Yong. There has never been anything between us beyond a business arrangement and a friendship that began when we were children."

He leaned closer, his gaze fixed on Gao Tu, willing him to believe him. "If you don't trust me, we can go to his apartment right now. I'll make him tell you, word for word." He would pull Hua Yong away from his precious Sheng Shaoyou without a second thought.

"Hua Yong and I grew up together," he explained, and the story finally came out, overcoming the painful lies. "He provided the initial capital to help me build my company. And in return I helped him in making Sheng Shaoyou jealous. That was the whole 'relationship.' It was an act, Tutu. A complete lie. And I'm sorry you were hurt by it."

Shen Wenlang, noticing the fatigue in the depths of the Omega's eyes, released another wave of his pheromones. He wanted to tell Gao Tu everything, to pour out his heart until no shadow of doubt remained.

But the Omega was pale, his shoulders hunched under the weight of the revelations. Pushing him now would be no better than the stress that had landed him in the hospital.

"Gao Tu," he said, his voice a low murmur as his thumb gently stroked the back of the Omega's hand. "We have more to talk about... and much to explain. Both of us. But I think you should rest now."

A flash of protest crossed Gao Tu's face. There were still so many questions swirling in his mind, so many fragmented pieces of the past that needed to be pieced together. He wanted to demand the whole story, right then. But the Alpha was right. It was too much. The emotional shock, the weight of the truth, had completely exhausted him. He nodded slightly, his body already giving in to the combined calm of exhaustion and the Alpha's comforting presence.

A deep, treacherous part of him yearned to lean forward, bury his face in the Alpha's neck, and inhale his scent until it was the only thing left in the world, to feel those strong arms enfold him. But it wasn't time yet. Not until all the words were finally spoken between them.

Shen Wenlang followed him up to the bedroom. The air was still softly woven with the lingering scents of iris and sage.

"Do you need anything else for your nest?" he asked, his voice gentle as he helped the omega sit on the edge of the bed.

A part of Gao Tu screamed yes. A deeper, more primal instinct begged him to ask for the one thing he truly wanted, for the Alpha to stay, to lie down beside him and hold him, to let their baby rest in the warm safety of its father's presence. But a lifetime of holding back, of fearing he was asking for too much, was a hard habit to break. He just shook his head, his eyes fixed on the floor.

"I'm okay... thank you."

"Call me if you need anything. I'll be in the study with the door open," Shen Wenlang said, fighting against every instinct that told him to climb into the nest and wrap himself around the Omega. "I'll come get you for lunch if you're still asleep." He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to the top of Gao Tu's head before forcing himself to walk away.

The simple gesture sent a shock of warmth straight to Gao Tu's core. His heart felt like it was melting. As the door closed, he curled into the center of the nest of clothes.

αβΩ

A few hours later, he woke up hungry. With the worst of the nausea gone and his body stabilized by the Alpha's nearness, a different feeling emerged—a small, neglected ache. He glanced at the clock. It was past one in the afternoon. A faint pout touched his lips. Hadn't Shen Wenlang said he would wake him?

He found the Alpha still in his study, focused on a video conference. Not wanting to interrupt, Gao Tu slipped quietly into the kitchen, determined to make them lunch. He was perfectly capable.

But of course, Shen Wenlang had thought of everything. The family's long-time housekeeper, Ms. Meimei, was already putting the finishing touches on a meal. She was a Beta in her fifties, very kind an efficient.

"Mr. Gao, you should be resting," she said, immediately pulling out a chair for him. "Lunch is almost ready."

"Oh, please, don't go to any trouble. Let me help," Gao Tu insisted, starting to stand.

"Don't you worry," she said with a warm, firm smile. "I'm all done. Besides, Mr. Shen would have my head if he saw you working in here."

Gao Tu rolled his eyes affectionately. Typical Wenlang. "I'll talk to him. He thinks I'm completely helpless, but I can do things," he grumbled, the pout returning to his lips.

"I don't think you're helpless, Gao Tu."

Shen Wenlang's voice came from right behind him, making him jump. He'd been so distracted he hadn't heard the Alpha approach.

"I just think you should take it easy for a few more days," Shen Wenlang continued, his tone gentle but firm as he came to stand beside Gao Tu's chair. "Also, you know that Meimei only comes twice a week to help with the heavier cleaning." He placed a warm, steadying hand on Gao Tu's shoulder. "Come on, let's eat. Lunch is ready."

Lunch felt completely different from the tense silence of breakfast. They seemed more relaxed, though it was constantly tested by Shen Wenlang's relentless need to take care of him. He kept adding more food to Gao Tu's plate, another piece of fish, more vegetables, until the omega finally reached his limit.

“Shen Wenlang!”

The Alpha froze, his eyes widening in genuine surprise. In all their years working together, Gao Tu had almost never used his full name so directly. Only when he needed to get the Alpha's attention or stop him from doing something stupid, like stopping him from unleashing the full, oppressive weight of his S-Alpha pheromones.

But this time, there was no reprimand in Gao Tu's tone. It was softer, a gentle chiding meant to soothe, not to scold. "You need to eat too," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "If you want more, let me get some for you as well."

The offer, simple as it was, felt profoundly intimate. It was a gesture of reciprocity, of care returned.

When they were finished, Shen Wenlang gently took Gao Tu’s hand, leading him to the living room couch. Ms. Meimei had left a platter of fresh fruit on the coffee table for them before retreating to the kitchen to clean up.

Settling beside him, Shen Wenlang kept Gao Tu’s hand in his, his thumb making slow circles over the omega's knuckles. “Should we continue our conversation?” he asked quietly.

Gao Tu was still getting used to the constant touch. A part of him still twitched internally, conditioned by years of maintaining a professional distance. But a deeper, more instinctive part of him, the part that was intertwined with the baby growing inside him, felt a profound sense that everything was right. The child was calm, content, and that alone was enough to calm his nerves. He didn't pull away.

"Yes," he said, meeting the Alpha's gaze, ready to finally face the past.

"I have questions for you," Shen Wenlang began, his voice a low rumble. "But if you'd rather speak first, I'm listening." He would wait forever if he had to.

Gao Tu settled deeper into the sofa, leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling. Putting these memories into words was difficult enough; doing so while looking Shen Wenlang in the eye felt impossible.

"ABO gender differentiation usually occurred during childhood, but my differentiation happened very late. I didn't experience my first heat until I was eleven, during summer vacation" His voice was calm, but distant.

He paused, the memory still an open wound. "My mother... she was terrified. She was sure my father would sell me to pay his debts if he found out I was an Omega." A single tear escaped, tracing a path down his temple. “So, she injected an inhibitor directly into my veins, handed me a large supply of inhibitor pills and made me promise to never let anyone know I was an Omega."

Shen Wenlang's grip on his hand tightened almost imperceptibly. With his free hand, he silently grabbed a tissue from the side table and pressed it against Gao Tu's other hand.

“I finally left home, left my father. I was ready to live on my own and stop injecting the inhibitors to pretend I was a Beta, but then…” He swallowed hard; his throat tight. Shen Wenlang immediately grabbed a glass of water and brought it to his lips.

"You can stop if it's too much," the Alpha said. He desperately wanted to hear the truth, but not at the expense of Gao Tu's well-being.

"It's okay," Gao Tu whispered, taking a deep breath. "I want to keep going." Shen Wenlang nodded sympathetically.

"When I met you," Gao Tu continued, a faint, nostalgic smile on his lips, "I was in my second heat. You were on the podium. Your voice was so calm, so gentle as you talked about sponsoring underprivileged students." In his feverish, dazed state, he truly believed he was standing before an angel. "I decided then that I wanted to be by your side, no matter what."

The smile faded. "But then I found out... that you despised Omegas."

Shen Wenlang's expression twisted, a wave of nausea and self-loathing washing over him.

"So I kept going," Gao Tu said, the simplicity of his words belying their terrible weight. "I defied medical advice. I used high-concentration inhibitors to keep pretending. To be someone you wouldn't... hate." He finally turned his head to meet Shen Wenlang's horrified gaze. "I'm telling you this not to make you feel guilt. I just... I needed you to know the truth. I could have stopped, but I didn't want to. Not even after graduation, when we didn't see each other for a year. I never stopped the injections."

It wasn’t that Gao Tu had never dreamed. He had imagined a day when Shen Wenlang might discover that he could accept an Omega, that an Omega’s scent wasn’t so intolerable. If that day came, Gao Tu could stop injecting the inhibitors that, according to his doctor, would one day kill him. He could stay by Shen Wenlang’s side openly, becoming a tool who no longer needed to lie to maintain their professional relationship, living freely and honestly.

The whispered confession of a long-buried dream still hung in the air between them when Shen Wenlang's composure finally broke.

He moved suddenly, pulling Gao Tu into a fierce, desperate embrace. His arms wrapped around the omega, holding him so tightly it was as if he could shield him from every past hurt. Gao Tu could feel the Alpha's heart hammering wildly against his own chest.

"I'm sorry," Shen Wenlang choked out, the words rough and broken against Gao Tu's neck. "I'm sorry, baobei."

The endearment, so tender, so deeply possessive, struck Gao Tu like a physical blow, stealing the air from his lungs. A hot flush spread across his face and down his neck.

Then came the words he had never dared expect, spoken with pleading honesty.

"I love you…" Shen Wenlang whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he held Gao Tu even closer "Can… can you please give me another chance?"

Chapter Text

For long seconds, Gao Tu lay motionless in Shen Wenlang's arms, as the Alpha's desperate confession echoed in the quiet living room.

Until he slowly brought his hands, which were clenched at his sides, to grip the fabric of the Alpha's shirt. They remained there for what seemed like an eternity, until Shen Wenlang reluctantly loosened his grip, just enough to look into Gao Tu's eyes.

"Let me spend every day from now on,” Shen Wenlang said, his voice low, "proving that I deserve the sacrifice you made. That I deserve you, and our baby."

Gao Tu looked at him, his eyes wide and red. He nodded slightly, unable to form words.

It wasn't a complete acceptance, but it was a chance. And for Shen Wenlang, who had almost lost them for good, it was everything.

Invaded by a wave of hope, Shen Wenlang took a deep breath and then, in a low, restrained voice, asked the question that had been tormenting him ever since he saw Ma Heng's name on Gao Tu's cell phone.

"Can I ask you something?" He asked and when Gao Tu nodded, he continued, "Who is Ma Heng to you?"

Right. Gao Tu had completely forgotten about the other alpha. The omega and his younger sister, Gao Qin, were temporarily staying in an apartment back in their old city. It belonged to an old neighbor, and the rent was affordable.

Not long ago, on a trip back to his hometown, Gao Tu had run into Ma Heng. The Alpha was the older brother of the neighbor who used to live across the street, two years older than Gao Tu, very talkative, with dimples that showed when he smiled.

A sudden wave of panic hit him. My phone! And my sister; has she been trying to call me?

Seeing the panic on his face, Shen Wenlang released more of his soothing pheromones. "I already spoke with your sister. I told her you were back in Jiang Hu and that you’d call her as soon as you were feeling better.” He paused, guilt crossing his face. “I have your phone. And this Ma Heng… he's been texting and calling you."

To be honest, Shen Wenlang had forgotten about it, too. Their conversation earlier had been so heavy, and all he'd wanted was for Gao Tu to rest. He felt a pang of regret for not mentioning it sooner.

“Do you want to call her now? I can get your phone from the study.” He offered. If Gao Tu needed to speak with his family first, he wouldn't stand in his way. The answer to his question could wait.

Gao Tu wasn’t upset or angry. He understood Shen Wenlang’s concern, and to be fair, he also forgot about messaging them, so caught up in their own drama. “Yes, I should let her know I'm okay. I don't want her to worry.”

After her surgery, Gao Qing had mostly recovered. She had finally left behind the sickbed and was now able to attend school and live a normal life. But the thought of his fourteen-year-old sister alone in Yi City, even if she had to stay for school, didn’t fell right. He needed her to know he was safe, that he cared, and that he hadn't abandoned her.

“Of course,” The alpha gave him a comforting smile. “Let me get it for you. Eat a bit.” He added, pointing to the fruit on the table before heading to his study.

αβΩ

The connection with his sister, and by extension with Ma Heng, left Gao Tu emotionally exhausted... much more so than his intense conversation with Shen Wenlang.

No matter how many times he tried to explain, to reassure them that everything was a misunderstanding, that both he and the baby were safe and loved, his words hit a wall. They had already decided that Shen Wenlang was a terrible alpha, incapable of accepting Gao Tu or the child.

Eventually, Gao Tu said that he needed to rest and would speak to them another time. He ended the call without waiting for a reply and powered off his phone.

Only then did he realize it was... mid-afternoon. He'd been on the phone for almost two hours. His thoughts were slow, his limbs heavy. What he wanted more than anything was to curl up in Shen Wenlang's arms, breathe in his soothing scent, and fall asleep. But he didn't dare ask. Shen Wenlang had already spent most of the day by his side... he certainly had work piling up.

With his shoulders slumped, Gao Tu retreated to his nest. The air in the room was thick with bitter sage, and the alpha's scent, once strong and comforting, was beginning to fade. He curled up in bed and closed his eyes.

He had barely begun to drift when a soft, tentative knock echoed from the door.

"Come in," he murmured.

He didn't move. He was already facing the door, and when it opened, he blinked his eyes open. His vision was blurry without his glasses, but he saw Shen Wenlang standing there; he could never not recognize him.

"I brought you water," the alpha said gently, stepping inside. He sat on the edge of the bed and placed the glass into Gao Tu’s hands. “You need to hydrate.”

Gao Tu didn't want water. He didn't want anything, really. But he took a few sips before placing the glass on the nightstand.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Shen Wenlang watched him silently. The weariness on Gao Tu's face was evident... tense features, dull eyes. But it was the nest that truly caught his attention. The comforting blend of their scents was fading. Gao Tu's bitter sage had overwhelmed the calming notes of iris.

“Gao Tu, you need more of my scent.” It wasn’t a question. They need to continue the therapy. “Let me get you more clothes.” He was about to stand when Gao Tu grabbed him by the wrist.

“Don’t go, please.” He was so done… so drained. He and the baby needed their alpha.

Shen Wenlang’s expression softened. “Okay, baobei. I’m not going anywhere.” He turned his wrist, intertwining their fingers, confirming to the omega he was there.

Gao Tu flushed; eyes downcast. “Can you… can you please just hold me?” His voice was shy, uncertain, barely above a whisper.

A wide, genuine smile spread across Shen Wenlang's face. Without saying a word, he settled himself on the bed and enveloped Gao Tu in an embrace. He guided the omega’s head so his nose nestled perfectly against the pulse point of Shen Wenlang's scent gland.

Gao Tu exhaled, a slight tremor of relief running through him as he inhaled the concentrated scent of iris and burning incense. The tension slowly dissolved, replaced by a serene calm… and the certainty that he was exactly where he belonged.

αβΩ

What was supposed to be a short nap turned into a deep three-hour sleep.

Exhausted after an emotional day, they finally found true rest together, in the same bed, wrapped in each other’s arms. Even in his sleep, Shen Wenlang’s arms stayed wrapped firmly around Gao Tu, while the omega, for the first time in what felt like forever, was completely relaxed, his breath slow and even against his alpha’s chest.

They would have slept through the night if it weren't for the small, insistent demands of the little one in Gao Tu's belly, which finally woke them. With a groan, Shen Wenlang reluctantly untangled himself, pressing a tender kiss on Gao Tu’s temple. "I'll go get food," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Gao Tu, still blinking the sleep from his eyes, gave a slow, soft smile and nodded. As the Alpha headed out to the kitchen, Gao Tu shuffled to the ensuite bathroom to splash cool water on his face. A bit domestic, but he loved it.

They still needed to talk. So, after dinner, after the dishes were rinsed and stacked, they stepped out onto Shen Wenlang’s balcony.

It was a space the alpha rarely used. Too busy with work and with no company to share the view, the balcony had remained untouched. But now, with Gao Tu by his side, he intended to change that.

Shen Wenlang settled into the wide armchair and gently guided Gao Tu to sit between his legs, his back resting against the alpha's chest. The warmth of their bodies pressed together, the steady rhythm of Shen Wenlang's heartbeat behind him, brought a sense of security.

As they began to talk, Shen Wenlang's hands found Gao Tu's belly under the blanket, his palms warm and comforting against the gentle undulation that sheltered his son. It was a way of showing the little one, and his father: I am here. I am yours. You are mine.

And so, embracing, Gao Tu explained who Ma Heng was, making it clear that he could never see the other Alpha as anything more than a helpful neighbor.

"I didn't like it," Shen Wenlang murmured, brushing his lips against Gao Tu's ear. "I didn't like him calling you 'little bunny'." The words were laced with jealousy, the nickname too intimate, too familiar.

Gao Tu placed his hands over Shen Wenlang's, which were on his stomach, and intertwined their fingers. "He's just a friend," he said firmly. "A kind friend, but just a friend." There was no hesitation in his voice, no room for doubt.

A low, almost inaudible rumble of approval vibrated through Shen Wenlang's chest. He pressed a kiss to Gao Tu’s hair, holding him closer

"I know I have no right to be jealous," he murmured, his words slightly muffled by the omega's hair, but still perfectly clear. "Not after everything I did to you. Not after how I treated you."

He paused, taking a deep breath, regaining his balance. His arms tightened lightly around Gao Tu.

“You know that after my omega father died, I developed a deep loathing for omegas.” His voice was quiet, but the weight of the confession was immense. “It ran so deep; I’d get physically ill just from their scent.”

Gao Tu knew parts of the story. He had also seen a single photo of his omega father in Shen Wenlang's office, a rare and tender image carefully preserved.

“I don’t hate omegas because of what my father did.” Shen Wenlang continued; his voice full of emotions. “It was because I loved him so much.”

He exhaled shakily, the words finally surfacing after years of silence.

“From an early age, I witnessed his excessive, dignity-stripped dependence on my Alpha father. I saw how his entire world, his happiness, his very sense of self, became contingent on the presence and approval of his Alpha. It was a slow erosion of a brilliant, vibrant man into a shadow who couldn't function without his mate.”

His arms tightened around Gao Tu, in a desperate need for connection.

“I didn't hate Omegas,” he confessed, the truth finally setting him free. “I was terrified of becoming like my Alpha father; a man who held such power over another person's soul. And I was terrified of watching someone I love disappear into that kind of helpless dependence. I thought I was repulsed by their scent, their nature… but it was just a shield. A way to protect myself from that kind of grief.”

For years, after the official declaration of Ying Yi's death, a young Shen Wenlang had built a fortress in his mind. Don't be sad, he had commanded his shattered heart. This isn't a bad thing.

But now, holding Gao Tu, feeling the Omega's warm weight against his chest, the fortress crumbled into dust.

His loathing toward Omegas was not hatred for their nature. It was the misplaced, choking resentment of a grieving child… a furious, unanswerable anger at his Omega father for leaving him, for abandoning him so abruptly in a world ruled by a monster.

“I have always been deeply attached to him and I miss him until now.” He didn’t realize he was crying until Gao Tu reached up and gently brushed the tears from his cheeks.

Shen Wenlang turned Gao Tu in his arms just enough to meet his gaze.

“I promise you, Gao Tu. I swear it, I will never ever again mistreat you. I will never be to our child what my father was to me. I will love you both and cherish you both every single day for the rest of my life.”

And in Gao Tu, he saw not the terrifying dependence he had lived with, but a second chance, a promise of healthy, protective, and reciprocal love that he was always destined to give.

It was late, and they were both exhausted, emotionally spent. They stayed curled up on the lounge chair for a long time without saying a word, just sharing their pheromones. The soft scents of iris and sage hung in the air around them.

In the end, Gao Tu stirred with a soft sigh. "Come on," he murmured, gently patting his stomach. "Let's get to bed. This little one here is getting too fussy for such a late hour."

Shen Wenlang pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Gao Tu’s head. “Alright,” he whispered, his voice low and warm. “Let’s get you both tucked in.”

They got up slowly, their bodies reluctant to separate after being so close. The bedroom was dark, and the nest of clothes still held a faint trace of Shen Wenlang's scent. He made a mental note to add more of his clothes tomorrow, to make sure Gao Tu always felt surrounded, claimed, safe.

Getting ready for bed felt like a quiet, familiar dance. They stood next to each other at the bathroom sink, brushing their teeth, their eyes meeting in the mirror. Seeing them like that, so normal, made a warm, hopeful feeling bloom in Gao Tu's chest.

Gao Tu settled into the nest with a sigh, curling instinctively around the soft center. Shen Wenlang joined him moments later, pulling the blankets over them and wrapping his arms around Gao Tu from behind. Their bodies fitting together perfectly, like two pieces that had been apart for too long.

The baby gave a little kick, and Shen Wenlang chuckled against Gao Tu’s shoulder. “Fussy, huh?” he murmured.

Gao Tu hummed sleepily. “He just likes being near you.”

Shen Wenlang's heart squeezed, so full it almost hurt. He pressed one last kiss to the back of Gao Tu's neck, letting his calming scent fill the air.

"Then I'll stay right here," he promised. "Always."

And as their breathing slowly fell into the same rhythm, the three of them drifted off to sleep… together, whole, and finally at peace.

Chapter Text

Never in a million years did Gao Tu imagine he would wake up like this: wrapped in Shen Wenlang's arms. He could feel the Alpha's slow breathing against the back of his neck; proof that last night hadn't been a dream. And for the first time in what seemed like forever, he woke feeling truly rested... and a happiness warmed his chest.

Behind him, Shen Wenlang stirred, his arms instinctively tightening around Gao Tu's waist. He nuzzled closer, his nose and lips pressing against the omega's scent gland.

"You smell so good," the Alpha murmured, his voice rough with sleep. The words were a warm whisper against Gao Tu's neck.

For Shen Wenlang, that scent, a mix of his own iris and Gao Tu's sage, wasn't just a smell. It was a refuge... It was what would always remind him of what it meant to be home with his family.

And for Gao Tu, it was like a dream come true… to finally be who he was. To be accepted. To be embraced. By the alpha he'd loved silently for so long.

But trying to get out of the embrace of a clingy, half-asleep S-Class Alpha was a hard task. It wasn't that Gao Tu didn't like it; in fact, he was liking it a lot. But he had to go to the bathroom. And the Alpha had to work.

“Shen Wenlang,” His own voice was hoarse. “You have to go to work.”

The arms around him just pulled him closer, his back pressing against the Alpha's chest. "Don't want to," He replied. “Besides, I'm the president, I can do whatever I want." Gao Tu didn't need to see his face to know he was pouting. He smiled, biting his lip. This S-Alpha was such a big baby.

“I'm sure you need to show you face for a few hours.” Gao Tu said, gently patting the arm locked around his waist. “Yesterday, you looked like you were about to pop a vein during that video call.”

"It's because I'm surrounded by idiots” He released the arm around Gao Tu’s waist, laying on his back.

After Gao Tu had left, Shen Wenlang had never hired another proper secretary; one who could accompany him to various social occasions. He couldn’t even explain why. But now, lying in bed with the omega in his arms, he knew.

Seeking his chance, Gao Tu pushed himself up to sit on the edge of the bed. The need for the bathroom was becoming urgent.

"I'll be right back," he murmured, heading for the master bathroom.

Shen Wenlang watched him go, then swung his own legs out of bed. "I'll use the other one," he stated, his voice still rough with sleep. It was their unspoken morning rule. They can share a bed and brush their teeth side-by-side, which felt incredibly intimate, but showers and other private moments were still separate, a small but clear boundary in their new life together. Shen Wenlang disappeared down the hall towards the guest bathroom, giving Gao Tu the space he knew the omega still needed.

It took a lot of work, but Gao Tu finally convinced a sulking Shen Wenlang to go to the office. The Alpha had meetings with investors and a whole schedule of events for the rest of the week, but he was fighting it every step of the way. All he wanted was to stay home and cuddle with his omega.

To be honest, Gao Tu was starting to get a little bored. After he quit his job as Shen Wenlang's secretary, his life had been nothing but chaos; his sister's surgery, his own health issues, moving back to his hometown, and trying to stay off the Alpha's radar. The weeks had just flown by in a stressful blur.

But that boredom always disappeared the second Shen Wenlang walked through the door. They would spend the rest of the night curled up together, continuing the soothing pheromone therapy.

By Friday night, the silence between them had changed; it was no longer awkward or strange, but the kind of silence that settles in when two people start living together... domestic. They were lounging on the couch, Shen Wenlang reading a chapter of《New Parent’s Guide》again, while Gao Tu scrolled through his phone, smiling at a message from his sister.

"What is it?" Shen Wenlang asked, his chin resting on Gao Tu's shoulder.

"Nothing, just... I'm looking at a picture of baby clothes," Gao Tu admitted, his cheeks slightly flushed. "We don't have anything yet, but my sister and Ma Heng bought one for the baby."

Shen Wenlang went completely still. He knew that Ma Heng was no longer a threat, but the idea of another alpha buying things for his pregnant omega… it didn't sit right with him at all.

And that's how Gao Tu found himself on a sunny Saturday morning, being led into the most exclusive baby boutique in Jiang Hu. Shen Wenlang had clearly called ahead; the store was closed to everyone else, with just the manager and two staff waiting just for them.

The whole trip was... an experience. Shen Wenlang approached it with the same intensity he reserved for corporate acquisitions.

"We'll take this. And this. Not that one, the fabric is cheap." he declared, pointing at a rack of impeccably crafted linen onesies.

He dismissed an entire shelf of stuffed animals because the stitching was, in his words, "sloppy." The manager apologized over and over, while Shen Wenlang just rolled his eyes.

But when Gao Tu shyly held up a tiny sleeper in a soft, pale purple-blue color, Shen Wenlang's whole expression softened. "We'll take everything you have in this color," he told the manager, his eyes never leaving his Omega.

Gao Tu spent half the visit gently trying to talk the Alpha down from his wilder ideas.

"Shen Wenlang," he said, holding up a solid gold rattle, "We absolutely do not need this. The baby is just going to chew on it."

"But, baobei, it's the purest-" the Alpha started to argue, "it's made from the purest-"

"He's going to chew on it," Gao Tu repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

They finally got back to the penthouse, arms full of bags, feeling tired but happy. The busy day slowly dissipated into a quiet evening. Later, as they were getting ready for bed, Gao Tu carefully placed the soft, pale purple-blue sleeper in the nest between them. It looked so small, so delicate, and yet it carried the weight of everything they were building together.

Sunday was peaceful and warm, filled with hugs and the Alpha's soothing scent. The penthouse was truly starting to feel like home... a place they were building together.

Lying with his head on Shen Wenlang's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat and feeling his fingers gently caress his hair, Gao Tu felt a deep sense of peace. It was in that calm, comfortable moment that Shen Wenlang spoke, his voice vibrating in Gao Tu's ear.

"We should start getting the nursery ready soon."

The words hung in the air. It wasn’t just about decorating a room. It was Shen Wenlang saying, out loud, that he believed in their future enough to create a real space for him, for their baby, in this house.

Gao Tu's heart felt so full. But this was still Shen Wenlang's home, and he didn't want to overstep by asking for things. Still, he couldn't stop the image from forming in his mind: a bright, sunny room for their baby, painted in that soft lilac-blue that was already starting to feel like them… a perfect mix of his sage and Shen Wenlang's iris.

"Maybe you can look for some ideas online this week," Shen Wenlang suggested. "And we can go look at furniture together next weekend. What do you think?"

"Mhmm..." Gao Tu hummed, closing his eyes and breathing in the Alpha's calming scent. He felt their baby settle, quiet and content, in his belly. He let himself sink into the peaceful moment. "Whatever you think is best."

Shen Wenlang's hand stilled in his hair. He shifted just enough to look down at the Omega curled against his chest. His gaze was soft but serious.

"Gao Tu," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "This is our baby. And this is our home. We need to make these choices together."

After saying what needed to be said, he relaxed back into the pillows, his hand caressing Gao Tu's hair again.

Those words went straight to Gao Tu's heart. He felt his eyes well up with tears instantly. He hid his face deeper against Shen Wenlang's chest, breathing in the calming scent of iris, and told himself it was just the pregnancy hormones making him feel so completely loved and like he finally belonged somewhere.

But the safe, comfy world of the weekend wouldn't last forever. Monday morning arrived, bringing them back into a much harsher reality. The previous day's sense of peace completely vanished as they sat in the doctor's office for their scheduled appointment.

Shen Wenlang sat stiffly in his chair, his face trying hard to look calm. But inside, his biggest fear was screaming: What if I'm still not enough for them? What if everything I'm doing is still failing? The future, which had seemed so bright and hopeful just hours before, now felt heavy and frightening, weighed down by the doctor and his charts.

The family doctor looked over the test results, completely ignoring the Alpha and focusing only on Gao Tu. "Your pheromone levels are much more stable. That's a real improvement." He paused, his tone turning more serious. "But a few important numbers still aren't where they should be." He shifted in his chair. "Have you been sexually active with your bonded partner?"

The question hung in the air, blunt and awkward. For an omega with a stable pregnancy, regular sexual activity with a bonded alpha was standard medical advice. It ensured a consistent supply of stabilizing pheromones, helped prevent hormonal imbalances, and promoted a healthy pregnancy for both the omega and the baby.

Gao Tu's face turned a deep, embarrassed red. He nervously adjusted his glasses. At the same time, Shen Wenlang's grip on his hand tightened.

The truth is they haven't had sex since that fateful night, and they were also not mated. They were co-parents living under the same roof… it was complicated.

“No, we haven’t.” Shen Wenlang said, his voice firm and his head held high, the posture of an Alpha that did little to mask the guilt and failure in his tone.

The doctor finally turned to the Alpha, his gaze piercing. “Mr. Shen, have you ignored every instruction I gave you?” He asked, his patience clearly gone.

“W-what?” Gao Tu stammered looking at Shen Wenlang’s face for an explanation.

The doctor didn't stop. He turned to a now pale Gao Tu. "And you, Mr. Gao! Did I not make it perfectly clear months ago that, with your health problems, it's impossible for you to carry this child without a bonded partner?" His voice was rising with frustration. "Mr. Gao, you can't be so reckless with your life!"

When the doctor made a frustrated gesture toward Gao Tu as he spoke, Shen Wenlang's expression darkened instantly. A low, warning growl rumbled in his chest as his entire body tensed, ready to protect his Omega from any threat.

The doctor, either too brave or simply not caring, ignored the dangerous look and said to the Alpha. "The instructions were simple," he went on, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I told you to be intimate. To have sex. Regularly. It's the most direct and effective treatment for his condition."

They left the doctor's office in a suffocating silence. The words hung in the air between them, feeling less like a prescription and more like a judgment on everything that was still broken in their relationship.

The car ride home was quiet. They sat in the back, each staring out their own window at the city passing by, but their hands stayed linked together on the seat between them. When the car finally pulled up to the penthouse, they got out without a word, each lost in their own thoughts, caught in a private storm of fear, guilt, and a bit of desire.

Inside the penthouse, the afternoon sun filled the living room, making the space feel bright and calm.

"Baobei-"

"Shen Wenlang-"

They both spoke at the same time, turning to face each other. The unexpected moment broke the tension, and a smile touched both their faces.

"Let's get cleaned up and have some lunch," Shen Wenlang said, his voice gentle. He reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind Gao Tu's ear, his fingers lingering for a moment. "You must be hungry." He said, but his eyes were full of concern.

Gao Tu could only nod. He turned and walked toward the staircase, each step feeling heavier than the last.

It was a habit they'd fallen into over the past few days, a quiet line between them. Gao Tu turned left, into the master bedroom. And Shen Wenlang, after pausing for just a second, turned right, into the guest room.

Two doors closed with a soft, simultaneous click. The doctor's orders weren't just about physical intimacy; they were about breaking down the very walls they had carefully built between them.

αβΩ

“Pregnant?” Shen Wenlang held his phone in his ear, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. The heavy quiet in the penthouse after their appointment was suddenly broken by Hua Yong's unexpected news.

His wide eyes met Gao Tu's. The omega watched him with a curious expression, trying to follow the one-sided conversation. They had just finished lunch and were settling into the sofa to finally talk when Shen Wenlang's phone rang.

“Mm.” Hua Yong answered lightly on the other end, “I was going to tell you in person. But Chang Yu said you’d be busy with your wife.”

“Do you have a problem with that?” Shen Wenlang replied, his voice stiff and defensive.

“No, not at all,” Hua Yong replied, a clear note of amusement in his tone. “Anyway, try not upset Mr. Sheng these days.”

“Don't worry, I'll be happy to avoid him,” Shen Wenlang sneered.

“You haven’t even congratulated me yet.” Ever since learning about the baby, Hua Yong had been in a great mood.

Shen Wenlang rolled his eyes so hard he was surprised they didn't fall out of his head. “Well, congratulations!” he said, the word completely empty of any real feeling.

“By the way, Wenlang,” Hua Yong’s voice dropped to a mischievous whisper, “since we’re on the topic… do you want me to teach you how to make Secretary Gao crazy in bed?”

Shen Wenlang's face burned bright red with a mix of anger and pure embarrassment. “Mind your own damn business!” he snapped, hanging up before Hua Yong could offer any more of his unwanted advice.

He threw his phone onto the coffee table with a thud. It was a miracle the screen didn't crack. Crossing his arms tightly over his chest, he slumped back into the cushions with a deep, frustrated pout.

Gao Tu, who was silently browsing his phone, glanced at the alpha's face, curious about the sudden outburst. A warm smile appeared on his lips. He put down his phone and turned to him. "Did you just fight with Hua Yong?" he asked gently, certain that the person on the other end was Hua Yong.

“That lunatic…” Shen Wenlang muttered before lifting his head. “Anyway, Hua Yong just told me that Sheng Shaoyou is pregnant.”

Gao Tu, who had been looking at the alpha with affectionate amusement, froze. His mind seemed to stop working, trying to make sense of the words. Sheng Shaoyou? The S-level Alpha? How... how could an Alpha be pregnant?

His eyes widened in pure shock. "But... he's an Alpha," he said, his voice full of confusion.

“Yeah… and I told you that Hua Yong is an Enigma.” Shen Wenlang said, a truth he'd long accepted.

Enigmas stand at the pinnacle of human genetic evolution. Not only they were monstrously powerful, they could also mark an Alpha and even make an S‑level Alpha pregnant!

"Well, let's not worry about them," Shen Wenlang said, gently pulling Gao Tu to snuggle against his chest.

He took a slow breath, his thumb drawing soft circles on the back of Gao Tu's hand. "What do you need right now?" he asked, his voice quiet and patient. "Do you want to rest, or should we talk about what the doctor said today?" It was a real choice with no pressure. He was ready to give him whatever he needed.

Gao Tu was quiet for a long moment, just breathing in the Alpha's scent, letting it wrap around him and their baby. The idea of hiding in sleep, of putting off this conversation, was so tempting. He was tired, it was true. But some things were more important than rest.

"We should talk," Gao Tu said, his voice quiet, his grip on Shen Wenlang's hand firm. The easy way out was to sleep. The way to actually fix things was to talk.

Shen Wenlang knew this conversation demanded more than whispered words in the dark. He needed Gao Tu to see the truth in his eyes, to feel it in his touch. Gently, he shifted them. He slid one arm behind Gao Tu's shoulders, and with the other, he carefully lifted the omega's legs to settle across his lap, cradling him fully, face to face.

“Baobei,” he began, his voice a low. His hand came up to Gao Tu's neck, his fingers gently tracing its line before his thumb began a slow, soothing stroke along the side of his throat. The touch sent a shiver through Gao Tu.

“When I say that you are the only one for me, Beta or Omega, I mean it with every part of my soul,” Shen Wenlang continued, his intense gaze locked with Gao Tu’s. “You were the only person I ever wanted to be intimate with. The only one I have ever wanted to hold like this, to cherish, to take care of for the rest of my life.”

Gao Tu swallowed hard under the Alpha's intense stare, his own heart racing, but he didn't look away. He knew this moment was important.

"This is... a little embarrassing for me to say," Shen Wenlang admitted, his voice losing a bit of its steadiness. "But I don't want to hide anything from you. Not a single part of my past or my heart. I want you to know that I will never lie to you, or keep things from you again." He took a shaky breath; the confession felt scarier than any business deal. “The truth is… I had never had sex with anyone before that night.”

The admission hung in the air. It meant that Gao Tu wasn't just his first Omega; he was his first. Everything about that night, the nervousness, the intensity, the life-changing result, came from a place of shared, terrifying inexperience, not some casual fling. It meant that Shen Wenlang's journey of intimacy would always stay, with him.

Gao Tu was quiet, the truth slowly rewriting their entire past in his mind. A single tear escaped, tracing a path down his cheek.

"You were my first, too," he whispered, offering his own fragile truth into the sacred space between them.

Shen Wenlang's breath caught. His thumb, gentle and shaking, came up to wipe the tear away. "I'm sorry," he whispered back, his voice choked with a pain he'd carried for months. "I'm so sorry... My memory of that night is just broken pieces... but I know... I know I wasn't gentle with you. I was lost to the alcohol and my own instincts, and I'm afraid I was just a brute."

"What? No, Wenlang, no..." Gao Tu moved one hand to cradle the Alpha's face and with the other, he laced their fingers together and pressed their joined hands against his own chest, right over his pounding heart. "It wasn’t bad. You were..." His gaze dropped as the memory washed over him, clear and warm. The solid weight of the Alpha, the scent of wine and iris, and the quiet, pleading whisper against his skin: "Please... let me call you Gao Tu tonight."

"You were you," Gao Tu finished, his voice growing stronger as he looked up, meeting Shen Wenlang's pained eyes.

“Gao Tu,” Shen Wenlang breathed, the name a prayer. “I want to make you feel good. I want to remember every sigh, every tremor… I want to learn what you like.” His voice was low, filled with promise. “Let me make it up to you. Let me show you, with every touch, how much I love you.”

The omega was breathing hard, his chest rising and falling with an emotion too big for words. The space between them filled with tension and the chance to start over.

Gao Tu leaned forward until his forehead rested against Shen Wenlang’s, their breath mixing. “Then show me,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “But not because you feel guilty. Not because you believe you owe me anything. Show me because you want to. Because you want to know me, the real me.”

Shen Wenlang closed his eyes, letting the words settle deep in his heart. “I do,” he promised. “I want to know every part of you. I want to learn you slowly, carefully… like you’re a language I’ll spend the rest of my life learning to speak.”

Their hands stayed pressed together. The space between their lips was closing, a breath away from their first sober, conscious kiss-

Bzzz. Bzzz.

The phone on the coffee table buzzed loudly, the screen lighting up with a name that made Shen Wenlang groan in pure annoyance. "I'm going to fire every single one of them," he grumbled.

It was a work call. Since they had taken the day for the doctor's appointment, Shen Wenlang hadn't checked in at all.

Gao Tu couldn't stop a soft, breathless laugh from escaping. "No, you are not, Shen Wenlang."

With a sigh, Shen Wenlang grabbed his phone. "What?" His tone was so cold it could have frozen the caller. He listened for a moment, rolled his eyes dramatically, and then pushed himself off the couch. "Fine. I'm going to the study. This will be quick." He said this last part directly to Gao Tu, a frustrated apology.

As the Alpha walked off, already giving orders into the phone, Gao Tu settled back into the cushions. The intense mood slowly faded, leaving behind a warm, tired feeling. A lazy smile touched his lips as he curled up on his side, tucking a hand under his cheek. The world, and his Alpha's work, could wait. He and their baby were taking a nap.

Chapter Text

Gao Tu woke to the sensation of fingers running through his hair. A warmth emanated from his cheek, which was resting on something soft. As he woke up a little more, he realized that the "pillow" was actually Shen Wenlang's thigh. He was stretched out on the sofa, his head in the Alpha's lap, wrapped in a blanked that smelled like iris.

“Wake up, Baobei,” a voice murmured near his ear. “You need to eat.”

Eat? His mind was still hazy with sleep. What time was it?

"What time is it?" he asked, his voice hoarse and sleepy, but he made no move to get up, perfectly comfortable.

"It's not too late," Shen Wenlang said, still running his fingers through his hair. "But we should have dinner. I asked Meimei to prepare something light for you."

After Gao Tu washed up, they settled down at the dining table.

"I have to go to the office tomorrow," Shen Wenlang said, sounding like he really didn't want to.

"It's okay," Gao Tu reassured him softly. "We'll be fine here."

"You know I missed you, right?" Shen Wenlang said, his gaze intense. "My heart ached for you. But I also missed having you at work."

Gao Tu gave a small, understanding smile. He had missed him a lot too. "Well, you know I can still help you, right? I can review documents and manage your schedule from here if you want..."

"But I don't want you to be my secretary," Shen Wenlang said, putting down his spoon. The tone of his voice made Gao Tu look up. "Gao Tu, you have no idea how brilliant you are. Yes, I was lost without you, but it wasn't just me; the whole team missed you. Your strategic mind, your ability to see beyond the obvious... You were always two steps ahead, even when no one noticed. "

"But Eric is a great Secretary Manager," Gao Tu said, a little confused. He had always thought Eric was very capable.

"Eric is good at his job," Shen Wenlang agreed. "But he doesn't see what you see. He follows orders. You... you understand what I'm thinking before I even say it. And you never give yourself the credit you deserve… But also, I contributed to that, because I was too arrogant to see it sooner." He leaned forward, his voice becoming more serious.

"I'm not talking about making my tea or managing my schedule. I'm talking about a real position. A partner. Maybe even on the board of directors. I want you by my side, Gao Tu, not standing behind me."

Gao Tu stared at him. The idea was so unexpected it was hard to comprehend. Then, a different, more painful realization dawned on his face, and his shoulders tensed. "Is it... is it because you once heard me say that I would only stay if you gave me 10% of the shares?" The words came out slurred, laced with shame. "Because if it is, I-"

"No, Gao Tu." Shen Wenlang's voice was firm, cutting off that thought completely.

"Because I was joking," Gao Tu insisted, needing him to understand. "I told you that. I wouldn't have stayed anyway, because of the baby. Because I was so scared of you finding out I was an Omega." The confession revealed the true reason he had run away, not for money, but out of pure fear.

Shen Wenlang's expression softened, but his determination didn't waver. He reached across the table and covered Gao Tu's hand with his own. "That is not why," he said, his voice low and sincere. "It's because for years, I had one of the smartest people in the city right in front of me, and I was too blind to see it. I see it now. It's about your worth, Gao Tu. Not your past, not the baby. You."

The sincerity was overwhelming. Gao Tu looked down at their joined hands, a faint blush on his cheeks.

"I'm sure you need to talk to Hua Yong before proposing something like this," Gao Tu said, trying to lighten the mood and went back to eating his food.

"I know," Shen Wenlang replied. "But I wanted you to know how much I value your opinion."

It wasn't just about a job offer; it was a promise of a partnership, in every sense of the word.

The evening fell into a comfortable silence, and soon, they were both ready for bed. They went through their now familiar routine, standing side-by-side at the bathroom sink. Brushing their teeth together felt like a small, important ritual. Then, they went to the nest that now smelled like both of them, and settled in, facing each other in the dim light.

“Baobei.” Shen Wenlang’s voice was a soft murmur in the space between them. He lay on his side, one hand gently stroking Gao Tu’s hair, his thumb caressing his temple, and the other under Gao Tu’s head. His gaze burned with intensity, but his voice was quiet, careful. “Can I kiss you?”

Gao Tu held his breath, not out of surprise, but out of anticipation. After so many months, he would finally feel Shen Wenlang's lips on his again. It was about choosing each other. It was about taking the memory of their first time -lost in heat and alcohol- and starting over with softness and honesty.

He nodded slowly. "Yes," his eyes, no longer protected by his glasses, were open and unguarded under the Alpha's gaze.

Shen Wenlang leaned in, closing the distance. The kiss was soft, delicate.

Gao Tu's eyelashes brushed Shen Wenlang's face, feather-light, as his eyes closed and a sigh escaped him, his fingers curling into the Alpha's shirt as if afraid of waking from a dream he had held for ten years.

An inch of space still lingered between their bodies. Shen Wenlang held back, a tremor running through his muscles as he fought to keep the kiss gentle, to give the omega a chance to pull away. He was holding back a wave of desire, knowing that one wrong move would undo him completely.

But as his lips moved against Gao Tu's, his control began to slip. He wanted more. He wanted to feel the heat of Gao Tu's skin, hear the omega's breath hitch and tremble for him.

He broke the kiss, his own breathing unsteady, and he rested his forehead against Gao Tu's. "I want to taste you more," he confessed. His hands moved, one arm wrapping more firmly around Gao Tu's waist to pull him closer, the other around the back of his neck, his thumb stroking the sensitive skin just below his scent gland, sending a shiver through the Omega’s body.

This time, there was no hesitation. He captured Gao Tu's lips again in a deeper, more insistent kiss. He ran his tongue against the seam of the Omega's lips, as if asking for permission to enter, wanting to erase the memory of the last time, to make him his.

A soft sigh escaped Gao Tu as he parted his lips. He let Shen Wenlang in, and the kiss changed, growing hotter and tasting of ten years of pent-up desire finally released.

Shen Wenlang's large hand slid down Gao Tu's back, his fingers splayed against the fabric of his shirt as Gao Tu's hands moved to grip Shen Wenlang's shoulders, holding him as he allowed himself to be touched.

But Shen Wenlang was greedy. A deep, primal hunger he had kept suppressed for so long suddenly roared within him. He needed more. In one smooth movement, he shifted, positioning himself over Gao Tu, surrounding him without restraining him. He deepened the kiss, removing one hand from Gao Tu's back to lean against the mattress, careful not to place his full weight on him, while his other hand remained possessive on the omega's neck.

He remembered flashes from that night; how he had kissed the omega over and over, completely lost to the feeling. The kind of kisses where lips and teeth met, tangled together, leaving them both breathless.

Now, he forced himself to slow down, not wanting to repeat what he had unconsciously done back then. But Gao Tu didn't want him to hold back. He was just as greedy, arching his hips slightly in a silent plea for more.

"Gao Tu," Shen Wenlang whispered, pulling his mouth away to gasp the name against his Omega’s swollen lips. "I was so jealous... every time I thought you were with someone else." He sealed the confession with another passionate kiss. "When I saw those marks on your neck..." A low, pained sound rumbled in his chest. "It drove me insane. I want you so much, baobei."

"It was only you -ahh!" Gao Tu's explanation broke into a sharp, breathy cry as Shen Wenlang's mouth found his neck. Gao Tu's hands slid from his shoulders down the expanse of Shen Wenlang's back, his fingers curling, nails digging into the fabric of the shirt to scratch the skin beneath.

Shen Wenlang’s tongue soothed the skin before his lips closed over it, sucking with a steady, claiming pressure that promised to leave a new mark; one born not of unconscious passion, but of conscious possession.

But the soft cotton of the omega's pajama shirt was a frustrating barrier, preventing him from feeling the warmth of his skin and the frantic beating of Gao Tu's heart. Shen Wenlang needed it gone.

With an impatient sound, he pulled back and sat back on his heels, his chest heaving. His eyes, dark and burning, locked with Gao Tu's for a single, breathless second. Then his hands moved, his fingers hooking in the hem of his shirt. "Lift your hips for me, baobei," he murmured, his voice rough, and began pulling the shirt up and off, finally exposing the omega to his hungry gaze.

The soft cotton shirt fell away, and Shen Wenlang went completely still, his breath catch in his chest. The sight of Gao Tu lying there was more beautiful than anything he could have imagined. A wave of possessiveness, tenderness, and desire washed over him, so strong it made dizzy.

He swallowed hard, his gaze hungry, but just as he moved to reclaim the omega's lips, his attention was drawn back to the curve of Gao Tu's belly. It was a reminder of their connection; of the future they were creating together.

All urgency faded away, replaced by something deeper and more meaningful. He lowered his head and pressed his lips to the tight skin of Gao Tu's belly in a gesture of pure, reverent love. The kiss was soft and lingering, filled with a love so beautiful it almost hurt.

A shiver ran through Gao Tu's body at the intimate touch, and a gasp escaped his lips. His hands, which had been clutching the sheets, tangled in Shen Wenlang's hair, not to push him away, but to touch him. Then, his fingers fumbled until they found the Alpha's shirt, tugging at it urgently, eager for more contact.

Understanding what he needed, Shen Wenlang pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it aside, finally exposing his own skin to meet Gao Tu's. The heat of their bodies merging as they pressed together, skin to skin. A shared, shuddering sigh passed between them.

Driven by the need to be as close as possible, Shen Wenlang gently guided one of Gao Tu's legs to wrap around his waist. The new position allowed him to settle deeper between the omega's legs. He could feel the firm curve of Gao Tu's belly against his own.

With Gao Tu's leg firmly against his back, Shen Wenlang began to move, slowly rolling his hips, creating gentle friction even through the layer of their pajama pants. He captured Gao Tu's lips again in a deep kiss -a tangle of arms and legs, and shared their breath- learning the new rhythm of their bodies.

Gao Tu knew what the Alpha was trying to do; the respect, the patience, the need to slowly rebuild intimacy... But his own body screamed for more. A slick, hot warmth gathered between his legs with each slow movement of his hips, the friction of their cocks a maddening tease. The careful pace was becoming more like torture.

Driven by need, he took control. One hand gripped the firm curve of Shen Wenlang's ass, urging more pressure, seeking a harder, faster rhythm. The other slid down the Alpha's back, his nails dragging, making him shiver.

"Shen Wenlang." The name came out as a choked sound, torn from somewhere deep inside him.

"I've got you," the Alpha whispered against his skin.

"I need more." Gao Tu's cheeks were flushed, his chest rising and falling fast.

That was all the permission Shen Wenlang needed. He began to move slowly down the Omega’s body, lips and tongue leaving a trail of heat across Gao Tu’s chest until he closed his mouth around a nipple. A sharp, sweet shake made Gao Tu’s back arched off the bed, his fingers gripping tightly in the Alpha’s hair.

Shen Wenlang worshiped him there, his tongue moving in slow circles while his large hand stroked the omega's trembling thigh. He lingered at one nipple until it stood firm and flushed, then turned his attention to the other. His free hand gently teased the first between his fingers, making sure the pleasure was constant and overwhelming.

As he moved lower, the Alpha paused, lifting his head to take in the sight of the omega; cheeks flushed, lips swollen, eyes dark with the same desperate need he felt. His hands found the waistband of Gao Tu’s pajamas and, in one motion, pushed them down along with his underwear. The moment Gao Tu’s cock sprang free, a sigh of relief escaped him and his back arched off the bed.

Shen Wenlang couldn't help but moan as he stared at Gao Tu's naked body, and his mouth watered.

The omega's sage scent was strong, intense, and utterly intoxicating. He saw the slick glistening on the omega's inner thighs and a single, thin silver thread connecting to his skin… a breathtaking sight.

A low, possessive growl rumbled in his chest. Shen Wenlang slid his hands under Gao Tu's knees, lifting the omega's legs and placing them over his shoulders, spreading him open. Then he leaned his head to where the omega was most vulnerable, his mouth finding that hot, slick channel.

Gao Tu gasped as Shen Wenlang's tongue traced slow, torturous circles around his entrance. Each movement was intended to undo him completely. The omega's thighs trembled violently against Shen Wenlang's shoulders, his breathing ragged and uneven, matching the rhythm of the Alpha's tongue.

Shen Wenlang tightened his grip on the Omega's thighs, possessive, almost painful. He wanted Gao Tu to surrender completely, to feel nothing but pleasure. He thrust his tongue deeper into Gao Tu's anus, lapping at his slick.

The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of sage, and a ragged, pleading moan escaped Gao Tu's throat, his body arching against the mattress in a silent, desperate plea for more. Driven by a thirst that seemed endless, Shen Wenlang slid a finger inside that tight, slick heat, at the same time enveloping Gao Tu's cock with his mouth.

Gao Tu's hand reached for the alpha's hair again, his fingers tangling in the dark strands, holding tight. When a second finger joined the first, stretching him, a loud moan escaped his throat. Instinctively, his other hand went to his mouth to muffle the sound.

Shen Wenlang stilled instantly.

He gently released Gao Tu's cock from his mouth, but his hands inside him remained there, unmoving. He needed to hear him. He needed this to be nothing like that blurred night of their first time.

"Baobei," he called, his voice hoarse and breathless. "Don't hold back. I need to hear you." He moved his fingers inside the omega, a slow movement meant to draw out the sounds Gao Tu was trying to hide as he found that sweet spot again and again and again.

A shiver ran through Gao Tu’s body. Slowly, he removed his hand from his mouth and opened his eyes. His vision was blurry without his glasses, but the image before him was breathtaking: Shen Wenlang with his lips wet and swollen, his hair disheveled from Gao Tu's grip, his eyes dark with desire.

"Please," Gao Tu begged, his voice trembling with need, "kiss me. I need you inside me."

The alpha, whose self-control was already hanging by a thread, felt it finally snap. With a care that hid his own desperate hunger, he slowly withdrew his fingers from Gao Tu, placed a soft kiss on the omega's inner thigh, and lowered his legs from his shoulders. Then, finally, finally, he removed the last barrier between them, leaving himself completely naked.

Shen Wenlang settled himself between Gao Tu's spread legs, his erection aching, glistening with desire. He nuzzled Gao Tu's face, making the omega's dazed eyes meet his.

"I'll go slow," he murmured. "Tell me if it hurts. Tell me to stop, and I will." He sealed the promise with a deep kiss as he pressed the head of his cock against his lover's slick entrance.

The fragmented, heat-blurred memories of their first night together faded. They could never compare to the feeling of being inside Gao Tu again.

A deep groan escaped Shen Wenlang as he thrust, the sensation of being surrounded by Gao Tu's tight, welcoming warmth so intense it was almost painful. It was like coming home in a way that left him breathless. His hips moved on their own, back and forth, feeling Gao Tu open wider for him until he was completely buried. His mouth found Gao Tu's desperately, needing to stay connected, to share the same breath, to be united in every way possible.

“So deep…” The omega whispered the words, his body instinctively arching around the Alpha’s cock.

Shen Wenlang remained inside him for a few more seconds, holding himself still, allowing Gao Tu's body to soften and accept him. He covered the omega's neck and shoulder with open-mouthed kisses, his soothing scent a constant presence. One large hand traced a slow path from the delicate curve of Gao Tu’s hip, across the soft curve of his belly, to the frantic beat of his heart, mapping his territory with infinite tenderness.

"I'm okay," Gao Tu murmured, his voice thick with need as he nipped at the Alpha's earlobe. "You can move now."

Shen Wenlang began to move with slow thrusts, each one a shallow, dragging friction that made Gao Tu's hypersensitive walls contract. "So perfect," he moaned against the omega's skin, losing himself in the sensation as he maintained the agonizing rhythm, savoring every squeeze, every ragged breath, as if etching it into his memory for eternity.

"S-Shen Wenlang... faster." The plea was a broken whisper, Gao Tu's nails digging desperate down the Alpha’s back.

With a soft sound of agreement, Shen Wenlang pressed his forehead against Gao Tu's, his rhythm changing from deep thrusts to powerful, intense thrusts. He held the omega's hips, lifting and tilting them to match each movement, each collision eliciting a louder, shattered moan from Gao Tu's lips as he touched his sensitive spot.

But then Shen Wenlang felt it; the familiar, insistent swelling at the base of his cock, the beginnings of his knot forming. He forced himself to slow down, breathing heavily.

"Baobei... Last time, I didn't..." He captured Gao Tu's lips. "I didn't ask. I just... made you take it." He paused, pulling back just enough to look into Gao Tu’s eyes. "You don't have to take it this time." His own eyes dark in a mix of desire and devotion.

"I want it." The answer was immediate, breathless, between gasps of breath. Gao Tu was lost in passion, but his mind was perfectly clear about it. He had dreamed of this feeling, longed for it again in the lonely silence of countless nights. "Give me your knot."

Shen Wenlang's control finally broke. With a low groan, he stopped moving just long enough to shift their positions. His cock slipped free with a soft, wet sound, and more slick followed, making them both gasp at the sudden emptiness, before he settled on his side and pulled Gao Tu back against his chest, their bodies fitting together perfectly.

He slipped an arm beneath Gao Tu’s head. "This way will be more comfortable for you," he whispered in Gao Tu's ear. Then, he pressed forward, guided himself back inside.

Shen Wenlang began to move, each thrust sending shivers down the omega's spine. He held Gao Tu close, one arm wrapped tightly around his chest and the other trailing down Gao Tu's thigh until it found his dripping aching cock, stroking it in time with his thrusts.

Gao Tu's world reduce to nothing but the spots on his body where Shen Wenlang touched. The firm chest pressed against his back, the relentless thrusts inside him, the firm hand massaging his erection... He gripped the pillow, his knuckles turning white, his entire body tense as he was pushed ever closer to the edge.

Just as Gao Tu began to lose himself, Shen Wenlang drove deep and went still, a low, guttural groan vibrating through his chest. Gao Tu felt the incredible swell of the Alpha's knot, thick and insistent, locking them together, claiming him.

A broken cry was torn from Gao Tu's throat, overwhelmed by the sensation of being filled so completely full with a knot. Shen Wenlang's arm tightened around his waist, holding them together for a moment. Their heavy breathing synchronized, their sweaty bodies pressed against each other, and the entire world seemed to shrink down to just the two of them... to their scents of iris and sage.

Gao Tu felt every wave, every slow release of Shen Wenlang's seed, and knew they were joined... for now. They wouldn't part until the knot was undone, and in that moment, they were one.

In the silence of the nest, surrounded by the scent of iris and sage, the last barrier between them crumbled to dust, leaving only the certainty that, finally, they were complete.

Chapter Text

Gao Tu woke slowly. A deep sense of peace and calm washed over his entire body. But when he moved, a pleasant ache settled in his lower back. His muscles felt as if they had just finished an intense workout and a soft smile played on his lips. In a way, he supposed they had.

As he became more aware of his surroundings, he noticed that he was wearing his pajamas, and his skin was clean. A vague memory of a damp cloth gently sliding between his legs as he passed out... A wave of affection coursed through his chest.

Stretching lazily, he threw off the blankets and got out of bed, walking slowly to the bathroom to shower and start his day. Standing in front of the mirror, he saw the imprint of Shen Wenlang's fingers on his skin, and a blush crossed his face.

The smell of hot porridge reached Gao Tu as he walked downstairs, and his stomach growled. When he reached the kitchen, he found Shen Wenlang leaning over the stove, attentively stirring a pot.

Hearing his footsteps, Shen Wenlang turned. His normally serious face softened into a genuine smile that reached his eyes. He put the ladle aside and crossed the room quickly, not stopping until his arms were around Gao Tu, pulling him into a tight hug. He buried his face in the omega's neck, inhaling deeply of his scent.

"Good morning," he murmured. "I didn't want to wake you. You needed to rest." His hands moved in slow circles over Gao Tu's back, right where his muscles were most sore. Gao Tu relaxed into the embrace, enjoying the closeness.

They ate breakfast at the kitchen island. Shen Wenlang's leg pressed against Gao Tu's the entire time as they filled Omega's bowl with more food, admiring him fondly.

"I have to go to the office today," Shen Wenlang eventually said, sounding as if he'd rather stay. Still, he didn't move to get up, playing with Gao Tu's hair. "There are some contracts that can't wait. But I'll be back as soon as I can."

"I know," Gao Tu said, understanding. "We'll be here."

It took another twenty minutes of kissing before Shen Wenlang finally, and very reluctantly, pulled away and left. The penthouse suddenly felt too quiet without him.

Gao Tu washed the breakfast dishes, his movements automatic, while his thoughts wandered upstairs... to the empty room. The nursery.

Sitting on the living room couch with the tablet Shen Wenlang had given him, Gao Tu opened his favorite visual inspiration app and began browsing furniture and similar items. He searched for cribs, imagining how they would look against the light lilac-blue walls he'd envisioned. He saved images of cozy, cream-colored rugs and comfortable rocking chairs. Within minutes, the screen was filled with soft shades of blues, iris and sage flowers, as well as baby designs.

One image in particular caught his eye. A customizable botanical work of art. He could already picture it in his mind: delicate sage and elegant iris flowers, carefully pressed and preserved under a framed glass.

He began to think of other ways to honor their culture in that room. It wouldn't just be a nursery; it would be a space where every little detail -from the colors that represented their scents to the touch of a handmade blanket- would whisper a promise: You are loved, you are safe, you are ours.

The thought of family made him pick up the phone and call his sister. Gao Qing answered on the second ring.

"Da ge!" His voice was filled with joy. "How are you? And how is my baby nephew? Are you okay? Are you eating?"

"A-Qing, I'm fine... we're fine," he said, a genuine smile in his voice. "I called to see how you're doing. How are your studies going? Do you need more money?" He did a quick calculation in his head, the familiar look of concern forming on his face. He needed to get his finances sorted, and soon.

“No! What you gave me was more than enough. In fact, I'm upset that you sent so much! Da ge, you even paid my rent for the entire year! You shouldn't have done that!”

Gao Tu fell silent. The words didn't make sense. What? He definitely hadn't... And then it clicked and the realization left him a little dizzy.

Oh.

Oh.

Shen Wenlang!

It was a huge gesture, but he wasn't meant to know. It was a silent action, performed in the background, ensuring that someone Gao Tu loved most in the world was safe and protected. He held onto that thought all afternoon, waiting for the right time.

Later that night, the Alpha, already showered, was clingier than usual. They were on the couch after dinner, with Shen Wenlang's favorite tea on the coffee table, brewed by the only person who knew exactly how he liked it.

Gao Tu was leaning back against the couch cushions, his legs stretched out. SShen Wenlang lay with his head resting on the omega's thighs, his arms wrapped tightly around his waist, his face pressed against his belly as if he was listening to their baby. Gao Tu slowly ran his fingers through the alpha's hair. The scent of iris and sage hung in the air.

"Shen Wenlang," he said softly, not wanting to ruin the peaceful moment but needing to thank him. "Did you pay Gao Qing's rent for the whole year?"

Shen Wenlang didn't open his eyes. The feeling of Gao Tu's fingers moving through his hair was so comforting that he wished the moment would never end. He let the silence hang between them for a moment longer, only enjoying it, before finally answering.

“I didn’t want you to worry,” he said, his voice low against Gao Tu's body. There was no arrogance in it. “She’s family.” He finally tilted his head back just enough to look up at Gao Tu, his dark eyes soft yet intense. “Yours. That makes her mine, too.”

It wasn't just about money; it was a natural expansion of his world to include everything and everyone that belonged to Gao Tu.

“She also said that my dad hasn’t contact her” Gao Tu’s voice hesitant. The painful memory came rushing back: Abort. 10 million. Not a cent less. "Did you... did you give him the money he asked for?"

Shen Wenlang placed a soft kiss on Gao Tu’s belly before he sat up. He carefully adjusted them, pulling Gao Tu closer and arranging the Omega's legs on his lap.

"I did give him the money," Shen Wenlang confirmed. "But not for the reason he wanted. I gave it to him as a way for him to leave your life and your sister's forever." He held Gao Tu's gaze. "He understands the conditions. I made sure of that. If he tries to contact any of you again, for any reason, you have to tell me right away." His hand rested possessively on Gao Tu's belly. "He has lost the right to be a part of your lives. That chapter is over."

“He was never truly part of our lives…” Gao Tu murmured.

“I know,” Shen Wenlang said, his voice soft as he gently caressed the omega’s hair. “And I would never want our child to go through what we both did.”

"Neither would I." Gao Tu took Shen Wenlang's hand, intertwining their fingers. He took a deep breath. "But I also don't want to depend on you for everything. I need to have my own life, my own purpose. I'm more grateful than I can express for everything you've done for me and Gao Qing, but..."

He hesitated, searching for the right words. “But my worth can’t just be as your omega or the carrier of your child. I need to stand on my own, for myself and for our baby. I want to be your partner, not your dependent.”

Shen Wenlang listened; his expression thoughtful. He didn't interrupt or dismiss Gao Tu's words. "You having your own life doesn't threaten me. It's part of who you are, and I love every part of you."

His thumb continued to move over the back of Gao Tu's hand. "The position on the board is a real offer," he said. "But first, I want you to think about what you truly want. Not as my omega, not as a father, but as Gao Tu. Your dream. The one you had to put aside just to survive." He leaned closer. "Once you know what it is, I promise you, we will do whatever it takes to make it happen."

In the silence that followed, a deep, new understanding grew between them. He wasn't just asking Gao Tu to share his life... he was promising to help him get his own back.

αβΩ

The rest of the week didn't go as planned. Shen Wenlang had a last-minute business trip to County J, which meant he couldn't sleep at home. He and Hua Yong would have to stay in a hotel for two and a half days.

“Baobei, I'm sorry. Really.” Shen Wenlang was wrapped around Gao Tu, his face buried in the omega's scent gland, inhaling as if trying to memorize the scent. "I tried everything to get out of it."

“I know,” Gao Tu said softly. “But you'll be back soon.” He assured him it was fine.

“I'm dragging that lunatic with me just to make it shorter,” In fact, they would only be gone for two days because Hua Young was coming along. He didn't want to leave Sheng Shaoyou alone for too long with a high-risk pregnancy.

Gao Tu turned in the Alpha's arms to give him a kiss. “You should go. The car is waiting.”

“I love you,” Shen Wenlang whispered against his lips. “And I will miss you both every single second.” He kissed him again, deeper this time. “You have plenty of my clothes for your nest, but call me if you need me, okay? Any time, day or night. I will drop everything for you.”

"We'll be right here, waiting for you." Gao Tu kept his soft smile until the front door closed behind Shen Wenlang. The moment he was alone, the smile faded. He couldn't hide his disappointment, but he didn't want the Alpha to feel guilty.

The baby in his belly, however, clearly hadn't inherited his patient nature. While Gao Tu endured everything in silence, this little one refused to accept even the slightest upset. The moment the comforting scent of burning incense and iris started to fade from the air, the baby protested with a series of sharp, stubborn kicks, as if demanding its father's immediate return. Gao Tu's soft sage scent became intense with a hint of distress.

That night, the nest of clothes felt cold and empty. The quiet of the penthouse was suffocating. When the first tear escaped, tracing a warm path down his temple into the pillow, Gao Tu let out a shaky breath. "It's just the hormones", he told himself, holding onto the easy explanation. It was simpler than admitting how deeply he had already grown attached to the Alpha's presence, and how terrifying it was to be without him, even for just two days.

αβΩ

The next morning, Gao Tu sat with a book, trying to read, but his attention kept drifting to his cell phone. When it finally rang, a warm smile spread across his lips. It was Shen Wenlang again; it hadn't even been two hours since their last call.

"Hello," he answered, his voice soft, already eager for the comfort that came from hearing the Alpha's voice.

"Good morning, Secretary Gao." The voice on the other end was polite and professional, but it wasn't the one he was hoping to hear. "This is Chen Pinming. I hope you don't mind; I got your new number from President Shen."

Hearing that name made his heart race. Chen Pinming was Sheng Shaoyou's personal secretary. For years, their jobs had required them to email and call constantly to discuss meetings and schedules.

Gao Tu's tone immediately changed, taking on a professional voice. "Ah. Hello, Secretary Chen. How may I help you?"

"President Sheng was wondering if you would be available to join him for lunch today," Chen Pinming's voice was, as always, perfectly professional. "He insisted you choose the venue. Your comfort is the most important thing."

The words were polite, but the underlying meaning was a firm command. An invitation from an S-Class Alpha like Sheng Shaoyou, especially one in his current... condition, wasn't really an invitation. Saying no wasn't an option.

Gao Tu remembered the Alpha from before: someone so above everyone else that he seemed to float, too proud to take a business card directly from a secretary's hands, always letting an assistant handle it. And now, this same man was personally asking to have lunch with him?

And that's how, a few hours later, Gao Tu found himself sitting in a private booth at a high-end restaurant, so quiet it was almost uncomfortable. Across the perfect white tablecloth, Sheng Shaoyou looked just as powerful as he remembered. But the whole situation felt strange… one of the city's most important business leaders, having a meal with him, a former secretary. It was enough to make the Omega’s instincts kick in, every part of him alert.

Chapter Text

The waiter poured water into their glasses, and Gao Tu replied quietly with a “thank you.” When he looked up, he found Sheng Shaoyou's intense gaze already fixed on him.

Gao Tu had spent years dealing with powerful Alphas in his work, but this was different. It wasn't just their complicated past, but the way Sheng Shaoyou observed him, as if waiting for Gao Tu to reveal a secret he didn't even know he had.

Uncomfortable with the stare, Gao Tu shifted in his chair. One hand rested protectively on his stomach, while the other adjusted his glasses. It was a nervous gesture, but Sheng Shaoyou's piercing eyes followed the movement, and something unreadable crossed his face.

The silence between them grew heavy. Outside, the city bustled with activity and noise, but inside the restaurant, everything seemed static.

Finally, Sheng Shaoyou leaned forward, his voice low, and said. "You're showing." He smiled, leaning back in his chair.

Gao Tu's fingers twitched, clutching the napkin in his lap. The comment took him by surprise. "I... Thank you, sir," he said, the formal title slipping out automatically.

There was a pause. Then Sheng Shaoyou's voice softened, becoming almost personal. "No need to be so formal, Gao Tu." His eyes met the Omega's. "I prefer you call me by my name."

Gao Tu didn't respond; instead, he picked up his glass and took a slow sip of water, taking the moment to look away and compose himself.

Not seeming to mind the silence, Sheng Shaoyou continued. "I invited you here today because it's obvious our paths will cross often from now on." He gave a small shrug. "After all, it's not like Hua Yong and Shen Wenlang will stop being friends."

Gao Tu replied with a small nod. “No. They won’t.”

There was another pause, not tense, just thoughtful.

“I heard you’re almost in your third trimester,” Sheng Shaoyou said, glancing briefly at Gao Tu’s abdomen before meeting his eyes again. “How’s it been?”

Gao Tu blinked, slightly surprised by the change of subject. “It’s better, for the most part. The morning sickness is finally gone, but I still can’t sleep through the night. The baby moves too much.”

Sheng Shaoyou let out a silent sigh of understanding. "Tell me about it.” he said, his voice carrying a tone of shared frustration. "Hua Yong has decided he's my personal nutritionist. I swear, I've had more crucian carp soup these past weeks than in my entire life." He paused, taking a sip of his water. "He gives me this whole speech every day… says it's healthy, good for digestion...." He rolled his eyes, trying to hide the smile that tugged at his lips.

For a moment, the powerful Alpha S-Class seemed to disappear, leaving behind just another person trying to navigate this strange new reality.

A friendly smile formed on Gao Tu's lips. "But you're still early in your pregnancy, so you have to be careful not to make the nausea worse. Shen Wenlang is exactly the same; he means well, but sometimes he can be... a bit too much." A faint blush spread across his cheeks as he spoke, surprised that he felt comfortable sharing this with someone who understood.

Sheng Shaoyou let out a small laugh. "They mean well... but they're sometimes impossible."

Gao Tu nodded, feeling a little more relaxed in the conversation.

But then Sheng Shaoyou's expression changed. With a slight frown, he asked, "How's your pheromone imbalance? I also wanted to apologize for the last time we saw each other. I know I made things difficult for you."

Even though he was pregnant, Sheng Shaoyou was still an Alpha. Caring for an Omega's well-being was part of his nature.

"It's much better now," Gao Tu said, and for the first time that afternoon, his eyes lit up. "Shen Wenlang has been a great help with the treatment."

But then the sparkle faded as he remembered he still had one more night without his Alpha sleeping beside him.

"I know what you mean... And Little Peanut here started acting up the moment Hua Yong left for the trip."

"Little Peanut?" Gao Tu asked, both curious about the name and grateful for the change of subject.

Sheng Shaoyou couldn't hold back a smile, rolling his eyes slightly. "Hua Yong already had a name picked out. It'll be Hua Sheng, with the nickname 'Peanut.'"

Their food arrived just then, giving them a break in the conversation.

"And you, have you thought about a name?"

So much for changing the subject...

"Yes... I have one in mind," Gao Tu admitted, his voice dropping, becoming more private. "But I haven't told Shen Wenlang yet."

"If you already have a name in mind, then just name the baby that. You don't need anyone's approval." Yeah, it seemed Sheng Shaoyou was still a little bitter about the lies Shen Wenlang had told him.

Gao Tu didn't argue and looked down, slowly stirring his soup. He understood where the other Alpha's sharpness came from, but he wouldn't let that bitterness shape his own story.

"I want him to be part of it," he said, his voice quiet but firm. His gaze lifted, meeting Sheng Shaoyou's. "Even if he doesn't always know the right thing to say."

Sheng Shaoyou stared at him, his expression hard to read, and said nothing, just went back to eat his food. The silence that followed felt different now, less rigid, more thoughtful.

Later, when they got up to leave, the formal atmosphere of the beginning had softened and transformed into something more comfortable. They said goodbye politely, but just as Gao Tu turned to leave, Sheng Shaoyou's firm voice interrupted him.

"This won't be the last time," he said. It wasn't a question or a suggestion, just an observation. Their lives were now connected, and this lunch wasn't a one-off event; it was the beginning of something new.

αβΩ

The next day, Shen Wenlang finally returned home.

As soon as the penthouse door opened, he dropped his suitcase and coat on the floor without even looking. He had only one thing on his mind. He hurriedly kicked off his shoes and, after taking just a few steps, found what he was looking for. Or rather, who he was looking for.

Gao Tu, who had caught the first strong wave of the Alpha's iris scent upstairs, immediately left the bedroom. They met halfway up the stairs, their arms tightly wrapped around each other, breathing in each other's scent.

"I missed you," Shen Wenlang gasped, the words rough against Gao Tu's neck. His hands moved under the omega's shirt, searching for the warm skin of his back, as if he needed to feel that he was really home.

And Gao Tu wasn't far behind. He began covering Shen Wenlang's neck with kisses, his fingers tangling in his hair, his glasses fogging up... His entire body craving for his touch.

Shen Wenlang pulled Gao Tu's mouth to his, and they kissed; hungry, thirsty, as if only the other's lips could satisfy the hunger, the thirst that consumed them both.

With a groan, Shen Wenlang pulled away, their foreheads pressed together as they both struggled to catch their breath. "I need a shower," he panted hoarsely. "I smell like airplanes and other people."

Gao Tu only held him tighter, a quiet, needy sound escaping his throat. He didn't want to break their contact, not even for a moment. Letting go, even for a bath, seemed impossible now that Shen Wenlang was finally home.

"Come with me," Shen Wenlang murmured. He gently loosened Gao Tu's grip, only to intertwine their fingers and lead him toward the master bathroom.

Inside, they undressed with clumsy, hurried hands. The buttons were difficult to undo, and Gao Tu, in his haste to remove his shirt, nearly broke his glasses. They both let out breathless laughs. Shen Wenlang carefully placed the glasses on the sink, and then there was nothing between them but scent and skin-to-skin.

Shen Wenlang led them to the spacious shower and turned on the faucet, letting the water cascade over their bodies. He could have gone to the bathtub, but right now, all he needed was to feel his omega. Maybe another day... And they were kissing again, their hands caressing each other constantly until he felt the baby move heavily against Gao Tu's belly.

The Alpha knelt before the omega, speaking directly to his belly. "Baby, I know you missed me as much as I missed you, and I promise I'll be with you soon. But first, let me hold your papa for a while." He placed a tender kiss on Gao Tu's belly and stood up again.

His eyes met Gao Tu's, dark with love and desire. Shen Wenlang gently turned him, pressing their bodies together so that the omega's back was against his chest. One hand was firmly on Gao Tu's waist, the other on his jaw, tilting his head to expose the sensitive skin of the omega's neck. Then he lowered his mouth to Gao Tu's scent gland and began sucking, licking, and kissing as if to leave his mark deep in Gao Tu's soul.

The warm water fell over them, but Gao Tu felt hot inside, on fire by the Alpha's touch. He arched his hips and pressed his flushed face against the cool, damp tiles of the shower wall, his body silently begging for more. A moan escaped Shen Wenlang's throat at the sight of him like this, offering himself up. The hand that was on Gao Tu's face moved to tease a hardened nipple, while the other slid down the curve of Gao Tu's ass until he found his warm, slick spot. Without hesitation, he thrust two fingers deep into the Omega's tight, wet heat.

He moved in a slow, teasing rhythm, in and out, using the omega's own slickness to sink his fingers deeper. Shen Wenlang was still learning about Gao Tu's body, and sometimes -only sometimes- he would touch that sweet spot that made Gao Tu's legs tremble and a moan echo off the walls. But he never stays there for long. He withdrew his finger each time, moving it in and out again, leaving Gao Tu aching, tense with desire, but not letting him release himself.

Each time Shen Wenlang teased him, brushing against his prostate, Gao Tu's hands pressed harder against the damp tiles, his fingers splaying as he searched for something to hold on to. His knees felt weak, about to give way. All he could focus on was the cool wall against his forehead, the relentless fingers moving inside him, and the overwhelming presence of the Alpha pressing against his back.

A needy growl escaped Shen Wenlang as he withdrew his fingers just enough for his throbbing cock to penetrate Gao Tu's slick entrance. He covered the Omega's hand on the wall with his own, their fingers intertwining in a grip and began to move. He kept a firm hold on Gao Tu’s waist, guiding each slow roll of his hips, not thrusting deeper, but just enough to feel Gao Tu's body tighten around him, desperate to feel him again.

His hips moved of their own accord, each thrust deeper and more urgent. His mouth traced every inch of Gao Tu's neck, savoring his skin and the water that still lingered there, but it wasn't enough. He needed more. One of his hands broke free and he turned Gao Tu's face to kiss his lips. A deep, passionate, and incredibly tender kiss.

"Shen W-Wenlang…" Gao Tu gasped, his voice hoarse and broken as he pulled away from the kiss, his head falling back against the Alpha's shoulder. "Touch me."

Shen Wenlang's breath caught at the sound; his hand slid down, his palm pressing against the trembling skin of Gao Tu's stomach before moving lower, until his fingers found what they were searching for. Hot, hard, and desperately needing attention. He wrapped his fingers around Gao Tu’s cock and began to stroke him, matching the rhythm of his hips.

A sharp, broken cry tore from Gao Tu's throat, his body arching into the touch. Their joined hands pressed harder against the wall, grounding them in the storm of sensation. Behind him, Shen Wenlang buried his face in the damp curve of Gao Tu's neck, his lips moving against the frantic pulse there.

“Baobei,” he murmured. “You feel so good.”

As his own pleasure intensified, Shen Wenlang felt the familiar swelling begin at the base of his cock, the pressure building fast. Knowing that the position wasn’t the best for knotting, -and also because he didn't want to leave Gao Tu standing for too long- he gave one last deep thrust and carefully slipped free from Gao Tu’s ass.

With a fluid motion, he turned Gao Tu toward him, claiming his lips in a kiss that felt more like shared breath… open mouths, heavy with need, lost in each other. Shen Wenlang’s hand found Gao Tu’s neck, holding him close, there, as his other slipped between them, closing around both of their cocks, stroking them together with aching need.

“Gao Tu… I love you,” he said, his voice choked and trembling, the words broken between gasps. “I love you so much.”

That was all it took. The omega collapsed, melting into Shen Wenlang's arms with a moan of relief. His nails dug into the alpha's shoulders, clinging to him, trembling, falling apart, as he came in Shen Wenlang's hands.

Shen Wenlang wasn't far behind. His climax surged through his body, intense and overwhelming, and kept coming... wave after wave, his cock throbbing against the palm of his own hand. His ragged breaths muffled against Gao Tu's damp skin as he hwld him, unable to stop, unable to let go.

αβΩ

Later, clean and relaxed after their shower, they lay snuggled in the middle of the nest, wrapped in each other's arms. In the quiet darkness, Gao Tu stirred slightly, his voice a murmur against Shen Wenlang's chest.

“I thought of a name for the baby.”

Shen Wenlang remained still, offering only a quiet 'hum', a sign that he was awake and listening. His fingers continued their slow, soothing motions along the Omega’s back.

Gao Tu took a deep breath. The weight of the decision was giant, yet in that moment, it felt like the right time. With a small smile on his lips, he said the name that had been on his mind ever since he found out he was pregnant. "Lele."

A name that held deep meaning for both of them; capturing all their hopes for a life filled with the kind of joy and happiness that had been so rare in their own pasts.

Shen Wenlang let the name settle deep within him. Then he pressed a tender kiss to Gao Tu’s temple. “Lele,” he repeated in a quiet whisper, letting the name linger like a promise on his lips. He pulled Gao Tu closer. “It’s perfect,” he murmured.

Chapter Text

Another month passed in a blur of anticipation and preparations; the nursery ready to welcome their baby. Gao Tu was now nearing the end of his pregnancy, his body heavier. Although the omega's heart overflowed with a love so deep that it sometimes left him breathless, there was also a subtle shadow of worry. Gao Tu's health made everything more delicate, and even in the loving anticipation of meeting the baby, there was room for fear.

Even so, their days passed at a calm, familiar pace. That afternoon, they received an invitation to dinner at Hua Yong and Sheng Shaoyou’s home.

Since that unexpected first lunch between Gao Tu and the S-level Alpha, Sheng Shaoyou, they’d met a few more times. Nothing extravagant, just brief, friendly meals where, surprisingly enough, they exchanged tips on managing back pain and food cravings.

But this dinner was more than a casual visit; it was getting into their world. And this time, Gao Tu would be seeing Hua Yong again, after everything that had happened. The last time they saw each other, Hua Yong was still pretending to be a vulnerable Omega, but in reality, he was a pawn in his own complex game.

The door opened to reveal Hua Yong himself, his expression composed, a polite yet unreadable smile on his lips. “Secretary Gao,” he said.

Gao Tu paused for a second. “Secretary… I mean, um…” he hesitated again, unsure how to address the man who had once been both a colleague and a master manipulator.

Hua Yong smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. They stood there for a second, the 'reintroduction' hanging in the air.

"You can call me Hua Yong."

The tension on Gao Tu's face dissipated. "And you can call me Gao Tu."

Behind him, Shen Wenlang let out an impatient sound, his protective instincts kicking in. “Are we having a meeting on the doorstep?” he grumbled, rolling his eyes. His hand settled on Gao Tu’s lower back. “Let us in. Gao Tu shouldn’t be standing this long.”

Sheng Shaoyou stepped in, pulling the door open wider. “Please, Gao Tu, come in,” he said, pointedly ignoring both Shen Wenlang and Hua Yong.

“Thank you,” Gao Tu replied with a soft smile, slipping his hand into Shen Wenlang’s as they entered the house together.

Hua Yong closed the door behind them, his voice teasing. "Wenlang, you really shouldn't be so angry around your wife... it's not good for the baby."

Shen Wenlang opened his mouth to respond, but Gao Tu gave his hand a squeeze making sure he wouldn’t say anything.

Sheng Shaoyou led them toward the dining room, his pace steadier than Gao Tu’s, but still unhurried. Hua Yong followed a few steps behind, his gaze lingering on the way Sheng Shaoyou chatted easily with Gao Tu.

Dinner turned out to be surprisingly pleasant, and quietly amusing. Both Gao Tu and Sheng Shaoyou were doted on so thoroughly by their partners, it bordered on comical. Shen Wenlang tensed every time Gao Tu shifted in his seat, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of discomfort. Meanwhile, Hua Yong kept piling food onto Sheng Shaoyou’s plate, barely noticing he was doing it.

None of it was for show. It was the quiet, unspoken language of their love; pure, instinctive, and deeply felt. A need to protect, to cherish.

With dinner finished, the kitchen filled with the rhythm of running water and the clinking of dishes. Shen Wenlang and Hua Yong moved around each other with the ease of people who have known each other for a long time, although there was a touch of tension. Their partnership had been forged out of necessity, not tenderness, and this was reflected in the way they bickered over dish placement and drying order, each correction filled with old habits.

Sheng Shaoyou sat down on the sofa and handed a cup of herbal tea to Gao Tu. "You can breathe, you know?" he said in a low voice so as not to be heard in the kitchen.

Gao Tu blinked, his fingers pausing around his teacup. "I'm sorry?"

"Around Hua Yong," Sheng Shaoyou clarified, taking a slow sip of his tea. "You were tense throughout the entire dinner. You don't need to be like that."

Gao Tu's cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment. "It's just... old habits. And everything that happened-"

"I know," Sheng Shaoyou gently interrupted him. "I'm not saying you should forget everything or forgive him. But Hua Yong has already achieved the goal he wanted, so there's nothing else he wants that could disrupt your life or your relationship with Shen Wenlang."

Gao Tu nodded slowly. "I understand I understand. And I appreciate the way you're keeping things professional with Shen Wenlang, and I thank you for that," said Gao Tu.

The truth was, the four of them shared a complex bond, complicated by their past and by misunderstandings. But, deep down, they were trying. Trying to support each other in the only way they knew how.

Gao Tu hesitated, then blurted a question that had been quietly weighing on him. “Can I… ask one more thing?”

Sheng Shaoyou nodded, with an understanding expression.

Gao Tu’s voice dropped to a near whisper. "How are you... dealing with all this? The pregnancy. I'm an Omega and I still feel like my body has been taken over by something strange and demanding. But you're an Alpha. I can't imagine the... the conflict."

Sheng Shaoyou remained silent for a moment, his gaze distant, as if evaluating the question. "It's the most humiliating experience of my life," he admitted, with a frank and honest confession. "My entire identity has been built on control. Over my body, my surroundings, my future. And this..." He placed his hand on the firm bulge of his belly. "...is the absolute surrender of that control. It’s irritating, terrifying, and... fascinating.” His fingers curled gently over the curve of his belly. “And somehow, it’s also the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Sheng Shaoyou looked down at his belly, then back at Gao Tu. “It’s strange. But not wrong. I used to think being an Alpha meant being untouchable. Now I know it means being trusted. And trust… it’s heavier than power.”

A soft, understanding laugh escaped Gao Tu. “Yes. That’s it exactly.”

“I hate to break up the heart-to-heart,” Shen Wenlang said from behind, his voice low but unmistakably fond, “but it’s getting late, and you need to rest.”

Gao Tu turned, startled. He hadn’t noticed Shen Wenlang standing there, or Hua Yong beside him, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

They must have been watching them for a while.

After the door closed behind the guests, silence settled over the house. Sheng Shaoyou remained on the couch, a contemplative look on his face as he observed the Enigma.

“You’re staring,” Hua Yong said without looking up.

“Why were you eavesdropping?” Sheng Shaoyou asked, his tone calm, almost curious.

“I was listening,” Hua Yong admitted. He crossed the room and sat beside the Alpha, his hand coming to rest on the firm curve of Shaoyou’s belly. “I was just thinking… how much I love you.”

Shaoyou raised an eyebrow, a silent question flickering in his gaze.

“You speak of it as a surrender… as humiliation,” Hua Yong said, his thumb stroking gently. “But from where I’m standing, you’ve never been more powerful.” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. “You are an S-Class Alpha, the most formidable presence in any boardroom. And yet, here you are, willingly carrying our child. You’re letting your body change; you’re talking about fear with a former secretary.”

A genuine, awed smile touched his lips. “This isn’t weakness, Mr. Sheng. It’s a different kind of strength. And it’s the most breathtaking thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

Sheng Shaoyou didn’t reply. He just looked at Hua Yong, and for the first time, the feeling of his body being ‘shared territory’ didn’t feel like an invasion, but a sacred, collaborative strength. He covered Hua Yong’s hand with his own, and the silence between them was louder than any declaration of love.

Sheng Shaoyou didn’t respond right away. He placed his hand over Hua Yong’s, and the silence that followed spoke louder than any declaration of love.

αβΩ

The car passed through the neon-lit city. Gao Tu rested his head against the window, a pleasant feeling of weariness settling over him.

Shen Wenlang broke the quiet, his voice thoughtful. "You and Sheng Shaoyou seemed... comfortable."

Gao Tu turned his head, studying the Alpha's profile. There was no accusation in his tone, only a genuine curiosity. "It's... surprisingly easy," he admitted.

"Why?" Shen Wenlang asked, looking at Gao Tu.

Gao Tu considered the question. "I'm not sure. With you... there's history. There's so much I want, so much I'm afraid of losing. Every word seems to carry enormous weight."

He reached out and gently rested his hand on Shen Wenlang's thigh. "With him, it's simple. We're just two people in the same strange boat. There's no past to deal with. We can talk about fear, about how our bodies feel strange, and there's no judgment. It's a relief."

Shen Wenlang was quiet for a moment, absorbing the words. Then he lowered his hand to cover Gao Tu’s, their fingers lacing together with quiet certainty. “You know I would never judge you,” he said softly. “Not now. Not ever.”

“I know,” he said, his voice low and firm.

Shen Wenlang brought his clasped hands to his lips, placing a long, lingering kiss on Gao Tu's knuckles. "You will never be alone again."

In the dim light, Gao Tu smiled. They were still learning about each other, slowly figuring out the shape of their new life together. It wasn't always perfect, but they were taking their time, being careful with each other's hearts.

αβΩ

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon, one of those that convey a profound sense of peace. The four of them gathered in Sheng Shaoyou and Hua Yong's living room after lunch. The conversation flowed naturally, meandering from business to the everyday comforts of pregnancy.

A gentle silence settled over the room. Gao Tu shifted on the soft, undoubtedly expensive, sofa, trying to alleviate the persistent pain in his lower back. Then, he froze completely.

A strange sensation was followed by a sudden warmth. A liquid soaked his trousers, spreading rapidly across the light-colored couch.

He looked down, stunned, watching the dark stain expand beneath him. Then, his wide, shocked eyes turned to Shen Wenlang.

"Wenlang," he said, his voice strangely calm but laced with panic. "My water broke."

For a single, agonizing second, the formidable S-Class Alpha froze. Every meticulously memorized page of the parenting guides, every carefully planned step of the birth plan, vanished from his mind. He stared at Gao Tu, completely blank. The powerful CEO of HS Group who commanded with a single glance was utterly, devastatingly useless.

The silence was shattered by the sharp sound of a chair scraping back.

The silence was broken by Hua Yong, who was already standing, phone in hand, probably speaking with Secretary Chang. “Chang Yu will contact the hospital to notify the team,” he said, his voice a calm and steady anchor in the rising tide of chaos. His gaze fixed on the paralyzed Alpha. “Mr. Sheng, get your coat, it might be cold.”

From his armchair, Sheng Shaoyou observed the scene with clinical detachment. He rose smoothly, picking up his coat, his eyes shifting between the stunned Shen Wenlang and the pale and frightened Gao Tu.

He turned to Gao Tu, his voice soft. “Try to remember the breathing exercises.”

He turned to Gao Tu, his voice softening slightly. “Try to remember the breathing exercises.”

The spell was broken.

Shen Wenlang moved abruptly, stopping in front of Gao Tu with an urgency that made his usual elegance disappear. His movements were uncharacteristically clumsy, driven by instinct rather than control. The peaceful Saturday afternoon was over. The real work was about to begin.

He knelt beside the soaked upholstery, his eyes fixed on Gao Tu's face with a look that wavered between guilt and admiration. “Can you get up?” he asked, his voice low, his hands already outstretched to help him steady himself.

“I think so,” Gao Tu murmured, although his legs felt like they were made of water.

He carefully helped Gao Tu to his feet. The wet stain on the sofa was forgotten. The day's plans were forgotten. All that mattered now was the silent urgency of getting him safely to the hospital.

As they stepped into the hallway, Wenlang wrapped an arm around Gao Tu’s waist, supporting him. “We’ve got you,” he whispered.

Gao Tu leaned into him; breath shallow but steady. “I know.”

And with that, they stepped into the elevator… four people, one birth plan, and a love that was about to be tested in the most extraordinary way.

The drive to the hospital was a blur of city lights and a touch of panic.

Hua Yong took the wheel, his expression one of complete concentration. He navigated the traffic with the precision of a man who had already calculated and eliminated all possible delays.

In the back seat, Shen Wenlang sat beside Gao Tu, one hand holding the omega's hand, the other gripping the handle of the emergency bag. His jaw was tense, his eyes alternating between Gao Tu's face and the road ahead, as if sheer vigilance could make the car go faster.

"Baobei, are you in pain?" Shen Wenlang asked. "We're almost there. Gao Tu, talk to me."

"Wenlang, panic isn't helpful now," Hua Yong said, looking at him in the rearview mirror.

Gao Tu leaned back, breathing steadily through the discomfort. His face was pale but composed, his fingers curled around Shen Wenlang’s wrist. Across from him, Sheng Shaoyou mirrored his breathing... slow, deliberate inhales and exhales.

“Good,” Shaoyou murmured, eyes trained on Gao Tu. “Keep that rhythm. You’re doing fine.”

Gao Tu nodded, grateful for the quiet solidarity. The pain hadn’t spiked yet, but the pressure was building. He could feel it, his body preparing, shifting.

As they pulled into the hospital’s private entrance, Hua Yong was already out of the car, speaking to Chang Yu waiting with a wheelchair.

Shen Wenlang was all focused action now. The initial shock had been forged into a steely resolve. His hands, once trembling, were perfectly steady as he helped Gao Tu ease from the car into the wheelchair, his touch both protective and grounding.

“You’re safe,” he whispered. “We’re right here.”

And with that, they disappeared into the bright, sterile corridors.

αβΩ

The room was silent, except for the soft, rhythmic breathing of the newborn nestled in Gao Tu's arms.

Lele was incredibly small, wrapped in a light lavender blanket, his tiny fists clenched against his cheeks. Gao Tu held him close, his expression a mixture of awe and exhaustion, as if he still couldn't believe he was real.

Shen Wenlang sat beside him on the hospital bed, one arm protectively around Gao Tu's back, the other gently stroking Lele's soft hair. His posture was tense, but his eyes never strayed from his son's face.

Across the room, Hua Yong sat on the armrest of the chair where Sheng Shaoyou was sitting, one hand lightly resting on the Alpha's hand. They watched the trio on the hospital bed in silence: Gao Tu, Shen Wenlang, and little Lele, who slept peacefully.

Sheng Shaoyou's gaze was steady, but Hua Yong could see the flicker of fear behind his eyes. Not exactly doubt. Just the slight tremor of someone on the verge of something irreversible.

Hua Yong leaned closer, speaking softly, only for Sheng Shaoyou to hear. "You're overthinking it."

Sheng Shaoyou didn't look away. "I'm an Alpha."

Hua Yong said, "Love doesn't follow protocols."

Sheng Shaoyou's jaw tightened, but he squeezed Hua Yong's hand, seeking comfort in the touch.

"You will be brilliant," Hua Yong said, his voice firm and certain. "Mr. Sheng, you already are. And Little Peanut will know that from the first breath."

Sheng Shaoyou finally turned to him, his eyes softening. "Do you really think we'll be okay?"

"I know we will," Hua Yong said, stroking Sheng Shaoyou's knuckles with his thumb.

The door clicked open and Gao Tu’s family doctor stepped in, his expression one of professional calm. The hospital had called him the moment Gao Tu was admitted.

“I see my other patient decided to make a grand entrance,” he said, his voice warmer than it had ever been in Shen Wenlang’s presence. His eyes went first to Gao Tu, checking him over with a glance, and then dropped to the baby, and a true, unguarded smile broke through. “And he’s perfect. How are you feeling, Mr. Gao?”

“Tired,” Gao Tu admitted, his voice hoarse but content. “But… good. So good.”

The doctor’s gaze then inevitably shifted to Shen Wenlang. In the past, his look would have been laced with suspicion and a silent warning. Now, he took in the scene: the S-Class Alpha, stripped of all his power and prestige, reduced to the most primal role of a father, his entire world condensed to the two people on the bed. The Alpha’s protective, awestruck posture wasn't an act; it was the most honest thing about him.

The doctor gave a slow, deliberate nod, a final piece of judgment settling. “And you, Mr. Shen,” he said, and for the first time, there was no edge to the title, only a quiet acknowledgment. “I trust you’ve finally understood the instructions.”

Shen Wenlang didn’t bristle. He met the doctor’s gaze, his own fierce with a new, profound understanding. “I have,” he said, his voice low and thick with emotion. He looked back at Gao Tu and Lele. “My only job is to keep them safe. And happy.”

A faint smile touched the doctor’s lips. “See that you do.” He moved closer to Gao Tu. “Now, let’s have a proper look at this little one, shall we?”

In that quiet room, amidst the scent of antiseptic and new life, a long-standing tension finally dissolved, replaced by the simple, universal truth of a family, complete at last.

αβΩ

After the examination, the doctor said goodbye, and shortly afterward, Hua Yong and Sheng Shaoyou discreetly left.

The door closed with a click, isolating Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu in a profound silence. The only sounds were the soft hum of the hospital and the small, rhythmic breathing of Lele, coming from the transparent bassinet beside the bed. The baby slept, wrapped in a blanket, a small, peaceful bundle under the soft light of the bassinet lamp.

Shen Wenlang, who hadn't moved from his place at the edge of the bed, finally let out a long, slow sigh, as if he had been holding it in for months. He reached out, his fingers gently caressing a damp lock of hair on Gao Tu's forehead.

"He's here," whispered Gao Tu, his voice choked with emotion and exhaustion. He couldn't take his eyes off the bassinet. "He's really here."

"He is," murmured Shen Wenlang, his gaze fixed on the same small figure. He leaned down, placing a soft, lingering kiss on Gao Tu's lips. It tasted of salt, sweat, and an indescribable joy. "You were... incredible. I've never seen anything like it."

Gao Tu's heart felt too big for his chest. In the silence of the night, surrounded by the evidence of their love and their struggle, they simply watched their son, learning the shape of his new world, one quiet breath at a time.

His fingers tightened around Shen Wenlang's hand. "Shen Wenlang."

"I know we're past that stage now," Gao Tu began, his voice a low whisper. "The fear is gone. Our Lele is here and he's safe." He paused, gathering the words that had been buried for so long beneath layers of pain, dissimulation, and survival. "But now that everything is calm... I feel like I should have told you this a long time ago."

He took a deep breath, his gaze steady, pouring a decade of silent longing into this single, liberating moment.

"I love you. I've loved you for so long. And I love you... deeply."

The confession hung in the air; not a question, but a final and fundamental truth revealed in the cradle of their new beginning.

Shen Wenlang’s breath caught, not in surprise, but in overwhelming resonance. "I know, baobei," Shen Wenlang murmured, wiping away the tear that traced a path down Gao Tu's face, leaned forward, until their foreheads rested together. "I love you too. Very, very much."

In the gentle silence of the hospital room, with their son sleeping peacefully beside them, the last ghost of their painful past finally dissipated. No more secrets. No more barriers. Just this: a family, built on a love that had endured and that had finally found its home.

Chapter Text

Three years later

The day in Country V was beautiful. The clear sky bathed the expansive amusement park. The air was filled with the joyful, distant cacophony of carousel music, the shouts of delight from the roller coasters, and the smell of sugar and popcorn.

It was a scene of pure and genuine joy, and for the two little boys in the center of the small group, it was paradise.

Shen Lele, now an energetic three-year-old with the thoughtful eyes of his papa Gao Tu and, besides being clever, the spitting image of his daddy, Shen Wenlang, pointed excitedly at the spinning teacup ride, his whole body vibrating with anticipation.

Holding his hand tightly was Hua Sheng -"Peanut"- a few months younger, but possessing the affectionate demeanor of his Alpha papa, Sheng Shaoyou, and the mischievous smile of his daddy, Hua Yong.

"Look, Peanut!" Lele said, pulling the younger boy's hand. "The teacups! They spin, they spin!"

Peanut observed the ride with a serious expression, then nodded. "They spin, they spin," he confirmed.

Beside them, stood their parents. Shen Wenlang had one hand resting on Gao Tu's back, his posture far more relaxed than it ever was in a boardroom. Gao Tu leaned into the touch; his face softened by happiness as he watched the boys.

Nearby, Hua Yong held hands with Sheng Shaoyou, who was holding Peanut’s other hand. A quiet smile played on Sheng Shaoyou’s lips… satisfaction, contentment, and something deeper.

Gao Tu looked at them and couldn't help but remember the day Peanut was born.

It all started with a sudden feeling of warmth between Sheng Shaoyou's legs. A dampness that spread quickly, running down the inside of his thighs. Then, blood. A shiver ran through his body, and the agony was so intense that it left him unable to utter a single word.

And it wasn't Sheng Shaoyou who panicked. It was Hua Yong.

That lunatic Enigma screamed for help, holding Sheng Shaoyou's hand, his face pale with a rare and genuine panic. Shen Wenlang had nearly knocked over three chairs trying to get to them, and Gao Tu had sprinted across the street barefoot, forgetting his shoes in the rush, carrying Lele.

When they arrived at the hospital, the operating room was already prepared. Hua Yong refused to let go of Sheng Shaoyou's hand, following him into the delivery room. The dangers of childbirth, especially premature birth, were immeasurable and the doctor said that Sheng Shaoyou might not survive.

And yet, he survived.

Peanut survived. Sheng Shaoyou survived.

"Papa!" Peanut suddenly exclaimed, turning and reaching up to Sheng Shaoyou. "Up! To see better!"

Sheng Shaoyou bent down and lifted his son effortlessly, settling him onto his shoulders. “I thought you wanted to stay on the ground with Lele.”

Perched high on his father’s shoulders, Peanut took in the park like a young monarch surveying his kingdom. “Better” he announced, utterly satisfied.

“Me too, me too!” Lele said, turning to Shen Wenlang with outstretched arms.

A feeling of warmth, once unfamiliar but now as natural as breathing, spread through Shen Wenlang's chest. Without hesitation, he placed his son onto his shoulders.

They had come to the amusement park to celebrate the boys’ birthdays, a tradition they’d started the year before. It was a world apart from the tense dinners and medical appointments that had once defined their lives.

This was their present: vibrant, joyful, and wonderfully ordinary. A life built together. A family, whole.

αβΩ

The sun was setting on the horizon as the day came to an end, casting long shadows over the amusement park. The boys were finally exhausted. Peanut nestled against Sheng Shaoyou's chest, thumb in his mouth, and Lele deeply asleep in Gao Tu's arms, his cheek resting on his father's shoulder.

They said their goodbyes with silent farewells and promises to meet again soon, the kind that don't need scheduling; they knew they would see each other again soon.

Back at Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu’s house, night had settled in like a warm blanket. Lele slept peacefully in his room, his breathing soft and steady beneath the hum of the baby monitor. The house carried the gentle scent of iris and sage, lingering in the air like a memory of comfort.

In the living room, Shen Wenlang lay stretched out on the sofa, one arm resting along the backrest. Gao Tu returned from checking on Lele upstairs, barefoot and quiet, and settled between his legs, curling into the space carved just for him.

For a while, they said nothing. They simply held each other.

Then Shen Wenlang spoke, voice low and amused. “He’s growing fast. I think he’ll surpass us in height by next spring.”

Gao Tu smiled, resting his head against Wenlang’s chest. “He’s only three. Give it a few more springs.”

A pause. Then, softly: “Peanut’s grown too.”

Shen Wenlang nodded. “He’s sharp. Quiet, but sharp.”

“He looks at you like you hung the moon,” Gao Tu murmured.

Shen Wenlang’s expression softened. “I’m his godfather. I think he remembers.”

Gao Tu turned slightly, meeting his gaze. “Do you ever think about that day?”

“I do,” Shen Wenlang said, after a moment. “Not often. But when I do, it’s like holding something fragile. Hua Yong handed me that child like he was handing over his last breath.”

“And you took him in,” Gao Tu said. “Without hesitation.”

“I couldn’t do anything else,” Shen Wenlang replied. “Not with Shaoyou bleeding out and Hua Yong looking like he’d already buried himself. Peanut was the only living thing in that room who didn’t know what death was.”

Gao Tu reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. “And now he’s here. Laughing. Eating too much cotton candy. Calling you ‘Daddy Wenlang’ like it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

Shen Wenlang let out a quiet laugh.

Gao Tu tilted his head up to look at his mate. “You’re a wonderful dad, Wenlang. To both of them.”

Shen Wenlang looked down at him, and pressed a soft kiss to Gao Tu’s forehead.

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the silence between them soft and sacred.

“I have everything I need right here,” Shen Wenlang murmured. His hands moved slowly along Gao Tu’s back, drawing quiet shivers from the omega with each gentle pass.

Gao Tu tilted his face upwards and their lips met, softly at first, then deepening with the urgency that only comes after years of silent longing and shared nights. Shen Wenlang moved, pulling Gao Tu closer, their bodies fitting together with the ease of familiarity, of a love etched into muscle memory.

His hand slid down to caress Gao Tu's buttocks, his fingers pressing firmly, possessively. Gao Tu moaned during the kiss, the sound low and breathless, his hands gripping Wenlang's shoulders as if to anchor himself in that moment.

Shen Wenlang kissed him more intensely, tilting his head to deepen the kiss, their mouths moving in sync… hungry and completely at ease. The air between them grew warmer, charged with the kind of intimacy that needs no words.

But, just as the moment began to intensify, a small voice interrupted them.

“Papa?”

They froze, breaking apart with a soft, shared intake of breath.

Lele was standing in the middle of the stairs, hugging his stuffed rabbit, his hair disheveled and his eyes half-closed with sleep.

Shen Wenlang pulled away, his breath still warm against Gao Tu's flushed cheek. Without a word, only a look of tender understanding exchanged with his mate, he stood up. He crossed the room in a few steps and knelt down, bringing himself to his son's level.

“Couldn't sleep?” he asked gently.

Lele nodded, rubbing his eyes. “I had a dream. The teacups were flying.”

Shen Wenlang smiled and picked him up. “Come on, baby. Let's put you back to bed. I'll stay here until you fall asleep.”

Lele snuggled into Shen Wenlang’s shoulder, already drowsy. Gao Tu watched them disappear up the stairs with a heart full of tenderness.

And as he looked at the two loves of his life, the memory returned, clear and vivid. The past: his life lived pretending to be a Beta, the fear of rejection when Wenlang discovered the truth, the cold pressure of his father’s insistence to abort the child…

Now, the house smelled of iris and sage. Their son was safe. Their love was steady.

This is what I was so afraid of losing, Gao Tu thought. And now… my life is complete.

He stood quietly and made his way upstairs, slipping into the main bathroom to get ready for bed. Shen Wenlang would probably stay with Lele a little longer.

In Lele's room, Shen Wenlang adjusted the blanket up to his son's chin, stroking his hair. The boy's breathing had already begun to calm down, his eyelashes fluttering against his rosy cheeks.

He remained there, crouching beside the bed, watching the gentle rise and fall of the little chest.

The memory of the past echoed faintly in his mind. He remembered what he almost didn't have, imagining what his life would have been like if he hadn't stopped Gao Tu that day outside the restaurant.

And now this.

A child who dreamed of flying teacups. A home that smelled of security. A life that once seemed impossible, now unfolding in tranquil, golden hours.

A wave of gratitude rose in his chest, so strong it almost hurt.

He leaned down and kissed Lele's forehead. "Sleep well, baby."

A few minutes later, Shen Wenlang entered their bedroom, closing the door behind him. The room was dim and warm, the sheets turned down, and Gao Tu was already waiting curled up with a book, eyes lifting as Wenlang approached.

Shen Wenlang leaned down and kissed him slow.

“Now,” he whispered, voice low and teasing, “where were we?”

Gao Tu smiled putting his book aside, his hands coming up to pull him closer. “Finishing what we started.”

And in the quiet of the night, they did exactly that. There were no more interruptions, only the slow and familiar exploration of touch and the soft sound of whispered promises against warm skin. Each sigh was a promise fulfilled, each kiss a reminder of the storms they had overcome. And now, they rested in the safe harbor they had built together; an unshakeable place and, finally, completely at home.

THE END