Chapter 37: I’ll Win Your Heart My Future Wifey
Aster leaned closer, his voice steady despite the storm inside. "I can do both."
Lucien recoiled slightly, catching the sharp scent of Aster’s Alpha. He stepped back, his voice low and controlled. "I hate Alphas."
Aster had been using suppressant pills mixed with synthetic Alpha pheromones prepared by Doctor Eric. They dulled his true scent and overlaid it with the sharp musk of an Alpha. Enigmas like him were as rare as SSS-ranked Omegas, seen as threats to Alphas and hunted if discovered. With the pills, he passed unnoticed as just another Alpha. Without them, his real nature would be impossible to hide.
Aster’s eyes widened in surprise. "Why?" he asked.
Lucien’s voice was low, almost sharp. "I’m disgusted by their smell."
But in his mind, a different thought lingered. why does his scent...not disgust me?"
Apart from Adrian, Lucien had always found the scent of other Alphas unbearable. When Adrian had been abroad, Lucien had kept his interactions limited to omegas. Aster’s scent should have been no different-yet it was.
Standing there for too long made Lucien stumble slightly. Aster noticed immediately, catching him.
"Master, you need to put aside the grudge you have against Alphas and let your servant be at your service," Aster said, steadying him.
Lucien tried to push away gently. "Let me go."
A small laugh escaped Aster. "If I release you, you’d fall and get hurt. Then I’d be in trouble with the company."
Lucien just snorted, giving up the struggle. Aster guided him inside and helped him settle onto the couch.
Aster quietly roamed around the apartment, taking in the space. Impressive...majestic...
he thought, noticing the careful order and subtle luxury.Lucien, watching him, warned in a low voice, "Don’t go into my bedroom."
Then he leaned back against the couch. "I’m hungry. Let me order some food."
"Master," Aster stopped him gently, "those foods aren’t healthy. I’ll prepare something for you instead."
Lucien hesitated, his gaze flicking toward him.
Aster added firmly, "As the contract states, it’s my work to cook. That leaves no room for argument."
Lucien gave a small sigh, choosing not to push further.
Aster went into the kitchen and opened the fridge-empty. Not even a vegetable.
He checked the cupboard above and spotted a box of noodles and a crate of eggs. Pulling down two packets, he stared at them for a moment, tilting his head.
He read over the instructions carefully, his expression caught somewhere between doubt and determination. Then, unexpectedly, a small smile touched his lips.
Half an hour later, Aster emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray. A warm aroma drifted ahead of him-savory noodles lightly fried with eggs, sprinkled with the few herbs he had managed to find tucked away. The scent filled the apartment, soft and comforting.
Lucien’s head snapped up at once, caught by the smell. He sat forward on the couch as Aster set the tray before him.
Taking up the chopsticks, Lucien tasted the first bite. His eyes flickered-just for a moment, betraying how good it really was.
Aster caught it immediately, though he pretended not to press. Leaning a little closer, he asked, "How is it?"
Lucien lowered his gaze, keeping his voice flat. "Not bad," he replied, as if it were nothing.
But Aster’s lips curved into the faintest smile. He had already seen the truth in that first look.
After the meal, Lucien rose slowly and headed toward his bedroom. Halfway there, he noticed footsteps behind him. Turning, he caught Aster following.
Lucien frowned. "Why are you following me? There’s a guestroom."
Aster hesitated, then said quickly, "The guestroom is near the balcony. What if someone climbs in while I’m asleep?"
Lucien stared at him, stunned. "You? An Alpha...afraid of burglars?"
Aster cleared his throat, not meeting his eyes. "I just...sleep better near people."
Lucien blinked, speechless. "Unbelievable." After a pause, he sighed. "Fine."
Aster hid his relief, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. Inside, he celebrated his excuse had worked.
"But," Lucien added, his voice sharp, "you’re sleeping on the floor."
...
Later, in Lucien’s room, the lights were dim. Lucien lay stretched out on the bed, fast asleep.
Down on the floor, Aster shifted against the blanket, his thoughts lingering. Even if it’s the floor...it’s better. Just staying close to you is enough.
He glanced at Lucien’s calm face, a faint smile touching his lips. Soon, I’ll win your heart, my future wifey.
...
A while later, a soft sound made Aster open his eyes. Lucien was turning restlessly, a frown creasing his forehead.
Aster sat up, worried, and moved closer. "Lucien..." he whispered.
Lucien muttered in his sleep, voice uneven. "Ash...don’t leave me. I really love you."
Aster froze. His chest tightened, eyes widening. Ash? Why would he call my nephew’s name...and with those words?
For a moment, he wondered if exhaustion was tricking his ears. Maybe i misheard...it has to be that.
Still, the unease wouldn’t leave him as he sank back onto the floor, staring at the ceiling in silence.
...
Morning came, and Lucien was already dressed, bag slung over his shoulders as he moved toward the door.
Aster, standing by the counter, picked up the car keys. "I’ll drive you to school," he said simply.
Lucien froze, frowning. "I think that’s not stated in the contract."
Aster stepped past him, dangling the keys casually. "I’m your servant. A servant should serve his master in everything."
Before Lucien could say another word, Aster was already heading to the car outside.
Lucien’s lips parted, a sharp retort on the tip of his tongue, but he stopped, staring. This man...he really leaves me no choice.
With a reluctant sigh, he followed after him.
...
At the car, Aster’s mind wandered back to Lucien’s voice from the night before, the words echoing in his head. So lost in thought, he almost didn’t see the student stepping onto the road.
His chest tightened; he slammed the brake, the car screeching to a stop just in time.
The student froze, clutching his bag, eyes wide in shock.
Aster rushed out immediately. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low but urgent.
The student just stared at him, stunned, hypnotized.
Lucien stepped out from the rear seat, his gaze sharp. "Martin, are you okay?"