"Brother," Ash stammered, confused, trying to make sense of what Celeste had just said.
"Ash," Lucien called from behind, stepping closer. His eyes fell on the scattered pieces of the smashed cup and spilled coffee. He reached out, brushing Ash's hands gently. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Ash replied quickly.
Celeste, watching Lucien's concern for Ash, frowned with irritation. "Don't you see me? Am I invisible? Your only concern is this...Beta, the one made you and Adrian ghost the family dinner yesterday."
Her gaze shifted to Adrian, standing a short distance away. She nudged him sharply. "And you...you've been avoiding me , making excuses about being busy. We haven't even chosen our gown and suit yet, and tomorrow is our wedding day! But somehow, you have time to fool around with this filthy Beta?"
Lucien's eyes widened as they landed on Ash's cheek, which was now flushed. He touched Ash's face lightly, worry creeping into his tone. "What happened to you?"
Celeste scoffed. "I slapped him."
Lucien blinked, shocked. "What?!"
Adrian stepped forward. "Ash. Let's go."
Celeste crossed her arms, voice sharp. "Where are you going, leaving you fiancee for this...filthy Beta?"
...
Bravin was already at the wheel, waiting. Ash and Adrian slid into the back seat as Bravin started driving.
Lucien is Celeste's brother...brother-in-law to Adrian-to-be. No wonder they're so close...really close, Ash thought, a little in observation.
His thoughts were interrupted by Adrian's voice. "Apply this"
Ash blinked, then took soothing ointment. "Thank you," he said quietly.
The car pulled up at the hotel. Adrian, already moving toward the entrance, glanced back. "Aren't you coming?"
Ash followed him inside. They were greeted warmly and shown to their table. Soon, plates of VIP breakfast were brought out; fluffy pancakes, creamy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, and freshly baked bread. Ash's mouth watered at the sight, excitement flickering in his eyes as he looked at Adrian.
Adrian smiled. "Why are you hesitating? Dig in."
Ash hungrily picked up a fork. "It's...delicious," he said, glancing at Adrian with a small grin.
"Wait," Adrian said, holding up a serviette. Ash looked at him confused. Adrian gently dabbed at his lips where some cream had clung.
Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment. Adrian finally said, a hint of amusement in his tone, "Stop being messy."
Why is he scolding me as if I asked him to rub my lips? Ash thought, cheeks warming slightly. He couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips, feeling both embarrassed and amused.
...
They made their way back to the car and settled into their seats.
Luckily, tomorrow's a school day...I have an excuse to skip the wedding, Ash thought, feeling a small sense of relief. The radio suddenly chimed in. "Tomorrow is declared as a public holiday for Alpha Adrian Leclair and Omega Celeste Johnson wedding."
Ash's eyes widened, and the words slipped out before he could stop them. "What the...fuck."
Bravin, startled, hit the brakes sharply and the car came to a stop. Adrian turned toward Ash, surprised.
Ash let out a lazy laugh, waving his hand. "Nothing," he said, trying to downplay it.
As the car moved, Adrian spoke to Bravin. "Pull over at the clothing store." Bravin pulled up, and they stepped inside. The staff bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Alpha Adrian," they said, then glanced at Ash with subtle curiosity, their expressions unreadable.
Adrian cleared his throat. "I want the best wedding suits you have."
The suits were brought out, crisp and perfectly tailored. Adrian turned to Ash. "Help me choose the best one."
Shouldn't he be with Celeste to approve these? Ash thought, shaking his head slightly, bemused.
Adrian went into the dressing room, emerging in one suit after another. Ash shook his head at each one until finally, one was approved.
"Hold on," Ash said suddenly, stepping closer. He leaned in to help tighten the tie, adjusting it carefully. As he worked, their eyes met, holding each other's gaze for a moment longer than necessary.
Ash pulled back awkwardly. "Err...the tie should be tied like that," he said, his cheeks warming slightly.
Adrian turned to Ash. "Select the one you like."
Ash hesitated for a moment, wanting to resist but he understood there was no room to argue. Carefully, he picked a suit. They also chose shoes.
Adrian nodded. "Pack these up."
The staff efficiently wrapped the suits and shoes, and they headed back to the car.
"Bravin, pull off to the office first. I have work to finish," Adrian instructed.
Bravin nodded and drove off. Once Adrian's office stop was done, he directed Bravin to take Ash home.
As the car moved, Ash sat quietly, hand resting on his chest. Why is my heart beating so fast whenever we're close? he wondered, a strange mix of curiosity and awareness washing over him.
...
{Adrian}
Adrian sat at his desk, lost in thought. He couldn't stop replaying the memory; Ash falling onto him on the first day they met, sleeping on his chest, wiping cream from his lips, adjusting the tie around his neck...
A small, awkward smile tugged at his lips, and for a moment, he didn't even notice the employee who had just stepped in with the reports.
I've never seen the boss smiling like that...what's up with him? the employee thought, raising an eyebrow.
"Alpha," the employee called again.
Adrian blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Yes? What is it?"
"The shareholders' documents from Ironfang Enterprises have arrived," the employee reported. "They need your review and signatures to finalize the restructuring and prepare for the company's next phase. Signing is scheduled for tomorrow.
Adrian nodded, placing the files on his desk. His mind still lingered on Ash for a moment longer before business demanded his full attention.
...
{Ash}
That evening, Ash was relaxing on the balcony, thinking how boring the next day's wedding would be for him to attend.
A majestic car rolled up the driveway, gleaming under the evening lights. From it stepped a tall, impeccably dressed man carrying a parcel with careful precision. The house was quiet; Ash's mother and Adrian's father were both out, leaving only him and the servants. As the young master of the house, he felt it was his duty to receive the delivery.
When Ash approached, the man asked, "Is Alpha Adrian present?"
"He's not around," Ash replied.
The man held the parcel with pride. "This is a fine fabric suit, imported from Venezia; crafted by my own hands. I traveled at the request of Omega Celeste Johnson. In her honor, I decided to deliver it personally."
The richness of the fabric, the intricate stitching, and the soft sheen made Ash's eyes widen slightly. Even from a distance, the craftmanship spoke of wealth and prestige.
Ash's gaze lingered on the parcel. So, Celeste had already ordered Adrian's wedding suit...and he already has one. Of course, he won't wear the one I helped him select. Compared to this...that one is nothing but trash.
A faint heaviness settled in his chest, his earlier mood shifting.
The man's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "If you don't mind, young master, can I leave it with you?"
Ash forced a small nod. "Fine."
But as he took the parcel, he couldn't shake the quiet sadness pressing against him.
Ash carried the parcel into his room and placed it beside the suit he had earlier chosen for Adrian. For a moment, he looked at both, comparing them silently, before shaking his head. With a sigh, he turned away and decided to focus on his school project instead. Hours slipped by, and in his concentration, he even forgot to go downstairs for dinner.
A knock at the door pulled him out of his books. Expecting his mother, he rose to open it; only to find Adrian standing there, still in his office clothes, a tray balanced in his hands. A full meal was neatly arranged on it.
"It's healthy to eat dinner on time," Adrian said.
Ash blinked, surprised. Not only had Adrian come home earlier than usual, but, how did even know Ash hadn't eaten?
"Here, take it," Adrian continued, steady and calm. "Don't make my efforts of preparing the food go to waste."
Ash froze for a heartbeat, his thoughts screaming. Did he...personally make this? For me?
He reached out and took the tray, his fingers brushing the edge carefully.
Adrian left quietly for his own room.
Ash settled on his bed with the tray and tasted the food. His eyes widened. "Wuuh...so delicious," he murmured, then ate hungrily until his stomach was full.
When he finished, he carried the empty plates down to the kitchen, leaving them neatly by the sink. Returning upstairs, he slipped back into his room and lay on the bed, staring at the wall that separated him from Adrian's.
I thought it would be annoying being around my mother's husband son...but why do I find it so...amusing?
A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts. His heart skipped. Is it Adrian? Did he forget something? Good...I still need to give him his parcels.
He opened the door only to freeze. Adrian stood there in nothing but shorts, his chest bare, posture calm and direct.
"I want to sleep with you."