Ash's thoughts raced. Lucien already knows. His heart beat faster, but Lucien only handed him a mask and said calmly, "Put this on. No need to draw public attention.
Lucien started the engine, his expression steady, as if nothing weighed on him.
They drove until they reached grocery center. Inside, Lucien pushed the trolley while Ash moved along the shelves, picking out vegetables. At the counter, Lucien paid without hesitation, and soon the bags were loaded into the car boot.
Ash assumed they were heading home. Instead the car pulled up outside a high-end boutique with wide glass windows and mannequins dressed in the latest fashion.
Ash lingered awkwardly, unsure what to pick. Lucien watched him a moment before speaking. "If you can't decide, I'll choose for you. And I heard you have a grandmother and uncle back in the village. Why not take something for them too?"
Ash's chest tightened. Lucien never lacks convincing excuses to lure someone.
Reluctantly, he picked out a few modest clothes and shoes for his grandmother and uncle. Lucien, however, kept filling the trolley with outfits for Ash; shirts, jackets, trousers, and shoes, stacking them without pause.
Ash frowned, stopping him. "If you wanted to buy the whole boutique, you could have just said it, instead of using me as your damn excuse."
Lucien only smirked and carried on.
At the cashier, the attendants folded and packed the items with quick efficiency. But when a set of innerwear turned up among the pile, their hands hesitated, eyes darting toward Ash with unspoken questions. Heat rushed to his face under their looks.
Lucien remained calm, handed over his card, and paid in full. Soon everything was packed and carried out, loaded neatly into the car boot.
As if the boutique hadn't been enough, Lucien slowed the car again; this time outside Regalia Jewelers, its crystal-lit displays glowing through the tall windows.
Ash sighed inwardly. Here we go again. He followed silently as Lucien stepped out, his stride steady and unbothered.
Inside the store, the owner's eyes lit up the moment he saw Lucien. He straightened immediately, bowing with obvious respect. "Alpha Lucien, I was expecting you," he said, his voice smooth and practiced, before turning a curious glance toward Ash, who still wore his mask.
Lucien didn't bother with introductions. "Katana, show me what you've got," he said casually, his tone carrying authority.
Katana, the store attendant, led them to a glass display case. Inside were rows of sleek watches, some golden, some silver, polished to perfection. "There are the latest models," Katana began, presenting them one by one. "All genuine; pure gold and platinum. Nothing fake, I assure you."
He lifted a golden watch, letting the light catch its surface. "See the craftmanship? Each one is precise, limited edition." A silver piece followed, equally dazzling. "And these; ideal if you prefer something subtle but unmistakably luxurious."
Lucien leaned in, examining the pieces, his presence commanding the room. Ash watched quietly, impressed and slightly overwhelmed, realizing the prestige behind each item.
Suddenly, Ash's eyes landed on three silver watches, neatly displayed together. He picked them up, turning them over in his hands, admiring the fine craftsmanship.
Katana's eyes lit up. "Ah, those just arrived. Only this set exists in the entire country.
Ash's eyes widened when he glimpsed the price, and he quickly set them back down.
Lucien, watching quietly, leaned closer. "I'll take them."
Ash glanced at Lucien. "It's...expensive."
Lucien shrugged. "Do you like it?"
Ash hesitated. "Yes, but..."
"As long as you're not the one buying it," Lucien said lightly, "why do you care?"
Ash said nothing, simply feeling the weight of both the price and Lucien's easy confidence.
After leaving the jewelry store, Lucien drove smoothly to one of the wealthiest restaurants in the country. The moment they arrived, staff greeted him with obvious respect, bowing and addressing him with deference.
Ash's eyes widened in surprise. The restaurant was empty; Lucien had booked the entire place for them.
"Why do you have to book the whole restaurant just for us?" Ash asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lucien gave him a calm look. "Here, you have to eat and remove your mask. To avoid public attention, I thought it safer to reserve the entire place."
Ash's thoughts stirred again. He never lacks convincing excuses.
Seated at the table, Ash's eyes drifted to a third chair across from them. His curiosity flickered but he didn't speak.
A staff member approached, bowing respectfully. "May we bring your food now, sir?"
Lucien glanced at his watch, then shook his head. "Wait. I'll let you know," he said calmly, as if expecting someone.
Minutes passed. Ash's nose twitched as a familiar scent reached him from behind. His heartbeat quickened, Omega instincts stirring. That soft, vanilla aroma...
Adrian.
Lucien's brows furrowed slightly. "You're late," he said, voice measured.
Adrian's gaze flicked to Ash, hesitation in his eyes before he finally took the third seat. "I had a board meeting," he explained quietly, settling in.
Lucien gave a small nod, signaling the staff to bring the food.
Soon, platters arrived; grilled salmon glistening with herbs, tender roast beef, fresh seasonal vegetables, and a basket of warm, flaky bread. Small bowls of aromatic sauces and delicate desserts completed the spread, filling the table with color and a rich, inviting scent.
Ash's eyes widened with excitement as he took in the spread. Lucien smiled at him, giving a subtle nod to start.
They began eating. Ash noticed, however, that Lucien wasn't touching the salmon. Carefully, he cut a slice and placed it on Lucien's plate.
To his surprise, Adrian quickly took it and ate it.
Ash tried again with another slice, but Adrian did the same. Panic rose in Ash's chest. "Why do you keep eating the salmon I sliced for Senior Lucien?" he asked, eyes wide.
Adrian looked down at his own plate, calm as ever.
Lucien chuckled softly, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm allergic to salmon," he said lightly.
Ash froze for a moment, then exhaled, realizing the misunderstanding.
Later, after they had finished eating and the table was cleared, Lucien reached into a box containing three sets of watches.
He took one out and looked at Ash. "Give me your hand."
Ash hesitated slightly, then extended it. Lucien wrapped the watch around his wrist with a practiced ease.
Next, Lucien picked another watch and handed it to Adrian. "Your turn."
Adrian took it calmly and fastened it around his wrist, his expression unreadable.
Finally, Lucien handed the last watch to Ash. "This one...give to him," he said, nodding toward Adrian.
Ash heart raced as Adrian extended his hand. Sweat prickled on his palm, and his fingers trembled. He tried to remain still, keeping his composure, but the tension was almost unbearable.
Lucien noticed immediately. "What's wrong, Ash?"
Adrian's eyes narrowed sharply at Ash. Without a word, he took the watch from Ash's hands. I'll put it on myself," he said, fastening it securely around his wrist.
Ash exhaled softly, still feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat.
Adrian scrolled through his phone, eyes narrowing slightly as he saw the post blowing up on social media. The headlines read.
"Alpha Lucien buying innerwear for his secret lover"
The top-liked comments included:
"Alpha Lucien with a mystery guy...my heart can't take it😭"
"He's smiling like he owns the world...and now I know why🫣"
"Alpha Lucien out here spoiling someone...I'm jealous😭"
...
Lucien lifted his glass and took a slow sip of water. Adrian's eyes flicked between him and Ash, curiosity clearly written across his face.
Finally, he spoke. "Did you...buy innerwear for Ash?"
Lucien choked on the water, coughing slightly as it caught him off guard.
Before he could respond, his phone rang. He picked it up smoothly. Hello?"
On the other end, Ash's mother voice came through. "Where are you, son? You've taken so long to bring the groceries."
Lucien kept his tone calm. "We're on our way."
He looked at Ash. "Let's hurry home, not to keep your mother waiting," he said, glancing briefly at Adrian, who seemed puzzled.
Ash obediently followed Lucien out of the restaurant.
Adrian lingered for a moment, confusion written across his face. Ash's mother has never called me 'son'...and I'm his step-son, at least. Yet she just called Lucien her son?