Caelen sat cross legged on the floor. He was holding onto Frost Pine, the cologne that was made by Soren's pheromones as he rose to popularity as an idol. It had become famous after his debut, sold everywhere. He sprayed it at his surroundings like any other days.
He pressed his face into the pillow until tears stung his eyes. He felt exhausted by the emotional instability and wanted to be comforted. He remembered the doctor's words, "When you feel anxious or lonely, try to imagine him holding you."
He closed his eyes and tried to remember when Soren held him in his arms tightly. The tight hug right after sex then he imagined Soren taking Caelen into his embrace. Caelen quickly opened his eyes and shunned the thought sitting up.
That fucking bastard!
The warmth he felt earlier went away in a flash, and he felt uneasy once again. He touched his belly, gently placing his right hand on it. His tears came quietly spilling down and he bent forward hands trembling over his belly.
"I am sorry," he said between shaky breaths, "I know… you want that warmth. You want Daddy to be here, right?"
He pressed his face against his hands, the scent of Frost Pine clinging to his skin.
The rest of the months slipped by in waves of exhaustion and silence. Some days he was fine. Other days he was struggling even after receiving pheromone shots and medications.
And then the day came when he gave birth. Caelen was already unconscious when the operation began and his face was pale against the white sheets. The doctors moved quickly their voices were low but tense as they worked.
When he woke up again, his whole body ached. For a long moment he didn't know where he was. Then he turned his head.
"Three days," the nurse whispered when she noticed him awake. "You've been out for three days."
"Wanna see your baby?" She supported Caelen to sit up, and he noticed the little being in the bassinet nearby.
The nurse carefully took the baby in her arms and handed him to Caelen, whose tears dripped at the sight unintentionally.
"Your baby boy is so handsome. Have you named him?" the nurse asked with a warm smile.
"Yes, he is Eiran," Caelen took the tiny hands in his palm and traced his features.
Why does he look like that bastard!
He remembered whispering to the baby almost every day, "You have to take after me, okay?"
That was because Caelen was an exact copy of his father Loren and he wanted his baby to look like his father.
Even though it was a three day old newborn baby, it was too obvious by his features that he resembled Soren.
Caelen kissed the little forehead.
"Isn't it fascinating?" Caelen looked up at the talking nurse, whose eyes were fixed on Eiran. "You are actually in very bad health, but your eyes started glowing at the sight of the baby. You are feeling light, right?"
"Yeah," Caelen let out a chuckle, "I feel like I could even fly."
Both burst out laughing, and Caelen groaned because his C-section stitches hurt.
"Oh right, you can't laugh," the nurse instructed. "I will do a check up on you now."
Although Eiran looked exactly like his enemy, Caelen couldn't stop smiling. The following years, he was busy taking care of Eiran while struggling to feed themselves. He couldn't work more because Eiran was so little and couldn't be left alone.
Thanks to Uncle Shu, he was able to work at the store while taking care of Eiran alongside. But Eiran was turning four next year, which meant he needed to attend school, and the pay he got from working at the store wasn't enough to send him to school.
Caelen was standing in front of the counter. The scanner beeped as he scanned the products, while little Eiran was playing with blocks, sitting on the stool near the counter. The customer smiled warmly at the kid.
"He is such a handsome kid," the customer's voice filled with excitement.
Caelen glanced at Eiran and smiled warmly.
Uncle Shu entered the convenience store while the customer walked out.
"Congratulations, I found the solution to your worries," he settled down, breathing heavily from a long walk.
Caelen handed him a water bottle. "How so?"
"But you would have to quit working here. It's a 24/7 job, you would hardly get the time to spend with Eiran," Uncle Shu gulped down half of the water bottle. "But let me tell you, they are paying handsomely. You wouldn't have to worry about Eiran's fees and even hiring a nanny."
"Really!" Caelen smirked. "Well, I think that might be a scam."
"I was shocked to hear it too, but believe me, it's true," Uncle Shu gently patted Eiran, who was still playing with blocks. "Apparently, Orvane Studio is looking for a manager. It's a studio that manages actors and solo idols."
"Orvane Studio?," Caelen squinted his eyes. "Never heard of such a studio."
"It was just established a few months ago, according to my friend."
"But why are they hiring omegas? Isn't hiring betas more convenient?"
"When did I say they are hiring omegas? Of course, they are only hiring betas and alphas." Uncle Shu placed his hand under his chin.
"What? Then how am I supposed to get the job?"
"Oh, right," Uncle Shu took something out of his side bag and got up from his chair, approaching Caelen. "You see this hospital near the Ronanda Prefecture? Heard they can make required medical reports. Just get a medical document that could prove you are a beta."
"Are you saying I should forge medical reports to get the job?" Caelen raised his eyebrows. "Moreover, they will figure it out right away by my looks."
"No one will suspect it. There are betas with striking looks," Miral, who was arranging the products, walked to the counter. "Moreover, now that you are all buffed, you look stronger. Honestly, you would have looked like an alpha if it was not for your little frame."
"Excuse me now you are a university student, not a high schooler anymore. Stop suggesting childish ways of earning. What if I get caught?" Caelen looked at Miral.
"And do you have a choice?"
Caelen had nothing to say, and silence took over except the click-clacks of the blocks onto the counter table.
"Caelen, you can't keep going like this. I know you are an extremely honest person, but you have to think about Eiran," Miral said grabbing the water bottle.
"I agree with Miral on this one," Uncle Shu nodded.
Caelen stayed silent for a while and then looked at Eiran. "Alright, I will think about it."
"Give your documents to Miral he will help you apply for the job," Uncle Shu got up and walked to the stockroom.
"Alright, thanks." Caelen was still lost while Miral got back to his work.