I was taken to my room, after Lan brought the contract. Darren and i signed it without much discussion.
I'm currently at Darren's villa, which is about a thirty minute drive from the Song family estate where his parents, siblings, and grand parents live.
The old madam told me that Darren prefers living alone, though he still spends at least two nights a week back at the estate.
I looked around the room i'd been given, astonished by how spacious and beautiful it was. I had never slept in a room this grand before. When i thought about the small room my mother and i were given when she first took me to the Young family, compared to this, it almost felt laughable.
I walked deeper into the room and noticed the servants had already arranged all the items bought for me. My clothes were neatly hung in the wardrobe, my shoes alligned pefectly on the bottom shelf, and even the skincare products were placed carefully on the dresser. Their efficiency surprised me.
After taking it all in, i went to shower. The warm water helped ease my nerves. When i was done, i slipped into a set of nightwear and sat on the bed, familiarizing myself with my new phone. For the first time that day, i allowed myself to breathe.
Speaking of Darren, a sudden thought entered my mind. Before i could stop myself, i grabbed my new phone and quickly typed his name into the search bar.
Articles flooded my screen instantly, hundreds of them.
He was twenty seven years old and the current CEO of the Song Group. His grandfather had appointed him four years ago, right after Darren returned from closing a massive business deal abroad. Every article described him the same way, formidable, fierce and ruthlessly brilliant. A man with an unsually sharp business instinct.
And then in several headlines;
One of the few Enigmas in the country. One of the most feared. One of the most admired.
A small shiver crawled up my spine.
Enigmas were rare. Rarer than purebred Alphas. Even rerer than royal Omegas.
They blended in with society when they wanted to, moving like ordinary people. But their pheromones, their auras when provoked or challenged, they could crush an entire room without lifting a finger.
My chest tightened at the memory of Darren's pheromone flare from earlier. Even that small release had nearly forced me into a kneeling position, despite me being an Alpha.
Curiosity gnawed at me, so i searched his name together with his ex's, Alex.
Nothing came up. Not even a trace.
With a sigh i dropped my phone onto the bed. The screen dimmed on its own. With how possessive he is of this Alex, i'm sure with his power and influence he could make any news about him disappear.
I wondered what it must feel like to be loved so deeply by someone, to be held with that kind of devotion Darren had shown toward Alex. Would someone like me ever experience that? An Alpha with nothing, no family, no status, no place.
A weak, self mocking laugh slipped out. I sounded pathetic even to my own ears. Shaking my head, i pulled the blanket over myself and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Back in Darren's study.
A soft knock echoed through the room.
Come in, Darren said without looking up from his documents.
The head maid entered, bowing respectfully. Even as a Beta, her posture subtly tightened, an instictive response to the natural dominance an Enigma carried, even when their pheromones were fully suppressed.
Young master, she greeted softly.
Darren finally raised his eyes.
Star, the person my grandmother brought here. Has he settled in?
Yes, young master, she replied. However, he has not eaten.
Darren paused, tapping his pen lightly against the desk.
His aura sharpened, just a little, a thin ripple in the air. Even restrained, it made the Beta maid stiffen.
I went to call him for dinner earlier, but he said he wasn't hungry.
Hmmm. Darren hummed, noticing how the maid's demeanor suggested she had more to say.
What is it? Darren asked.
May i speak freely, young master?
Yes, you may.
Young master, everyone has been wondering how we are meant to address him. We truly don't know if he is to be treated as a guest or as someone you fancy.
Beth, listen to me. That person has nothing to do with me. He is here for a reason, and once that reason is fulfilled, he will leave. The only person i fancy and will ever fancy is Alex. You of all people should know this.
Yes, young master. The madam has informed me of the situation, and i will act accordingly. However for this to work, only a few people can know the truth. The rest of the staff believes he is someone you've taken a liking to. And given how everyone adores Alex, i fear they may cause trouble for him. That is why i am here to clarify his position and how he is to be treated.
Beth, i refuse to give Alex's place and position to someone else not even for the sake of appearances. Just leave it be. Let the others treat him however they wish, he is an adult and can take care of himself. Besides, when all of this blows over later, Alex must understand how indifferent i am to that man.
Understood, young master. With a respective bow, she turned and left.
I don't understand why i get so angry whenever i think of Star. That stare of his and those eyes. How can an Alpha look both so handssome and so beautiful at the same time?
He looks like an Omega, yet carries himself like an Alpha. When i let my pheromones flare to threaten him, to make him know who he was dealing with, he didn't cower.
For someone who has nothing and no one, he is either extremely brave or incredibly foolish.
And i hate the way he unsettles me.
I need to keep my distance from him.
With a sigh i picked up my phone, and the screen lit up with a picture of Alex in a suit, attending a fashion event.
Alex, i whispered, my thumb slowly brushing over the phone's screen. I've missed him every single day.
He's the only reason i'm going through with this plan.
Grandmother was right. I need him back in my life.