I stepped out of the room fully dressed. I hadn't slept much. The bed was too large, too unfamiliar, and the silence of the villa pressed down on me like a weight i couldn't shake off. Whatever comfort this place was supposed to offer, it wasn't for me.
The moment i walked into the hallway, the atmosphere shifted. I realized something was wrong.
The servants moved around me as if i didn't exist. No greeting. No bow. No acknowledgement.
One maid passed so close her sleeve brushed mine, yet her eyes didn't flicker in my direction. A Beta carrying a tray nearly bumped into me and still said nothing. They spoke to one another freely but acted as if i were invisible.
I understood immediately.
This wasn't accidental.
I am not Darren Song's lover in their eyes.
I am a temporary guest.
A disposable pawn.
I ate breakfast alone in the massive dining hall. The food was exquisite, imported fruits, fine pastries, perfectly cooked eggs, but it all tasted like ash.
I am an Alpha.
But in this house, beneath Darren's shadow, i might as well have been nothing.
So i made a decision.
I am not going to stay here waiting for scraps, i refuse to live as someone's burden. Not Darren's, not his grandmother's.
After breakfast, i went to my room grabbed my phone and wallet, and walked straight out of the villa without telling anyone where i was going.
Reality hit me fast.
Shops looked at me and turned me away. Restaurants asked for experience. Offices demanded qualifications. Even small stores frowned when they saw the brand names i wore, assuming correctly that i didn't belong in their world.
No education.
No degree.
No references.
Just a pretty face wearing borrowed wealth.
By afternoon, my feet ached. My stomach growled. My patience thinned.
By evening i was exhausted. I stopped walking only when a building glow caught my eye.
A high end club.
Soft lights glimmered beyond tinted glass, and expensive cars lined the entrance. The place smelled like money and suppressed pheromones.
I hesitated only a second, then walked in.
A tall Alpha standing near the door looked me over coldly.
What do you want? he asked.
I'm looking for a job.
He scanned me once and then turned.
Follow me.
Inside, bass thudded through the floor and low conversations blended into a steady hum. Alphas, Betas, and Omegas moved through the club like currents in water each cloaked carefully in restraint.
The man led me through a narrow corridor and into an office.
And then, i froze. Behind the desk sat an Omega. The moment his eyes landed on me, his face went white.
You?!
I stiffened. Me?
He shot to his feet, disbelief written across his face. Before i could stop him , he rushed toward me and dragged me inside the office.
What are you doing here? the Omega demanded. Do you have any idea how long i searched for you?!
My heart pounded.
I'm sorry, i said carefully. I don't think i know you.
The Omega paused.
Then slowly, his face softened.
You don't remember me.
I searched my memory.
Rain.
Shattered glass.
Blood on my hands.
Sirens.
But it slipped away before i could grasp it.
The Omega laughed weakly. Figures. You probably thought it was nothing.
Nothing? I echoed.
My name is Milo, he said quietly. Three months ago i was in a car crash. I was trapped inside the vehicle. The other driver.....
His voice stuttered.
He didn't make it. But you dragged me out. You stayed with me until help came.
Something twisted violently in my chest.
I remembered.
A body.
A scream.
My arms trembling as i pulled someone free.
I inhaled sharply.
I saved you.
Milo nodded.
I'd be dead if not for you.
We stared at each other in silence.
Then he asked softly, So why are you here?
I need a job.
The words fell out easily.
Milo's eyes lit up.
I have one opening, he said instantly.
Server position.
I'll take it.
No hesitation.
No pride.
Milo stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me.
You saved my life, he whispered.
I stiffened for a second, then relaxed.
Please, i said quietly. Don't tell anyone about it.
He pulled back and studied me for a moment.
Then nodded.
I won't.