My gaze shifts back to the flowers.

White. Too white.

Like his skin. Like the silence that fills my head whenever I look into his eyes.

Something special about him.

The thought lingers—unwanted, unfiltered.

How is that possible? Something special... about a Beta who can’t even speak?

About a boy who cried after falling off the bed—over a cut that barely broke the skin?

And yet— He lied for me.

He looked at my brother with those brown, jewel-like eyes and wrote words that weren’t true.

I fell from the bed while sleeping. Ellis treated it. I’m better now.

He took the blame for something I did.

Why?

"Ellis." Sum’s voice drifts through the haze, soft, probing. "What are you thinking?"

I don’t look at him. My gaze stays on the flowers—on petals trembling in a breeze I can’t feel.

"Nothing."

Sum leans forward, elbows on the table. His face sinks into his hands, like he’s tired of holding it up. His voice is low. Lazy. The voice of someone who knows me too well to pretend.

"So... what now?"

I lean back in the chair. The wood creaks beneath me—a small, almost human sound, like it’s complaining about the weight it carries.

"I don’t know."

Sum is quiet for a moment. The silence between us stretches—thin. Fragile.

Then he speaks again, careful now, each word placed like a footstep on ice.

"If you took some interest in your family business..." He pauses, letting it hang. "I’m sure Uncle Elias wouldn’t have threatened you with this marriage."

Something shifts inside me.

Cold.

Controlled.

I turn to him slowly—not with heat, not with anger, but with the deliberate calm of someone who already knows how much damage they’re about to do.

My gaze sharpens.

My voice drops—low, dangerous. A blade wrapped in silk.

"So you’re saying I’m useless."

A pause.

"That’s why Dad married me off to a mute Beta."

Sum’s hand comes to rest on my shoulder. A light pat. "Ellis." His voice softens. "You’re taking it the wrong way."

I look away.

The flowers blur at the edges of my vision.

He sighs—a long, slow exhale, like he’s releasing something he’s been holding for too long.

"I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that." A pause. "I know you hate your father’s business. But no matter how much you refuse... one day, you’ll have to join it."

I don’t respond.

The words settle between us—heavy, unmoving, like furniture no one knows how to shift.

"Boys." Alara’s voice cuts through the silence—bright, warm, effortless. "Your coffee."

Sum looks up.

She walks toward us with a tray—three cups, steam curling softly, the scent of roasted beans and something sweet trailing after her. She sets them down with practiced ease, then takes the seat across from us.

"What happened?" Her gaze moves between us, curious, concerned. "Sum, your face looks sad."

Sum picks up his coffee. His fingers circle the rim—slow, absent, like he’s tracing something he can’t name.

"I’m just trying to convince Ellis to join his family business."

Alara looks at me. Smiles—not sharp, not calculating, but soft. Certain.

"Come on, Ellis." She waves a hand, dismissive. "Don’t listen to him. He’s just a pushover who follows his father’s orders."

Sum frowns. "Isn’t he your dad too?"

Alara takes a sip. Sets the cup down with a quiet clink.

"Nope." A pause. "Don’t you remember? He disowned me."

Her gaze shifts back to me. Softens—not with pity, not with sympathy, but with recognition. I know what it’s like.

"If you don’t like your family business, don’t force yourself." Her voice lowers, gentler now. "Do what you want."

Sum lets out a short, dry laugh. "He likes doing nothing."

Alara tilts her head. A strand of hair slips across her sharp features. She doesn’t brush it away.

"What about working for me?"

I look at her.

Working at a café?

Is she serious?

Sum goes still. His eyes widen, his mouth parting slightly, like the thought physically hit him.

"Alara." His voice rises. "Are you drunk?" He stares at her, incredulous. "Do you even know who he is? You’re asking him to work here?"

Alara waves a hand, brushing his concern aside like smoke.

"I know, I know." She smiles—easy, unbothered. "I’m just saying—come here every day. Sit in my café." Her eyes glint with amusement. "That face alone could bring half the city through my doors."

She nods toward the tables. Sum follows her gaze.

The café is full. Crowded. Tables that were empty when I arrived are now occupied—people leaning close, whispering, stealing glances in my direction. Eyes that linger too long. Eyes that recognize.

He looks away, unimpressed. "It’s nothing new."

Alara opens her mouth to respond— The crystal beads chime. Her husband steps out.

Sum looks up. A smile slips onto his face—bright, easy, the kind that costs nothing. "Hey, Jane."

Jane smiles back. But it doesn’t reach his eyes. It sits on his face like a mask—something he put on this morning and forgot to take off.

"Hello, Sum." His gaze shifts to me. "Hello, Ellis."

I look at him. Something about his face is wrong. Too smooth. Too controlled. The careful blankness of someone carrying something heavy.

He sits beside Alara.

Alara’s gaze drops to her hands. Her smile fades—slowly, like a light dimming in a distant room.

Silence settles between them. Thick. Uneasy. Like a third presence pressing into the air.

I watch Jane.

His mind screams— 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

{How do I tell her? How do I tell Alara? This is so embarrassing. How do I tell my wife I’m pregnant? Did she see the test in the bathroom? Does she know? Or is she pretending not to? Maybe she doesn’t want a child...}

Sum’s voice cuts in—too bright, forcing light into a space that won’t hold it. "Alara. Jane." He smiles. "Why are you two so quiet?"

"Nothing," Alara says. Her voice is tight. Strained. Jane’s smile widens— wrong. Too wide. Too quick.

"It’s nothing."

My phone buzzes in my pocket. The vibration travels up my leg, through my spine. I take it out. Unlock it.

Messages.

Did you eat lunch?

I stare at the words.

Another.

What do you want for dinner? Tell me. I’ll cook.

Another.

Come home safely. I’m waiting.

The screen glows in my hand. Blue light. Cold. The edges blur.

Why is he texting again?

I turn off the screen. Slide the phone back into my pocket. Pick up my glasses from the table—the dark lenses that keep the world at a distance, that muffle the constant noise pressing at the edges of my mind.

I put them on.

Stand.

The chair scrapes against the floor—small, sharp, cutting through the silence. "I’m heading out."

Alara looks up. Her expression still tight, but she forces a smile.

"Come again."

I glance at Sum.

"Let’s go."

He blinks. "But—"

"Let’s go."

He exhales, then stands. Lifts a hand in a small wave toward Alara and Jane. "See you."

They nod.

I walk.

Sum follows.

The glass door closes behind us—the soft chime fading quickly. The air hits my face, cool. Unexpected.

"Hey, Ellis." Sum’s voice is confused. "Where are we going?"

"Club."

His steps falter. "What? Now?" I keep walking. My shoes strike the pavement—steady. Unstoppable.

"Yes. And tonight..." I pause. "I’m staying at your place."

"Ellis—"

I don’t listen.

My hand tightens around my phone. The screen is dark. But the words still burn behind my eyes.

I’m waiting.

A beat.

Let him.