This marriage wasn’t the result of sweet love. It was a promise between two corporations, a contract with a clearly defined hierarchy. What he wanted wasn’t a loving spouse, but an intelligent heir. That much was clear.

“I’m male, so the chances of pregnancy aren’t high, but since I’m dominant, it should be fine as long as the cycle aligns. My next heat is in a week, and I don’t have any other conditions.”

The probability of an omega getting pregnant varied by sex and dominance. Women were more likely than men, and dominants more than recessives. I was a man, but also a dominant omega, so while there were complications, pregnancy itself shouldn’t be an issue.

“It’d be best to match your rut, but taking drugs for it is...”

“Jung Sejin.”

Kwon Yido cut me off in a voice noticeably lower. He didn’t seem angry, but he did seem displeased. His face was as expressionless as ever, but the downturn of his lips made it clear.

“You’re being awfully unromantic about the idea of sex.”

“......”

I couldn’t bring myself to speak. I wanted to say we could do it now if he wished, but I wasn’t tactless enough to say it out loud. He was clearly upset about something, though I couldn’t tell if it was because I’d dismissed his kindness.

“...I just thought it’d be better to be clear, since you’ve been treating me kindly.”

I managed to get that much out, then swallowed dryly. My mouth was parched from the weight in the air. Still, I was more familiar with this side of Kwon Yido than the warm version.

“If I upset you—”

“There’s nothing you need to apologize for, Jung Sejin.”

He cut me off firmly, a faint crease forming around his eyes. If that was the case, I wished he’d at least relax his expression. But his face remained unmistakably displeased.

After a long silence, he finally asked,

“Do you like children?”

“Yes, well... I suppose I do.”

I’d liked kids for quite a while. When employees occasionally brought their children to the office, I always found them unbelievably adorable. The innocence unique to young children always managed to lift my spirits.

Come to think of it, Assistant Manager Yoon’s son was about to start kindergarten. Just remembering that tiny little thing made my mouth curl faintly.

“I see. You’d probably make a good father, Jung Sejin.”

Kwon Yido softened his voice and shifted the mood. He crossed his legs leisurely and rested his hands on his knees. Despite just having showered, his left hand still wore our engagement ring.

“I understand where you’re coming from. But I’m not confident I’d be a good father yet.”

“......”

Was I supposed to tell him that wasn’t true? Not that child-rearing would be his responsibility anyway.

Whether he knew that or not, Kwon Yido continued in a relaxed tone.

“That said, I don’t plan on leaving my child in someone else’s hands... I’d prefer to make any decisions about children after we’re officially married.”

I said nothing in return. I couldn’t even ask when we were supposed to get married, or why I had moved into this house. I blinked, and then—

“There’s a greenhouse in the garden.”

His dark gaze made it clear: this was the end of that topic.

“I had the caretaker plant some flowers, but if there’s anything you want, feel free to plant it yourself.”

“...Flowers?”

“Yes. You can leave the maintenance to someone else.”

“......”

“You like flowers, don’t you?”

My head was a mess. I could count on one hand the number of times I’d been speechless in my life, yet ever since meeting Kwon Yido, I kept finding myself in that state. The queasy tightening in my throat felt a lot like a survival instinct flaring.

“...Yes, I do.”

Should I ask how he knew?

Logically, it wasn’t all that strange. I’d brought the bouquet he gave me with care, and I’d even said I lost track of time admiring flowers. If he’d paid even a little attention, it wouldn’t be hard to figure out.

But still, there were too many little things nagging at me. Like the lily of the valley he’d prepared, the meals tailored to my taste, and now the greenhouse in the garden.

I wasn’t naive enough to be moved by unconditional kindness. This marriage wasn’t charity, and Kwon Yido was a businessman who moved when the terms were right. That he wanted something from me was obvious—but not knowing what it was made me anxious.

“I suppose I didn’t explain enough.”

While I sat there blankly, Kwon Yido spoke again, his voice like a breath. He tapped his fingers lightly against his knees. Even the simplest gestures looked graceful when he did them.

“I never said there were no conditions.”

“...Excuse me?”

The chill that swept over me felt like a bucket of cold water dumped over my head. Not because of what he said, but because of the mixed expression in his eyes. That look—too complex to define—disappeared as quickly as he blinked.

“I’m not trying to get you pregnant before the paperwork is finalized. I don’t enjoy mechanical sex on a schedule, and I don’t expect that from you either.”

“Then... what is it that you want?”

“Jung Sejin.”

He sat up straight. He’d only said my name, but it felt like I was being scolded. Kwon Yido leaned back in his chair, eyes cool and detached.

“When did you become so invested in this marriage?”

It wasn’t a question—it was a statement. If anything, it sounded like a rebuke for suddenly getting involved after all this time. I shut my mouth like someone struck in the heart. He continued calmly.

“If you’re uncomfortable with unreciprocated kindness, you should’ve declined the engagement in the first place.”

“......”

“You’re not the type to get into a deal that doesn’t benefit you, and by now, it’s too late to back out.”

He was right. This marriage had always been one-sided. Haesin had already gained everything just by being tied to Seonho Group. That’s why I’d expected there to be a cost—and I assumed that cost was to produce a dominant heir and be an easily discarded omega.

“If all I wanted was an heir, I could’ve found a better-suited omega than you.”

But with that one sentence, he shattered my entire premise. I couldn’t refute it. It was the very first question I’d had from the beginning—

Why had Kwon Yido, of all people, chosen a failing group like Haesin?

“It’s simple.”

My spiraling thoughts were cut short by his voice. His gaze met mine with startling clarity—steady and unwavering. If he hadn’t been speaking, he could’ve been mistaken for a painting.

“I do want something. I just don’t want to say what it is yet. And until I get it, I want you to accept everything I offer.”

Even at a glance, it was a contradiction. If he wanted something from me, Kwon Yido was the kind of person who could take it with a word—no need for these extravagant gestures or careful timing.

“Or do you want me to beg you to take it?”

His gaze bore into me—not just scrutinizing, but watchful, and maybe a little wistful. He’d been nothing but polite, but his tone now reminded me of how he spoke to Father—arrogant and overbearing. But instead of offensive, it felt... inevitable.

“...No. That won’t be necessary.”

At that moment, everything in my mind fell into place. I had the conviction that, in time, all of this would be nothing more than a forgotten chapter. Once I’d served my purpose, Kwon Yido would discard me without hesitation. Understanding his intentions didn’t mean anything in the end.

“I understand, Kwon Yido-ssi. I was too hasty.”

Sometimes, giving up is the best solution. It was the only way I’d survived all those years as the obedient son. There was no need to face too many truths or assign meaning to every little thing. Letting things flow naturally—that was how someone like me survived.

“...I appreciate your quick understanding.”

Kwon Yido replied with a tone that was overly businesslike. He said he was relieved, but his face didn’t show it. After briefly lowering his eyes, he suddenly let out a small sigh and opened his mouth again.

“While we’re at it, let’s start with something light—a car.”

A car? I didn’t even get to ask—he simply curled his lips into a relaxed smile and continued.

“Pick three cars you’d like within the week.”

His tone was so light, it was like he was offering to buy a toy. Maybe it was my expression, but he tilted his head gently, still wearing that generous look.

“More than three is fine too.”

“...When you say car, you mean... an actual automobile?”

“What else?”

I’d asked, hoping that wasn’t what he meant. I didn’t expect him to scoff in return.

“Do you think I meant green tea?”

He even offered the advice to broaden my perspective. It would’ve sounded arrogant coming from anyone else, but his delivery had just the right touch of shamelessness. When I furrowed my brow, he replied like it was nothing.

“The brand doesn’t matter. Just don’t pick anything that would embarrass me.”

“......”

“If you need a driver, I’ll assign one.” 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

It wasn’t a situation I could refuse. Kwon Yido was resolute, and we’d just had an extensive conversation. If I said no now, he’d think I hadn’t understood a thing.

“Your answer?”

“Um...”

I lowered my gaze and chose my words carefully. His calm eyes patiently waited for my response. In a way, they almost looked expectant.

“Three... seems like too many.”

“Too many?”

He tilted his head, looking genuinely confused. Just three? The tone of his voice was filled with disbelief. Well, he probably had more than a dozen cars himself. This kind of expense must’ve felt trivial.

“I’m just not that into cars.”

It wasn’t that I felt burdened—it just seemed bothersome. I didn’t particularly want one, and I didn’t even have anywhere to drive it. Besides, when this marriage ended, I wouldn’t know what to do with them.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’d prefer just one. Whatever you like best. I don’t need a driver either—I have a license.”

I tried to phrase it in a way that wouldn’t upset him. I met his eyes, softened my voice, and smiled warmly. Smiling kindly was easier than breathing.

“If it’s a gift, I’d like to use it well.”

“......”

Kwon Yido let out a low hum and rubbed his chin. His narrowed eyes traced over my face, slowly and carefully. After a pause, he let out a quiet, relaxed chuckle.

“You negotiate well.”

It was a composed smile. Not a bad outcome. I let my tense shoulders relax in relief. I hadn’t even done anything, yet Kwon Yido always put me on edge.

“I get it. It’s late—let’s talk more tomorrow.”

He checked his wrist out of habit, then frowned when he realized he wasn’t wearing a watch. For some reason, seeing that Kwon Yido make a mistake made me want to laugh. When he noticed me covering my mouth, he gave a small, amused smile without looking annoyed.

“...Let’s call it a night.”

***

Conversations with Kwon Yido were like circling around a fixed center. He never stated what he wanted, and I returned to my room without a single clue. If my father hadn’t thought it worth mentioning, Kwon Yido clearly had no intention of explaining it either.

If there was one thing I’d managed to figure out, it was that he didn’t care about producing a child with rare traits. I didn’t know whether to be relieved I wasn’t expected to spread my legs, or worried I wasn’t even considered capable of playing the role of an omega. Either way, it wasn’t a welcome situation.

“I really can’t read him...”

I took one of the sleeping pills Mr. Kim had brought and lay down on the soft bed, thinking of Kwon Yido. Kwon Yido, who said he was sorry for making me eat dinner alone. Who said he’d buy me new flowers if they wilted. Who prepared a greenhouse for me, and now a car.

Even though no one was watching, he still wore the engagement ring on his finger. He never spoke down to me, never raised his voice, never acted coercive. Sometimes, when he smiled faintly, he almost seemed genuinely fond of me.

“......”

That’s when a ridiculous thought popped into my head. What if... he actually liked me?

Of course, it was a fleeting fantasy. Why would someone like Kwon Yido feel anything for me? It’s not like we’d had any real interaction before this engagement.

When I closed my eyes, a deep woody scent surrounded me. I must’ve spent too long in his room—my body was still steeped in Kwon Yido’s pheromones. It was like standing in a forest during autumn rain. The heavy scent seeped into my breath.

It was strange. That I didn’t find the unfamiliar pheromone unpleasant. That I felt at ease. That I felt wrapped up in it, wanting to sink deeper into the calm scent.

Sleep came quickly. After staying up all night the day before, my body couldn’t resist its pull. As my consciousness faded, I had a feeling—

Tonight, I won’t have any nightmares.

***

For the next few days, I woke up early and had breakfast with Kwon Yido. Always punctual, he sat at the table every morning looking like a model, while I wore casual clothes. His buttoned-up vest and pressed shirt made my knitwear feel completely out of place.

Even the way he ate was elegant. Especially the way he held his chopsticks—it looked textbook-perfect. Just moving side dishes around carried such poise that I couldn’t help but sneak glances, even though I knew I shouldn’t.

“Let me know if anything comes up.”

That was what he said every morning before leaving for work. Not that anything could possibly happen in this house, surrounded by bodyguards and staff. Still, the way he glanced back a couple times made it look almost like reluctance.

In any case, over that time, I learned several things about Kwon Yido. That he rarely showed expression. That he sometimes smiled when talking to me. That the staff were intimidated by him, and that in this house, his word was law.

And that his apology for making me eat alone hadn’t been an empty gesture.

Our time together wasn’t limited to mornings. Kwon Yido returned home at the same time every evening, showered, and had dinner with me. After that, as if by habit, we always ended up talking in his room.

“What did you do today?”

That was usually how the conversation started. My daily routine—walking in the garden, reading—seemed to interest him as if it changed each day. Especially when I mentioned the greenhouse, his cold expression would soften into a ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) faint smile. It wasn’t a bad look.

Honestly, life was good. Ever since I’d moved into his house, I’d been in near-perfect condition. I hadn’t had a single nightmare, and nothing stressful had happened. Two hours of lingering in his pheromones did more for my sleep than any pill ever had.

And so, in just four days, I became the kind of fiancé who waited for Kwon Yido to come home. Talking to him no longer felt like walking on eggshells—it was almost enjoyable. Then again, he was the only person in this house I could talk to.