Ever wonder why people always feel empty and inadequate in so many ways?

Sebastian believes that maybe we feel empty because we leave pieces of ourselves in everything we used to love.

Yes, even a lover who promises to never leave us, turns out to be a lie will make us feel less.

He fell in love and felt lucky to have this kind of feeling.

He always thinks that this is more than he deserved.

But it turns out to be that kind of love that will haunt him forever.

A failed relationship full of questions and resentment.

Sebastian is an Alpha, with no expensive suits and even a grand mansion, nor a car or even a big company to begin with.

He's a normal one, far behind from the word alpha itself which in this world are the dominant and aggressive species.

He's been single for over 6 years now. And he promised he won't fall in love ever again.

***

"Dada, dada wake up! Wake up!"

A sudden jolt of Sebastian's bed wakes him up one morning. His sleep is really not enough because he is trying to finish this project he's supposed to send this coming Monday.

Sebastian's daughter, Eilidh is now looking at him with her signature pout on her face. Her blonde hair is still not in her usual ponytail and still wears her pajamas.

"Goodmorning baby, why are you so early today?" he asked as he tried to pull his daughter towards him.

"Dada, didn't you say we'll buy this cake for Aunt Ata today?"

Sebastian looked at the clock on his bedside table, to see it's only 7:15 am.

And he's already pissed as she mentions his older sister, Atalia who is coming today for her birthday tomorrow.

"But it's still early today, baby. The shop is still closed by this time. And more importantly, Ata might be sad, hearing you calling her aunt."

"But she's older now. I saw some white hair on her head last time."

Sebastian can't help but laugh at his daughter's remark about his older sister.

"Alright, alright. Let's prepare, and buy a cake for her then."

"Yey!"

He smiled as Eilidh jumped to his bed and danced in excitement as she exited the room.

***

After preparing breakfast for both of them, Sebastian proceeds on helping her daughter choose what dress she will wear.

Eilidh or A-lee as they call her, likes pastel colors. Her slightly curly golden hair flows until on her back. She's a very lively child.

"Dada, I like this green one for today. It's Aunt Ata's favorite color."

A-lee picks up a mint color sleeveless dress.

"You're right. That's her favorite color. Wow, you remembered!"

He can't help but feel proud of her.

"He he," she smiled.

***

"What do you think about the pancakes this morning, A-lee? Was it perfect?"

Sebastian asked while the two of them were walking at the mall.

"Hmm, too sweet, but I like it. And it's fluffy, dada."

She honestly told him what she thought. He can't help but think that maybe his daughter is an alpha after all.

Though it's too early to determine what she will become, Sebastian only wants what's best for her.

"Mr. Hart, good to see you here." said the baker who works at the cake shop they usually buy cakes.

"Hello, Hannah. Good morning. We are looking for a cake for my sister's birthday."

"I can see that little A-lee accompanies you." The kind baker smiles at A-lee and she smiles back at her.

"We want a very delicious cake, please!"

The baker laughs, "Of course, of course. Come here so you can choose what kind of cake you want."

***

They bought a few things for the little celebration for tomorrow. Sebastian knew it doesn't need to be grand since his sister hates celebrating her birthday. She's a 36-year-old maiden and a Beta. Finding a lifemate is a bit hard for her because she's the kind of "normal" to most normal kinds of people.

Lots of women and some omega can't help but stare at Sebastian as they walk inside the mall. He's handsome, and tall, and carries the vibe of a dominant alpha, which he is.

If it isn't for A-lee, for sure lots of women and omega probably will hit on him.

As the two of them walk, Sebastian can't help but notice how A-lee looks at a kid in a restaurant. With a mother beside her and her father, eating together. He felt sad.

Despite him working hard on raising his only daughter, he still can't give her a complete family. A-lee is somehow matured, he knows that. At her age, she understood that she can't complain about him raising her alone. Without a mother figure, Sebastian was so afraid she might be a rebel someday.

But seeing how very understanding A-lee is, he's hoping for the best.

Sebastian sits in front of A-lee,

"What is it, dada?"

He knows she's not like other kids that easily cry whenever they feel sad or feel envy. But he just wants to make sure that there's no sign of tears in her eyes.

But he can only see the braveness of this kid.

"Do you want some ice cream on our way home?"

Sebastian watched as A-lee spread her lips into a bright smile and laughter.

"Let's go!!!" Clearly, she just wants ice cream.

***

That afternoon, while Sebastian is making their dinner and A-lee is playing. The door suddenly swung open.

A woman with long black hair appeared at the door.

"YOO!"

"Aunt Ata!!!"

A-lee runs as fast as she can to hug her aunt.

"Ugh, my sweet A-lee. I love your dress oh my gosh!"

"It's your favorite color Aunt Ata!"

"You remembered! But uh, you're getting heavier every week when I'm here." Atalia said as she carried her niece.

"Dada, always give me sweets," she answered.

Atalia's eyes are now throwing daggers on Sebastian.

He can't help but laugh a little as he walks towards them..

"We all knew that you wanted sweets and I can't stop you or you'll cry. Welcome home sis."

"I told you, Seb, don't give her too many sweets. Does she brush her teeth as I told her to?" Atalia started to check A-lee's mouth.

"Ar arways brush mar teeth (I always brush my teeth)." A-lee said while Atalia was still checking her mouth.

"Very good, baby." she kisses her cheeks.

"Now A-lee, why don't you let your aunt change her clothes. And then let's have dinner after."

***

While they are eating dinner.

"A-lee, don't play with your food okay?"

"I'm not, dada." A-lee continues to munch her food.

"So, she'll start to attend school soon, right? What is your plan?" Atalia asked him.

It's one of his worries at the moment, A-lee's first time attending school. Usually, it's always the mother who accompanies their son and daughter at school. And Sebastian as a single parent, he's worried about what will be the effect of this on A-lee.

"You know, you worry too much," Atalia said after he didn't answer her question.

"Look at her, does she look like any other kid who always wanted attention? She's mature and independent. I can assure you, she'll be fine alone." Atalia said before she continued her food.

"You know that's not the only problem," Sebastian said as he put down his spoon.

Atalia looked at him too. He knows what he meant.

"I'm done eating!" Dada, can I continue watching Spongebob?" A-lee said as she stood up from her seat.

"Go on, you know how to open the television, right?" He said.

"Yes, I know how to use the remote control." Sebastian smiles, as they look at her running to the television.

Atalia sighed.

"So it's still about him, huh?"

He can't answer his sister, because she's right. It's about A-lee's biological mother. He's an omega, who left them years ago right after she was born. His name is Elijah Walters.

And they were married.

He's actually his lifemate, but things got complicated between the two of them Because of Elijah's family.

"After many years, do you think Eli's family cares about your whereabouts? They got what they wanted. What else could they need from you? And Eli already left the two of you and chose to stay with his family and betray you."

Atalia noticed how Sebastian's hand formed a fist. And she knows that her brother is still madly in love with Elijah.

He can't just stop loving Eli.

And what worries her, is the fact that Sebastian's been away from his lifemate for a long time. His health might deteriorate

She sighed.

"Lifemates, huh? Seems like it sucks. You can't fall in love again with anyone despite how your lifemate hurts you. I pity you, but at the same time, I envy you. Coz you got the chance to love and be loved. Unlike me."

Sebastian looks at his sister. It's the first time she talks enviously about their gender, she hates other alphas and omegas, and she also hates herself as a beta.

"Don't make your birthday celebration a drama, sis," Sebastian said and smiled gently.

"Ha! This is what I hate about your face, Seb! Don't calm me using your pheromones, you know that won't affect me!" Atalia said as she raised her fork and warned Sebastian.

He just laughs at her sister's reaction.

That night, Sebastian dreamt of those happy memories together with Eli.