Robbie’s POV

I lay sprawled on the bed, staring at the ceiling, the pictures from earlier still open on my phone beside me. No matter how much I tried, I couldn’t stop myself from going through them again and again.

Tony, Twen, and that guy.

Each time I swiped, the same sharp ache twisted deeper in my chest. I wanted to storm over there, grab Tony by the shoulders, and demand answers. 

Who the hell was that man? 

What was he to Tony? 

Why did Tony look so comfortable and so happy around him?

But I didn’t have the right. I gave that up when I discarded him like he was nothing.

Eight goddamn years.

Tony could’ve met a hundred guys. He could’ve fallen in love with any one of them. And if he did… What right did I have to expect otherwise?

Still, the bond was there.

Back in high school, when I marked him, it was all hormones and no sense. I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t think about how it would shackle him for life. I just did it because I thought he was mine.

And I ruined him.

Even if I severed the bond now, it wouldn’t make things right. That mark took away his chance at a real soulmate, at building a family, a future, and a home with someone he loved. 

Because of me, Tony’s best chance at happiness is a half-life. A “friends-with-benefits” situation is the most he could hope for.

This whole Alpha-Omega bond system is so screwed. And yet, some part of me is relieved it exists. That no matter who he’s with, no matter who makes him laugh or kisses his hands or tucks him into bed, he still isn’t truly theirs.

He’s still mine.

The thought made me want to puke.

I shoved my hand over my face, ashamed of the possessive garbage running through my brain. 

How could I hope he was stuck, just because I couldn’t move on?

What the hell is wrong with me?

A knock at the door pulled me out of my spiral.

“Who is it?”

“Robbie? You there?” my father’s voice called.

My heart sank. “Come in.”

He stepped in with that usual mix of polish and pressure. He is tall, distinguished, and well-dressed. Salt-and-pepper hair slicked back. A face honed by years of ruthless business, and those sharp eyes that always seemed to see through every lie.

“Good evening,” he greeted, a little too cheerfully.

“What is it? Is this about the project update?” I asked, already tense.

“Can’t a father just drop in to see his son?” he feigned, giving a mock-hurt expression.

If this man walked into my room without a motive, the sun would rise in the west.

After a beat, he gave in. “Alright, I do have something to ask.”

I tried my best not to roll my eyes.

He straightened his cuffs, then said, “I ran into Ms. Lucy from HR. She mentioned you blocked an employee’s resignation. Is that true?”

Sh*t.

I told the entire HR team to keep their mouths shut. But of course, they’d cave the moment he asked. He’s the Chairman and a tyrant on top of that.

I scrambled for a clean lie. “It was our fault,” I began smoothly, “The company mishandled his complaint. He was ready to walk because of our error. I couldn’t let a good employee leave due to that kind of negligence, so I addressed it, and he agreed to stay.”

Every word tasted like bleach.

Dad narrowed his eyes, not buying it, but he didn’t press further. Just gave a small, tight smile.

“So it wasn’t personal, hmm?” he said lightly, his tone anything but. “I thought maybe you had a connection with him. Just remember, we prioritize talent, not personal attachments. Any hint of bias weakens the company’s foundation.”

He clapped my back with false warmth. His words were a knife wrapped in silk.

I had to work faster. Get out from under his boot before he sniffed out the truth and made Tony a target.

Then his face shifted, and his fake smile vanished.

“I heard you turned down Sarah again.”

That’s the real reason for his visit.

I cocked a brow. “Sarah said that?”

“She did. I asked her to help you with the project. She has more experience in this kind of business than you, and she’s well-connected.”

“I don’t want her help,” I said flatly. “I’m capable of handling this myself. And I don’t want to marry her.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re being foolish.”

“No, I’m being honest. I don’t have any feelings for her.”

He looked at me like I’d said something vulgar.

“‘Feelings,’ Robbie?” he scoffed. “You think one day you’ll just fall into a perfect love story? Grow up. Marriages in our circles are strategic alliances.”

“I’m not building a f*cking merger,” I snapped. “It’s my life. I get to choose who I share it with.”

“Don’t be childish,” he shot back, rising to his feet, “Sarah is intelligent, capable, beautiful, from a powerful family, and an Alpha. What more do you want? She's the perfect match for you.”

I stood too, the tension crackling between us.

“She’s perfect for someone who can give her what she deserves,” I said coldly. “My heart isn’t available.”

His jaw tightened.

I added, voice low and deliberate, “Why the sudden push for me to marry into a family you used to call criminal? Is it because of her father’s political reach? Or is it something else? One of those backroom deals you never talk about?”

“ROBBIE!” he barked.

But I didn’t stop.

“I’ve given you everything you ever asked for,” I said steadily, “I went to the schools you chose, transferred when the company demanded it, took the degree you wanted, followed the path you set. But I’ll be d*mned if I let you choose my partner.”

His expression darkened like a thundercloud. For a moment, I saw the flicker of disbelief. I’d never challenged him like this before. But I refuse to back down.

He glared at me as if I’d just insulted his legacy. His nostrils flared, his ears flushed red, his fists clenched at his sides.

Without a word, he stormed past me and slammed the door shut behind him, the bang echoing through the walls like a warning shot.

And finally, I felt like I’d taken the first real step toward owning my life.