Truly, my mind was so weighed down that by the time I reached Pheromone Experience, I could scarcely muster enough pheromones for my Omega clients. Thankfully, Noelle came to my rescue, else, I might have been scolded outright for poor service.

Walking home, I turned over her words again and again. That she would insist I accept his outrageous proposal, despite knowing full well I already fancied someone, was beyond comprehension. There was no way that man could have charmed her so swiftly. The idea was absurd. And yet… he had always struck me as strangely lonely.

Perhaps bullying me for the past two years had ceased to entertain him, hence this meddling.

When I arrived home, all I wanted was a shower and sleep. But first, I had to make Father’s dinner. His declining health had troubled me for months.

As usual, I found him watching television, seated in his customary place, though tonight, he seemed unusually bright-eyed.

“Little champ! Right on time!” he said, his tone unusually cheery. Relief warmed me.

“How was your day, dad?” I asked, setting my coat on the hanger. I did not catch his reply for my gaze had fallen on the crutches beside him. Noelle and I had pestered him endlessly to use them, but he always refused.

“You took the crutches out?”

“I was in fine spirits today. Felt as though I could conquer the world!”

We laughed together, and my relief grew. My day had begun wretchedly, but perhaps it would end on a good note, until I noticed the messy table, littered with used plates. Noelle’s handiwork, no doubt.

“Where is Noelle?” I asked.

“Oh, she left a while ago. Had you been on time, you might have caught her.”

“She could have at least tidied up a little. I have had a long, weary day.”

“Do not trouble yourself about it. As punishment for failing to visit me these many years, my former student will clean them.”

“Student?”

And then, as though summoned from my very nightmares, the man who had haunted my mornings for two years walked calmly from the kitchen, stopping just before me and extending his hand.

“I had hoped you would be home before sunset to share a family dinner.”

“You!” The word escaped me, nearly a growl, my anger surging like fire. I turned to my father in disbelief. “Dad, what is he doing here?”

“Uta! That is no way to speak to our guest. What has gotten into you?” My father looked genuinely perplexed and turned to my nemesis, apologetic. “Pray forgive him. He has never acted so discourteously.”

It was bad enough to see this man every morning, and now, to have him in my home? Before bed?

“Today is the exception,” I said through clenched teeth.

“Uta!” Father’s voice thundered, and I stiffened. He was furious, furious enough to release pheromones. Realizing this, he looked ashamed.

“Forgive my son’s behavior. It is most unbecoming,” Father said, clearly trying to salvage the situation, though his words were as much for me as for our guest.

“It is quite all right, Coach,” the man replied smoothly.

Coach?

My stomach dropped.

He turned back to Father. “I should have sent word ahead. It was remiss of me to appear without warning.”

I could not believe it. This man, who had treated me like a servant for two years, now played the picture of courtesy before my father, even calling him by such a familiar title.

“Why are you here?” I demanded, ignoring father’s warning glare.

“Coach,” the man said, “perhaps I should tell you there was some misunderstanding between your son and me this morning regarding a delivery.”

This little snitch!

“But do not fret for it was no fault of his. He explained the situation politely. I simply overreacted, so much so that he considered ending our contract.”

What a manipulative son of a—

Father turned to me, his face dark. “And when were you planning to tell me this? Is this why you were late tonight?”

“Coach,” the man said quickly, “this is no cause for agitation. Your son has served me well for years, always meeting my demands with excellence. I beg you to overlook this.”

“You are far too generous with him, young master.”

“My intent is simply to prevent discord between father and son. I respect you greatly, which is why I came in person tonight, to bring you news of our union.”

And there it was, the very reason for my miserable day. The sight of him had become so routine that I had nearly forgotten his morning proposal. And now, my father, like Noelle, had been ensnared by this man’s act.

A long silence stretched. Both of them looked at me expectantly, as though they expected me to agree to this lunacy.

I wanted to expose him, to tell Father everything, but doing so would reveal Pheromone Experience, and that could not happen.

Damn him. He had me right where he wanted me.

“Why me? Why not one of your so-called elite friends?” I asked sharply, then waved my own words away before he could answer. “Forget it.”

I looked at Father. Perhaps it was time to be honest with him about everything. But my adversary read my intent and struck first.

“The flower shop is struggling. Your son is carrying the burden of your medical expenses,” he said calmly. Then he turned to me. “Our marriage will secure your father’s health and save this business. Even if you reject me, I will still see to it.”

“W-What?” I could barely speak.

“Son,” Father said gravely, “Noelle told me everything. You must stop carrying this burden alone. The young master is willing to share it. He has grown fond of you.”

“W-What?” My legs gave way, and I sat heavily, covering my eyes.

“Yes, son,” Father said gently. “This is a perfect match. For him to come here personally with his proposal means he cares for you.”

No, he does not!

“Noelle said you have been lonely. There is no need for pride, Uta for you are not getting any younger.”

Here we go again.

“I understand your hesitation,” the man said smoothly. “For that reason, I will make time for us to get to know each other, outside of this client-supplier arrangement.”

“I reject your proposal.” I rose to my feet. “I want nothing to do with you.”

He chuckled, as though amused. “Noelle warned me you would be difficult. That only means I must try harder.”

“I fear my son is no easy prey,” Father said with a faint smile. “But if you need advice on what he likes, Noelle and I are at your service.”

“Thank you, Coach, for your support.”

“Support?” I nearly shouted. “This is my decision!”

“Indeed,” the man said with infuriating calm. “Whatever your doubts, I will address them. I hope we may get along from this day forward.”

And then, as though this were a perfectly normal arrangement, he bowed.

“Please take care of me.”