Ovgust accidentally dropped his cutlet on the floor upon overhearing a shocking piece of gossip from the servants setting the table: Etienne Elzevil Rutias was planning to marry one of his guards. Unintentionally, Ovgust had moved his chair closer to the serving table and inadvertently opened his pretty ears, gathering his soft hair with an intricate ribbon. The loud "plop!" on the soft carpet near the elegant table made the servants fall silent and stare at Ovgust. The young man, putting on a haughty expression, snorted and turned back to his plate, continuing his meal as if nothing had happened. Outwardly calm, inside him passions raged: how could this be?! Everything was perfect just yesterday! Alpha gazed at him with madly loving eyes! Although he cooled down by the end of the evening, it was merely a common fatigue! Ovgust himself had collapsed as soon as he reached the bed (after finding his assigned guest room on the fourth attempt). And now, such news in the morning! No, he was not going to give up! He absolutely needed his own personal house! A house and palm trees! And a hot alpha gardener who would skillfully handle the water hose. Therefore, Ovgust did not waste a moment: he bathed in fragrant water with herbs, chose attire that accentuated all his advantageous features, elegantly arranged his hair, twirled before the mirror, adopted an appropriate posture, and finally stepped out the door.

Subconsciously aware that he could spend half a day searching for Etienne, he haughtily called out "Hey, you!" to a janitor he encountered on his path, compelling the man to lead him to the office of the Rutias family's second son. Left alone with the imposing door, he took a deep breath, preparing to feign a hurt and endearing expression, and pulled the golden doorknob.

— Etienne! You... — and he remained standing at the threshold, not without pleasure admiring the broad chest and robust torso of his future (hope dies last) husband. Well, what can be said, the omega had felt yesterday during their embrace that the alpha's body deserved the most enthusiastic praise, and it was quite pleasant to find visual confirmation of this.

— Ovgust! Come in, I was just about to send for you. — Etienne responded cheerfully, pulling on a white t-shirt. He gestured for Ovgust to sit, and Ovgust complied, choosing a leather chair close to the desk. The alpha bit his lip, looking at the omega. So polished, refined, and exuding expensive scents from three kilometers away — truly like some wealthy courtier's groom. How different he was from Dasse! The thought of his beloved warmed his heart pleasantly. But it was not the time to indulge in tender dreams — Etienne now had to do everything to make them a reality. After all, the ability to achieve set goals was in the Rutias' blood.

Ovgust deployed his coyly aggrieved countenance:

— Etienne, dispel my anxieties: the servants are gossiping about some nonsense, claiming you're marrying someone else...

— I shall, — Etienne agreed amiably, taking a seat at the writing desk opposite Ovgust, — I am betrothed to Dasse Iltese. He hails from a noble family, though not as illustrious as mine.

Ovgust could only goggle, shocked by the alpha's response. Had he fallen for someone else overnight?!

— Are you jesting?!

Etienne smirked.

— Not at all. Judging by your wide eyes, I see an explanation is due. It all revolves around a robe.

— A robe? — Ovgust repeated, puzzled, inwardly growing concerned for the mental health of the alpha before him. Etienne leaned back in his chair, sparks of amusement dancing in his eyes.

— I happened to visit the laundry room... And my employee shared a rather intriguing tale. The janitor from the upper floors also chimed in. By the way, your robe has been laundered, ironed, and awaits its owner.

Ovgust listened, his face flushing as he nervously clutched the edge of his satin shirt.

— I, uh, got lost, confused... — he stammered, embarrassed to meet Etienne's gaze, — your house is so confusing! It's dreadful!

— Now, the robe you hastily grabbed — ignoring Ovgust's mumbling, Etienne continued — that robe belongs to my chosen one.

Ovgust was astonished, momentarily forgetting his embarrassment.

— What?! It smells so bad! Even without perfume! Nothing sophisticated! How could that...!

— Perfect, — the alpha asserted firmly, and Ovgust was left dumbfounded. Nonsense! His wealth! His huge luxury house by the sea!

— Etienne, I love you. You proposed to me yesterday, and I accepted. Publicly! Don't you dare retract your words!..