The week had been unusually tense for both Uta and Noelle. The flower shop had fallen under investigation for malpractice, including its suppliers. According to the authorities, there was suspicion that the flowers had been infused with unique pheromones.

No sooner had Uta and Noelle received the tip-off than they shut down Pheromone Experience. Had it not been for Uta's assistant, who had alerted them in time, he would have been apprehended before being able to dispose of any evidence of their illicit activities. Fortunately, nothing incriminating was found; however, the shop and its customers remained under close surveillance.

"I cannot continue this any longer," Uta said, when Noelle suggested supplying a small dosage of their pheromones to flowers delivered to trusted, loyal customers. "Had I not stopped sooner, they would have detected it with the pherometer."

"But I've heard that an Almega's pheromones are said to be undetectable by such devices," Noelle argued.

"You are forgetting that Betas may sense me now. Moreover, rumors are not facts," Uta replied, shaking his head, firmly set on proceeding with caution. "I should have suspected something was amiss when the number of Beta customers began to exceed those of your Alpha clients and my Omega patrons."

"We might need to consider sourcing new clientele outside of this region if we are to keep the old man's shop afloat—or perhaps, relocate to another town."

Exhausted, Uta sighed and sat behind the counter after closing the shop. He knew who was responsible for their exposure, and he knew that Noelle was aware as well, though hearing her say, "I told you so," was not something he wished to endure at that moment. Additionally, through legal channels, Hun had served him a letter for breach of contract, citing Uta's failure to meet delivery expectations. Things were spiraling out of control, and Uta wanted to address them one at a time.

"Noelle, it's time we take a step back and rethink our next move. We could put up a sign, saying we're renovating."

"What about your father's treatment?" Noelle inquired.

"I've taken a loan to cover the expenses for now. Paying it back will take some time, but the interest is manageable."

"Don't we have savings from Pheromone Experience that could last us a few months?"

"We do, but we also have outstanding debts to our suppliers and need to compensate the prepaid customers from Pheromone Experience, which supports both us and the shop."

"Your father's medication is not cheap, Uta."

"I know. That's why I need you to help me snap out of this funk. I haven't even fully come to terms with my transition, let alone the financial crisis and the scrutiny from the police."

"Can't you just ask Hun for assistance?"

"I did."

"You did?" Noelle's surprise was evident.

"Yes. He wanted me to beg for it, and so I did. I would do anything for my father."

"I don't understand. Why would he exploit his leverage over you like that?"

"Really, Noelle? Does no one come to mind when you think of who might have betrayed us?"

"He wouldn't do that," she said, incredulously.

"You both infuriate me," Uta replied, disheartened by the memory of the humiliation he'd felt when asking Hun for help, only to be coldly rebuffed. He had gone to Hun with the intent to request a reprieve from the contract, but Hun had demanded something in return—something Uta was unwilling to relinquish: his freedom.

"Use that prized pride of yours to act like you mean what you say," Hun had said. "Do not forget, I gain nothing from offering a helping hand."

"You made me into an Almega. I could sue you for doing so without my consent."

Hun had merely laughed at the threat. "Do you not understand your position? The rarity of Almegas makes you a prime target. Moreover, your father's business is under investigation, and if I wished, I could expose the true nature of what you've been running. You've defaulted on flower deliveries for the past twenty days. You cannot say I've not been patient."

"You no longer need the flowers to control your pheromones. That ceased the moment you bonded with a Recessive, did it not?"

"Dominants and Dormants are many, but Recessives are few. Whom do you think they'll listen to? Furthermore, you are no longer relevant. Your status is as if you do not exist. If you wish to play the victim, I will play the same role, accusing you of the illegal use of pheromones, both as a Recessive and an Almega."

"There is no need for insults simply because I asked for aid. I am still managing my father's shop, honoring his request, and I've been faithfully delivering to you for two years."

"Perhaps your father did not inform you of my particular requirements for daisies. It would have been wise to ask before assuming your duties. Thankfully, I still intend to pursue you, so I will extend a courtesy that few are privileged to know: The only shop I trust to supply my flowers is yours. As a Dominant, a single heat could incapacitate an entire building, which is why most of us rely on strong suppressants, unlike Dormants or Recessives. I work from home, raised by a family that sought to erase my sex and reshape my identity."

"Perhaps you are unaware, but while you assisted your father in the shop, your pheromones had already begun affecting me, even before you reached adulthood. Do you understand the position you've placed me in? You delude yourself into thinking you are a victim, when in truth, your pheromones influenced me long ago. Were I to expose this fact to the authorities—an Omega, and a Dominant of the Abnormals, pheromoning a minor—what do you think would happen to you?

Your loan request is denied, as are all further pleas. Next time, deal with my lawyer, not me. Do not waste my time unless it's to resume the delivery of my preferred flowers, pheromones included."

"Uta, are you even listening?" Noelle's voice snapped him back to the present. "What did the bank accept as collateral? Or did you borrow from a loan shark?"

"I'm not a fool, Noelle! I told you, the interest rate isn't high. And please, do not mention any of this to my father."

"If only you had accepted Hun's proposal..." Noelle trailed off.

"Can't you see this is a trap, Noelle!" Uta erupted in frustration. "Does it take an Omega merely a year to free themselves from an Alpha's pheromonal influence? No! I still have my Alpha pride! Do you understand what would happen if the government's gender councils discovered I had abandoned a bonded Omega, especially a Dominant? I have a conscience!"

Noelle had never seen Uta so distressed, to the point of lashing out at her. She understood the logic behind his words, though she hadn't expected him to grow so emotional over what she had seen as a mere contractual marriage. From her perspective, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and she genuinely wished to see her friend debt-free and content. While Hun might not have been the ideal match for Uta, Noelle had secretly hoped they could rise above their conflict. Yet, the possessiveness inherent in Alphas was clear, and Uta, despite his denial, seemed to be slipping into the belief that the marriage would become something real—something dangerous.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you," Uta apologized, noticing her silence.

"You're right, bestie," Noelle finally responded. "I keep forgetting Hun is a Dominant Omega, not a Recessive like me. And despite your transformation, you still retain your primal Alpha instincts."

"I'm glad we're finally on the same page," Uta sighed. "If I were to enter into a marriage contract with that fool, it would be toxic from the start. One of us would end up broken. But it won't be me."

Noelle smirked. "Of course not, bestie." 'It will be both of you.' she thought to herself.