I turn off my phone, ready to hit the sack.

But then my heat cycle crashes in out of nowhere.

Fast and fierce.

I shoot Xu Chen a message to move up the treatment time.

Then, pushing through the haze, I throw on some clothes and rush out the door.

Xu Chen works quick—within no time, he’s got someone lined up.

Logically, I shouldn’t be out in this state.

But I’d rather die than bring someone home.

Xu Chen can’t talk me out of it, so he just sighs and tells me to use my suppressants.

To avoid any trouble on the way, he sets the treatment spot near my place.

Even so, when I get there, it’s clear they’ve been waiting a while.

“Sorry for keeping you guys…”

“Enough, enough,” Xu Chen steps up to steady me. “You’re half-dead and still apologizing?”

He jabs me with a suppressant shot fast, while Wen Zhuo quietly releases pheromones to calm me down.

Xu Chen hesitates, then adds, “If it gets too rough, go for some contact—don’t tough it out.”

I nod.

Once he’s done, he leaves the room.

I fight off that Alpha instinct toward a highly compatible Omega, trying hard to keep the restlessness down.

Seeing this, Wen Zhuo says softly, “I’m okay with a temporary mark if you need it.”

I shake my head. “No thanks.”

He gives a knowing smile. “Mr. Shen, you really keep yourself in check.”

I’ll admit, even now, not wanting to touch Wen Zhuo partly comes from thinking of Lin Yuji.

But that’s just respect for my marriage partner.

As for him? He probably couldn’t care less.

I close my eyes for a sec and let it drop.

…

About half an hour later, my pheromones finally settle down.

Xu Chen grumbles through the last of his instructions and storms out without a backward glance.

I strap on my suppressant bracelet and head out too.

Just downstairs, I spot Wen Zhuo, who left with Xu Chen earlier, standing by the road.

Clearly waiting for me.

“Something up?” I keep walking.

Wen Zhuo smiles lightly. “Wanted to talk about the payment with Mr. Shen.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“The Fang family’s hosting a dinner next week. I’d like Mr. Shen to attend as my partner.”

Next week.

By then, Lin Yuji’s probably gone through that divorce agreement, and our marriage should be over.

Thinking of that, I nod in agreement.

Wen Zhuo thanks me and hops into his car, driving off.

It’s just a short walk from here to my place, so I decide to head back on foot.

The cool night breeze brushes my face, easing the summer heat, but it can’t touch the dull ache in my chest.

As I near my doorstep, my steps falter.

The person who’s been dominating my every thought suddenly appears right in front of me.