The event celebrating the birthday of an influential figure was hosted at the KT Hotel, one of the largest and most luxurious establishments in the country.

Among the guests was Chiyo, an elite omega. His soft, silver-grey hair framed his face, faint green strands catching the light as he moved. His skin was pale and smooth, almost glowing under the warm room lights. When he lifted his gaze, calm, clear green eyes looked back—gentle and quietly captivating.

Elite Omegas were rare, born only one in every hundred. They were unique: unable to be marked or impregnated by ordinary Alphas, they could only be tied to a dominant Alpha. Elite Omegas also carried soothing pheromones strong enough to calm even the most violent of Alphas.

Chiyo was idly observing the room when the alpha sitting across from him stood up. He held two wine glasses. Just as he was about to leave, he turned back to Chiyo.

“Babe, wait for me here. I'm just going to meet my friends. I'll be quick,” Chen said.

Chen, an alpha with a striking physique, wore a tailored suit, his dark blonde hair complementing his pale skin. He set down the glasses and departed to mingle.

Chiyo was only at this lavish party because Chen was his boyfriend, and he didn't know a soul there. Boredom quickly set in as he sat, his gaze sweeping over unfamiliar faces. Everywhere he looked, he saw only strangers. Chen had left him completely alone.

Chen had somehow secured an invitation to the birthday party and insisted on bringing Chiyo along. Chiyo rarely frequented such events, but he had agreed to go after Chen promised that it would be much more fun if they went together.

It was then Chiyo realized the hotel was situated right on the coast. He could go out and get some fresh air. The beach area was under the exclusive jurisdiction of the KT Hotel, meaning outsiders were prohibited; only hotel guests had access.

Grabbing his phone, Chiyo stood up and glanced around one last time, but Chen was nowhere in sight. He quickly made his way toward the back exit.

Stepping outside, he was greeted by the sight of the deep blue sea and the distant cries of seagulls. He walked briskly, and in moments, he reached the sand. He sat down, looking out at the beautiful scenery. The waves advanced, almost reaching his feet, then retreated, as if calling him closer.

The view brought him a sense of peace. “It’s so beautiful and tranquil,” Chiyo murmured to himself.

Just as he was absorbing the moment, a man appeared from nowhere and sat down right beside him. The newcomer was a dominant alpha.

As the Alpha took the seat beside him, the sharp, bright scent of lemon pheromones hit Chiyo. He felt a sudden, dizzying lightness wash over him, though it was underscored by the heavy, lingering trace of cigarette smoke.

A cigarette was pinched between his fingers, and he took a long drag, exhaling a plume of smoke. Chiyo immediately began to cough from the strong scent of the tobacco.

The alpha remained exactly where he was, continuing to smoke right beside Chiyo.

Chiyo shot a glance at the man. “You! Go somewhere else right now.”

Chiyo felt a surge of annoyance; he couldn't even enjoy the scenery in peace. He had been sitting there quietly when, out of nowhere, this man had decided to crowd his space. To make matters worse, the stranger began to smoke—a blatant act of rudeness that felt like a personal provocation.

The man had dark brown hair and matching brown eyes. His frame was immense, and even through his tight black shirt and pants, the magnitude of his muscular physique was clearly visible.

Hearing the sharp demand, the alpha turned his gaze to Chiyo, taking another slow puff of smoke. “Why?” he asked.

“Can’t you see I am sitting here? Right beside you,” Chiyo stated, his tone dripping with annoyance.

“So?”

“Your smoke is making me cough. What if I get sick because of you?”

The alpha ignored Chiyo completely, as if he hadn't heard a word, and simply continued to smoke while looking out at the sea.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Chiyo demanded.

“Lucian.”

“Lucian, don't make me repeat myself. Leave right now with your cigarette, you smoker, otherwise—!” Chiyo cut himself off, his eyes intensely focused on Lucian.

Lucian attempted to crush the cigarette against the sand, but when it didn't work, he merely dropped the still-lit butt beside him.

“If I don't leave, what exactly will you do?” he asked, his voice cutting and cold.

Chiyo was caught off guard. He hadn't planned to do anything; it was just an empty threat. But now that Lucian had challenged him, Chiyo stared even harder, his teeth gritted. Even when furious, his concentrated expression made him look endearingly cute.

“Lucian, my darling!” a voice called from behind them.

Both of them glanced back as another man, also a dominant alpha, approached. He was handsome, with a sharp jawline, and his dark, slightly long hair was tied back in a half-ponytail.

When the man reached them, he looked at Chiyo, his eyes widening in shock. He covered his mouth with his hand. “Oh my god! Lucian is sitting with an omega! From where did the sun rise today?”

“I am not sitting with him. He is the one sitting with me,” Lucian stated.

Chiyo was stunned by the lie. It was clearly Lucian who had walked up and sat down beside him.

“Hey, what is wrong with you? Why are you lying? I was sitting here first! You came along later and sat right beside me!” Chiyo practically shouted.

Lucian glared at Chiyo and was about to respond, but the newcomer noticed the building tension and quickly changed the subject.

“Ahem! Did I introduce myself? I’m Ren. Lucian’s one and only best friend,” he said, extending his hand to Chiyo with a wide smile.

Chiyo burst into laughter, shaking Ren’s hand while laughing hard. “Judging by his attitude, it would have been weirder if he did have many friends!” Chiyo chuckled harder.

“What did you say?” Lucian demanded.

“What? You have a bad temper, don’t you? If not, why are you shouting instead of talking normally? Whatever. I’m leaving now; my boyfriend is waiting for me at the party.”

Ren looked completely stunned by Chiyo’s announcement. “Wait, you have a boyfriend? And you also came to the Hotel for the birthday party?”

Chiyo nodded. “Yes. And you?”

Ren glanced at Lucian, raising an eyebrow in a clear gesture of teasing. “I am the owner of the KT Hotel chain.”

Well, that was entirely unexpected. Chiyo hadn't anticipated meeting the actual owner of the empire.

“Oh! Then can you tell me whose birthday party this is? Because I honestly have no idea!”

Ren immediately burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. “Hahaha! The person who is sitting right beside you, it’s his birthday party!”

Chiyo immediately stood up. As he did, Lucian also rose to his feet. Chiyo turned to face Lucian, still slightly incredulous.

“What are you doing out here if it’s your own birthday party?” Chiyo asked.

Ren quickly stepped in to answer. “Exactly! That’s why I’m here, to take him back inside.”