In every corner of Markarian, tabloids, serious news outlets, and the realms of online gossip were buzzing with the details of the weekend in Velorum and its surprising turn of events...
Newspaper headlines were in a frenzy, all clamoring for attention: "Adam Kadman and Mysterious Omega Announce Engagement—Fans' Dreams Shattered!"
The phone lines in newsrooms didn't stop ringing.
"Adam Kadman, known for his discretion, formalizes a surprise weekend engagement surrounded by friends and family," a news report announced.
The news took everyone by surprise. Adam had always been a notoriously reserved Alpha, and until then, no one had known his chosen one.
The hungry press eagerly awaited an official announcement. And it came, through the personal public relations consultancy team of the Kadman family.
But the shocking news didn't stop there:
Sensational headlines spread like wildfire: "The End of the Romance of Clarice Philips and Callum Campbell."
Sources claimed that Callum had made a surprise marriage proposal, with photos taken aboard a yacht, capturing intimate and loving moments, gestures, and caresses that left little to the imagination. But who was the mysterious Omega in the story?
Immediately, rumors began circulating about the enigmatic partner of Callum. Allegations of betrayal and a love undone echoed on every screen.
The press attacked the Phillips family in search of answers, feeding on rumors and speculations from high society. Reporters didn't relent, insisting on obtaining an official statement about the real reason for the separation of the world's most beloved ABO couple.
The office in the Phillips mansion was immersed in a tense silence that night. Beatrice Phillips, a woman of impeccable appearance, sat in her favorite armchair, her calm expression hiding the satisfaction boiling within her. Jared Phillips, her husband, stood by the fireplace, hands restless in his jacket pockets. In one corner of the room, discreetly observing the situation, was William, the public relations specialist hired to manage the family's image.
Clarice, with her cellphone in hand, looked at her parents with a determined expression. Finally, after a long pause, she began to type, her words filled with intention and emotion.
"When I share every detail of my life, I am honest. I have always respected my timing, and this time was no different. I still believe that the most intimate information should be processed within ourselves as a priority."
"So, now I feel ready to share with you that Callum and I are no longer a couple. We have a beautiful history of love, complicity, and partnership, and we are redefining this relationship as two people who respect and admire each other but in a new way. Paths."
"I appreciate the kindness I've received from the beginning, which is why I wanted to communicate our decision in the right way, with the care this story deserves. Now, we need space to understand each stage of this new phase," Clarice concluded.
Beatrice maintained a subtle smile on her lips as she watched her daughter, anticipating what was to come.
Jared Phillips shifted uncomfortably, while Marcy Wu took notes and assisted Clarice in managing the situation as best as possible.
Her gaze met that of her parents, and for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability passed through Beatrice's eyes before she skillfully concealed it.
Lady Beatrice hadn't planned for the news to be shared online, however admitted to herself that she liked the result.
However, not everyone shared the same opinion. Clarice's news generated a small wave of online protests, with unfavorable comments about omegas allegedly breaking up happy families.
Some more sensationalist media outlets highlighted the story as a classic narrative where an omega interfered in a passionate alpha couple.
Marcy Wu approached Beatrice and Oliver after Clarice's statement, with a look of professional tranquility. "We need to carefully manage the narrative and the family's image in this delicate moment," he suggested calmly, ready to assume his role and protect the Phillips family's reputation amidst the media frenzy.
The next day...
The way the news was reported didn't sit well with the Campbell family, and some headlines even attributed the relationship's breakup to Aster. However, Callum couldn't be ruthless with Clarice or the Phillips family.
The long-standing friendship between the two families had always been a point of pride and distinction. Callum refused to allow his omega to be the target of attacks from all directions in the media.
As the scandals unfolded, Philips' company stocks fell by 7%, even as indices rose elsewhere.
The primary factor for the stock drop was related to the announcement of the separation between the Campbell and Phillips families.
Callum couldn't simply allow Clarice to be ridiculed, humiliated, or made the subject of jokes, especially considering the long-standing friendship between his grandfather and Lord Robert Phillips.
Therefore, Callum chose to make a joint statement addressing personal and financial aspects of this delicate situation. The official announcement was necessary.
🔽 🔽 🔽
In respect to all who have been with us, we would like to inform you that Callum Campbell and Clarice Philips are no longer a couple. We realized that our relationship had naturally evolved into a deep and meaningful friendship.
This decision was made after deep reflection, and we believe it is the best path for both of us. We are grateful for all the experiences we have shared, knowing that they will always be a part of our lives.
In the world of business, cooperation is guided by the pursuit of market representation, the improvement of supply chain governance, and the increase in competitiveness. It means working together towards common goals.
Therefore, we wish to emphasize that the Cooperation Agreements between the Campbell and Phillips institutions remain strong in the present and are guaranteed for the future.
We thank everyone for their support and kindly request respect for our decision in this sensitive time.
Callum Campbell.◀️
A new day was beginning at Damian and Aster's house.
Aster was busy organizing his things when Damian entered the room with a portable electronic device filled with news that had stirred public opinion. "You need to hear this," he said, with a sparkle in his eyes, gesturing animatedly with his hands and raising his eyebrows.
"These critiques are incredible.
Some Alphas can cheat and love at the same time. Alpha betrayal is just a hormonal whim to satisfy lust. Some Alphas only need an Omega as an excuse to cheat."
Damián continued seriously, "Betrayal never triumphs."
"Why?" asked Damián, intrigued.
"Because good always triumphs over evil," Aster replied calmly and indifferently.
Damián continued reading with enthusiasm, your scandal has stolen the spotlight from my dreamt-of engagement, and everyone is only talking about the Omega who stole Alpha Callum Campbell's heart and broke Clarice Phillips' heart."
Damián interrupted his acerbic humor, and his face became impassive. He continued, "Few mentions the incredible Omega who captured the heart of the Alpha Prime, Adam Kadman."
Damián laughed to tears, demonstrating that he didn't care about others' opinions. Aster looked at him seriously and asked, "How can you laugh at this systemic discrimination rooted in the customs and culture of this world? We are facing a humanitarian crisis, with fools on a grand scale. It's a dangerous personal trap to presume that the blame always falls on the Omega and that the other is superior."
Damián replied carefully, "Understand, don't pay attention to that or the world out there. Do your best. Today you are going to the wolf's den, face it with joy! And remember, you've been married before; technically, this will be your second experience of living and interacting with a family."
Aster reflected for a moment and said, looking at his packed bags, "OK, we'll be working together every day, just for another two or three months, or maybe less, worst case. Paths are diverse, and we can consider whether we will be able to contribute or not."
"Where is your courage? The courage to make everything go wrong because everything needs to go wrong!" Damián smiled, encouraging Aster to face the future with optimism.
"Optimism, being judged and criticized all the time? I don't think I deserve to be judged, nor do I need judges in my life. They are writing horrible things about me," lamented Aster.
Damián understood his friend's inner anger but insisted on projecting courage onto him, saying, "The court of life has always been in session 24 hours a day in all our days of life."
Looking at him, he added, "For now, you should ask not to appear in public with Callum, say you want discretion. Pretend you're upset, I don't know, say you're afraid of these feelings of rejection. Be Omega! Be fragile! You'll be close to Callum but not in the spotlight, which is perfect."
And don't forget, "We both can go through pain, horror, and mighty storms. So, cheer up, we're together, and we can face this world and whatever else comes!"
Aster sighed and said, "OK, OK, OK... I got it, be fragile, be like glass, break easily..."
But then, Aster shifted the focus to Damián, "Why haven't you packed your things, Damián? Aren't you going to fulfill the invitation you accepted when the Dreams Ring was placed on your finger? The family of your dreams is waiting for you today, Damián!"
Damián replied cautiously, "I want time to pass quickly, but I'm not in a hurry to go to the Kadman family."
He gestured and opened his arms, seeming to search for words, "I've never been married, you realize that, right? Adam is a man!"
Aster interrupted him, "No, Adam is an Alpha, and you're an Omega."
Damián replied, "Do you think that compromises my identity?"
Aster clarified, "Not at all. You're amazing, and throughout life, out of necessity or convenience, we play many roles. And often, the hardest role to play is ourselves. We go through life being anything but ourselves. You just need to play this role a little more!"
Keep not being yourself, understood, Damián?
Aster continued, "Do you want me to wait for you, so we can leave together?"
Damián replied, "I'll be leaving soon. Good luck with your arrival at the wolf's den. See you tomorrow!"
Aster arrived with Callum, and Lady Sarah and Lord Mallet awaited him with gentle smiles. Lady Sarah remained cautious. She wouldn't mistake the new for novelty. New is what comes, settles, and stays. Novelty is fleeting. As time passed, Lord Mallet grew fonder of Aster, noticing that his eyes sparkled, and his face flushed when he was near Callum.
After a few minutes of talking while holding Aster's hand, Callum said, "Come with me. Aster let himself be led like an obedient child.
Callum led him to a room with a huge double bed.
As Aster examined the bed more closely, his throat tightened.
There was a reason for so much excitement. On the bed were more than two dozen gold ingots, a multitude of gold coins, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Antique and modern jewelry, artifacts encrusted with gold and precious stones, and bundles of money.
Biting Aster's ear, Callum whispered, "This is for you, a token of my affection." Aster knew exactly what he meant. Callum was showing his dominant and possessive side.
He understood that integrity is a plant that needs to be watered daily, and he would not allow Callum to manipulate him financially with this gift.
Callum was betting on the power of gold, but Aster would not give in to his manipulations. He would continue to water the Plant of Integrity and not allow the Toxic Alpha to influence him. Aster understood: "People buy people" (more easily than they buy products). In this materialistic logic, people end up being treated as objects to be bought, used, and discarded.
Aster knew to be wary of that which shines too brightly, for moths attracted by the light of lamps often anticipate their own demise. Aster spoke up: "Nothing can replace the satisfaction and contentment that comes from accomplishments of our own making."
He didn't want to spoil the surprise, but he couldn't accept the gift the way Callum intended. Callum asked in a dry voice: "Why not?" Aster knew it was time to set limits and make it clear that he wasn't for sale. He turned to Callum and replied earnestly: "
You don't have to buy me; I'm already yours! The mark you left on my neck is a reminder, available only to you." The Alpha hadn't expected this answer and didn't like it. He wanted to protect Aster from unnecessary exposure and risk.