2 weeks later: Nat's pov
"You came in early today, surprise." Yuri one of my coworkers at the restaurant said as I walked into the staff room, "what is that supposed to mean?" I asked opening my locker.
"Lately you've been clocking in late, so what has been going with you?" She asked.
"You also seem less tired, got a new haircut, new shoes, and brand new clothes. Did you get yourself a sugar daddy?"
I slightly chuckled shaking my head, I admit ever since Ran started those random activities during our session things has got a little bit weird for me.
He would take me out to the mall, drag me to random stores and buy me things without even asking. He will also have our sessions while sleeping or napping, he will drag me into his bed and force me to sleep.
It didn't even feel like we were doing any sessions, it just felt like him doing anything he pleases. I didn't know what his intentions were but I couldn't wrapping my head around his sudden niceness.
Yuri leaned closer, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Come on, Nat. Spill. You're glowing like someone in love, or at least like someone who's got a secret benefactor."
I rolled my eyes, taking off my jacket and hanging it in the locker. "There's no sugar daddy, Yuri. I've just been… doing extra work on the side, that's all."
She gave me a skeptical look, crossing her arms. "Extra work? What kind of 'work' gives you free clothes and a new haircut? Must be a pretty generous boss."
"It's not what you're thinking," I muttered, avoiding her gaze as I grabbed my apron. The last thing I wanted was to explain Ran's sudden shift in behavior or the confusing dynamic between us. Especially since I barely understood it myself.
Yuri wasn't buying it. "Alright, fine. Keep your secrets, mister mysterious. But if some rich guy shows up here looking for you, I'm taking notes," she teased with a wink before heading out of the staff room.
I sighed, shaking my head as I tied my apron. It wasn't like I didn't appreciate what Ran was doing, but it made no sense. Why would someone like him—a wealthy, privileged omega—go out of his way for someone like me? He barely knew me, and I was just a hired alpha in his life for a specific reason. Yet, lately, he acted like we were… friends. Or something more.
I checked the time and headed out to the dining area, pushing my thoughts aside as the evening rush began. Plates clattered, voices filled the room, and I threw myself into the rhythm of work. But no matter how busy it got, my mind kept drifting back to Ran and his unpredictable kindness.
By the end of my shift, my feet ached, and exhaustion had finally caught up to me. As I changed back into my regular clothes, I found myself staring at my reflection in the mirror. Yuri was right—I had changed. I didn't look as tired or worn out as I used to, and for the first time in a long while, I felt… cared for. It was a strange feeling.
The buzz of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. I pulled it out and saw Ran's name flashing on the screen. Hesitating for a moment, I swiped to answer.
"Hello?"
"Nat," Ran's familiar voice came through, soft but firm. "I need you to come by tomorrow. There's something I want to discuss."
I frowned, confused. "Something wrong?"
"Just come," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll see you at the usual time."
Before I could ask anything else, he hung up.
——————
The next day, I arrived at Ran's mansion at the usual time, my nerves slightly on edge. I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling from last night. Ran rarely called me outside of our sessions, and when he did, it was usually for something trivial. But the tone of his voice yesterday was different—serious.
As the gates opened, P'Sang was there to greet me as always. He gave me his usual curt nod before escorting me inside. "Young master is waiting for you in the library," he said, leading the way.
I followed silently, my heart beating faster with each step. What could Ran possibly want to discuss? Did it have something to do with the sessions? Or was it about something… personal?
The library doors were slightly ajar, and Sang gestured for me to enter. I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. Ran was sitting by the window, a cup of tea in hand, looking out at the garden. He turned when he heard me, a faint smile on his face.
"You're here," he said, setting the cup down and motioning for me to sit. "Come in. Close the door."
I did as he asked, sitting across from him at the small table. The atmosphere felt unusually heavy, and I couldn't help but shift uncomfortably under his gaze.
"What's this about?" I asked, breaking the silence.
Ran leaned back in his chair, studying me for a moment before speaking. "Nat, have you ever thought about what you want in life? Like… your goals, your dreams?"
The question caught me off guard. "What?" I said, frowning. "Where's this coming from?"
He shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "My parents think it's time for the contract between us to end, so I was just asking."
"Contract termination?" I asked confused not remembering if Dr. Han had mentioned this to me.
"Yeah, they feel like I've gotten better at controlling my pheromones and since I'm slowly going back to normal they don't need you anymore." He stated.
"I didn't want to terminate the contract but I had no say in it."
As the door closed behind Ran, I sat there, staring at the teacup in front of me. The swirling steam seemed to mock the chaos in my mind. Two weeks. That's all the time I had left.
What would I do after this? Sure, I'd find another job—I had to. But the thought of leaving Ran, of not seeing him every week, left a strange hollow feeling in my chest. Why did it matter so much?
Shaking my head, I stood and started gathering my things. This was business, nothing more. I had no reason to dwell on this.
But as I walked toward the library door, I couldn't shake the look on Ran's face. The regret, the determination—it was as if he wasn't just saying goodbye to an employee.
Outside the room, I found P'Sang waiting for me, his arms crossed over his chest. He gave me a small nod, but his usual cold demeanor seemed softer than usual.
"You okay?" he asked.
The question caught me off guard. P'Sang didn't strike me as the type to care about anyone's feelings, least of all mine.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, adjusting the strap of my bag.
He nodded again but didn't move. "You know, the young master… he's stubborn. If he says he'll figure something out, he means it."
I frowned. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, don't underestimate him," P'Sang replied. "He doesn't let go of things—or people—that easily."
With that, he stepped aside, letting me pass. His words echoed in my mind as I made my way out of the mansion.
Later that night, as I lay in bed, staring at the cracks in the ceiling, I replayed Ran's words over and over again. "You and I both know that's not true."
What did he mean? Was there more to this than I wanted to admit?
I sighed, turning over and burying my face in the pillow. Two weeks. I'd get through this, just like I always did.
But deep down, I couldn't ignore the ache in my chest—or the tiny, irrational hope that Ran really would figure something out.
—————————
2 weeks later as the Tharaporn mansion:
As I sat in Mr. Tharaporn's office, I couldn't help but feel nervous. My palms were clammy, and I kept shifting in my seat, unable to shake the feeling that this was more than just a routine contract termination. The walls of the office were lined with shelves of expensive books and awards, a glaring reminder of how out of place I was here.
Mr. Tharaporn sat across from me, his piercing gaze sharp enough to cut through steel. His demeanor was calm but intimidating, a stark contrast to the storm of anxiety brewing inside me.
"Thank you for coming today, Mr. Raksasakul," he said, his tone formal.
"Of course, sir," I replied, my voice barely steady.
He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him. "As you know, the contract between you and my son is set to expire today. I wanted to personally thank you for your dedication throughout the process. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed."
I nodded, unsure of what to say. "It's been… an experience, sir."
He gave a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Niran has shown significant improvement over these past months. We believe he's ready to manage without external assistance. That being said…"
I braced myself, my heart pounding in my chest.
"…he insisted on adding an addendum to the original agreement."
I blinked. "An addendum?"
"Yes. He proposed a personal arrangement—a… friendship, if you will. He's expressed interest in maintaining contact with you beyond the confines of this contract."
My heart skipped a beat. "A personal arrangement?" I repeated, unable to hide the confusion in my voice.
Mr. Tharaporn's gaze sharpened. "Niran rarely makes personal requests of this nature. He values you, Mr. Raksasakul, in ways that extend beyond your professional duties."
I felt my face heat up. Was Ran really serious about keeping me in his life? And if so… why?
The sound of the office door creaking open interrupted my thoughts. I turned to see Ran stepping inside, his confident demeanor masking the slight nervousness in his eyes.
"Dad," he said, nodding toward his father before his gaze settled on me. "Thanks for taking care of this."
Mr. Tharaporn rose from his seat. "I'll leave you two to discuss the details."
As he left the room, Ran closed the door behind him and leaned against it, his arms crossed over his chest. "So," he said, a small smirk playing on his lips. "What do you think?"
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. "What exactly are you asking for, Ran?"
He pushed off the door and walked toward me, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm asking you to stay in my life, Nat. Not as an employee, but as… you."
My breath hitched. "Why?"
Ran chuckled softly, pulling up a chair to sit directly in front of me. "Because you've been the only person who sees me—not the heir, not the omega, just me. And I'm not ready to let that go."
I stared at him, the weight of his words settling over me. Did I want this? Could I let myself stay, even if it wasn't part of a contract anymore?
"I don't know if I can…" I started, my voice trailing off.
Ran smiled gently, leaning closer. "Then let me convince you."
TBC