The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the suburban neighborhood of Maplewood.
Kian was on his hands and knees, mopping the floor of the small, cluttered kitchen he shared with his cruel stepmother, arrogant stepbrother, and gambling father. The task was tedious, and exhaustion settled into his bones.
He worked day and night like a servant, yearning to study and make a name for himself, but his aspirations were brutally stifled. The money saved was spent on gifts and opportunities for his stepbrother, Myke, an alpha who enjoyed making Kian's life miserable.
Kian was confined to a small, dark room even smaller than the kitchen, forced to wear the ragged clothes of his stepbrother. In his own home, he felt like a beggar.
In the conservative society of Maplewood, omegas were expected to be docile and pleasing, always eager to satisfy their alphas. They weren't allowed to voice opinions or raise objections.
At just eighteen years old, Kian had learned to navigate life as little more than a servant in his own home, behind the doors of his gloomy room, burdened with responsibilities far beyond his years.
His light blue-gray eyes flickered to the clock on the wall, and he sighed. He had spent the entire day cleaning, caught in a never-ending cycle of chores that left him drained and weary. The pale skin on his slender frame bore the marks of neglect, a testament to the indifference of his gambling father and stepmother.
As he scrubbed the floor, he heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Glancing up and wiping sweat from his brow, he saw a sleek black vehicle parked outside.
The door opened, and a tall, muscular man stepped out. Kian's heart raced as he recognized him from the brief glimpses he had caught in town—Alex, the commanding CEO of AstroTech Global, known for his intense presence and leadership.
Kian quickly stood, smoothing out his wrinkled shirt and wiping his hands on his jeans. A mix of anxiety and curiosity surged through him as Alex approached the front door, his expression serious yet determined.
"Hello," Alex said, his deep voice resonating as he stepped inside. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Kian shook his head, feeling a flutter of nerves. "No, not at all. I was just cleaning."
Alex's gaze swept over the room, taking in the disarray and signs of neglect, the evidence of cruelty etched into Kian's slender frame.
"It looks like you've been working hard," he said, his tone softening. "You deserve a break."
Kian felt a blush creep up his cheeks. "It's just what I have to do," he replied, trying to downplay his efforts. "It's my responsibility."
Before Kian could respond further, Alex reached into his black, platinum-threaded suit and pulled out a sleek envelope. He held it out to Kian, who stared at it in confusion.
"What's this?" Kian asked, his heart racing.
"I have a proposition for you and your family," Alex said, his voice steady. "I'm prepared to offer one million dollars for your hand in marriage."
Kian's eyes widened in shock. "What? You can't be serious!"
"I am," Alex replied, his gaze unwavering.
"I'm in town for a project. I want to marry you tomorrow, along with my partners in T-City. We believe you deserve a life filled with love and security, and this is a chance for you to escape your current situation."
A whirlwind of emotions surged through Kian—confusion, disbelief, and a flicker of hope. He had spent his life under the thumb of his gambling father, stepbrother, and stepmother. The idea of marrying someone like Alex and his partners was terrifying and .
"Why would you do this?" Kian asked, his voice trembling. "You don't even know me."
"I know enough," Alex said, his tone firm yet gentle. "I see how hard you work and how you care for others. You deserve a chance to be happy, Kian. We want to give you that opportunity."
Kian glanced toward the hallway, where he suspected his stepmother was eavesdropping. "What will she think?" he asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"She'll think about the money," Alex replied, his expression serious.
"But this isn't just about her. It's about you. You have the power to choose your path. You have every right to be happy."
Kian's heart raced as he considered the offer. A million dollars could change everything for him. It could mean freedom from his stepmother's control and a chance to build a life filled with love and acceptance. But the thought of marrying four men he had never met was daunting.
"Take your time to think about it," Alex said, sensing Kian's hesitation. "But know that we're serious about this. We want you to be part of our family. We want you as our omega."
Just then, Kian's stepmother appeared in the doorway, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene before her.
"What's going on here?" she demanded, her voice dripping with suspicion.
Alex straightened, his demeanor shifting to one of authority. "I was just discussing a proposal with Kian," he said, his voice calm and steady.
"I'm offering one million dollars for his hand in marriage."
Kian's stepmother's eyes widened, and Kian could see the gears turning in her mind. "One million?" she echoed, her voice filled with greed. "You're serious?"
"Absolutely," Alex replied. "I am prepared to finalize the arrangements for the wedding tomorrow. Kian will be marrying me and my partners as well in the Crystal Hall of T-City. We believe this is the best way to ensure his happiness and security."
Kian's stepmother was astonished when she heard "Crystal Hall."
She stammered, "That... Crystal Hall... The one reserved for high-class elites to celebrate unions and lavish parties? The same Crystal Hall where the top actor of the continent, Lewis Park, shot his movie 'The Omega's Husband'?"
Lewis Park is an alpha actor and a heartthrob everyone talks about on the continent. He's not just an actor; he's a huge star with millions of fans. His movies often feature omegas in leading roles, and he's known for his charm and good looks.
"Yes," Alex replied sternly.
Kian felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The thought of marrying four men he had never met was overwhelming. He had spent his life in fear and uncertainty, and now he was thrust into a situation that felt like both a dream and a nightmare.
His stepmother's eyes sparkled with greed as she considered the offer. "Well, if you're serious about the money, then I suppose we can discuss this further," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Kian, you should be grateful for such an opportunity."
Kian's heart sank. He knew his stepmother only saw the dollar signs, not the potential for a better life.
"I… I need to think about it," he said, gathering all his might, feeling trapped between his stepmother's expectations and the weight of Alex's offer.
"Of course," Alex said, his tone understanding. "Take the time you need, but remember, this is a chance for you to break free from your current life. You deserve to be happy, Kian."
As Alex turned to leave, Kian felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. He was terrified of the unknown, yet a small part of him longed for the freedom and love that Alex promised.
Would he be able to escape the life he had known?
"Tomorrow, then," Alex said, glancing back at Kian with a reassuring smile. "I'll be here to pick you up, and we will leave for T-City together. Just think about what this could mean for you."
With that, he walked out, leaving Kian standing in the doorway, his heart racing and his mind racing even faster.
The weight of the decision loomed over him, and he knew that whatever choice he made would change his life forever.
Kian stood frozen in the doorway, watching Alex drive away, the sleek black car disappearing down the street. The reality of the situation began to sink in, and he felt a mix of fear and excitement coursing through him.
A million dollars to buy his freedom, a chance at a new life, and the prospect of marrying four men he had never met—it was all too surreal.
His stepmother's voice broke through his thoughts. "Kian! Get back in here and finish your chores!" she barked, her tone sharp and demanding.
He turned reluctantly, knowing he had little choice but to obey as an omega.
As he returned to the kitchen, he couldn't shake the feeling of hope that had ignited within him. The thought of escaping his current life, of being treated with kindness and respect, was intoxicating. But the fear of the unknown loomed large.
What would it be like to live with Alex and his partners?
Would they truly care for him, or was this just a transaction?
Kian forced himself to focus on his chores, scrubbing the dishes with a fervor that matched the turmoil in his mind. He thought about his life filled with neglect, fear, and loneliness. The idea of being part of a family, of having people who cared for him, was something he had only dreamed of.
As night fell, Kian lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The shadows danced across the walls, and he felt a sense of dread creeping in.
What if he made the wrong choice?
What if he was walking into another trap?
But the thought of staying in his current situation was even more terrifying.