Destiny or Coincidence (AlanxJeff) VI

Party

Jeff

I wanted to look just right. I knew tonight was crucial. It was the first time I would be presenting myself as his husband, and I couldn't afford to fail. My heart pounded wildly, as if it were about to leap out of my chest at any moment. The reflection in the mirror stared back at me, showing someone nervous, insecure, with that tight knot in my stomach reminding me of the reason: this wasn't just a formality. This was Alan. Even though I refused to accept the feelings tormenting me, the fear of failing him consumed me. He had entered my life unexpectedly, and little by little, without me even realizing it, his soft and gentle manner had begun to unlock doors inside me that I had locked up a long time ago.

But today wasn't about emotions. Today was about an image. I wanted to represent him well. So, in something completely unusual for me, I decided to voluntarily ask for help... from Sonic. I never would have imagined doing that. But I needed to look good. For Alan.

Sonic was so excited that his enthusiasm was almost overwhelming, nearly irritating. I kept asking myself over and over again if this was the right thing to do. But yes, I really wanted to look good for him. Though it was hard to admit, I wanted Alan to be proud of me.

In the end, Sonic and I settled on a light brown jacket. It was comfortable, and its appearance teetered between casual and elegant. And most importantly: I felt comfortable in it. Sonic even managed to convince me to let him put a little makeup on me. I practiced my best smile in the mirror, trying to convince myself. "I'll do well," I told myself. I'll be the perfect husband for Alan tonight, for everyone. For him.

Every time I remembered Way telling Alan that there were plenty of omegas eager to be by his side, a bitter knot formed in my throat. The mere thought of someone else accompanying him filled me with a strange, deep, unpleasant feeling that I couldn't explain. It was as if something inside me was screaming, waving a frantic red flag, warning me that everything was wrong. How could Way say that? Releasing his pheromones on purpose, with that smooth tone. And worst of all, offering to do something that only I should be doing. I am his husband, even if it's by contract. That doesn't change the fact that I'm the one who should be by his side tonight. And what irritated me the most was... why didn't Alan tell him no right away? Why hadn't he said anything to me?

When he offered me his arm, I took a deep breath before accepting it, and we walked together toward the party. Every time I looked at Alan, I couldn't help but think of Way as well. A mix of pain and confusion overwhelmed me. I knew I had put distance between us, but why did someone else have to get involved? This was between him and me. No one else.

We walked together toward the party, a scene straight out of a high-society movie. The lights shone softly, illuminating the elegantly decorated hall. It wasn't my kind of place. It never had been. But for him, I would do it. I would make the effort so Alan would be proud of me, because he deserved it. Because I needed to show him that no one else could take my place.

The introductions seemed endless. My smile, initially nervous, had turned into a mask that, after a while, began to hurt. My cheeks burned from the constant faking. Taking advantage of a brief distraction, I discreetly turned to rub them. The relief was short-lived.

—Are you okay? —his soft voice, full of concern, surprised me. His warm breath brushed my ear, making me shiver.

I looked at him, trying to hide my discomfort. —I'm fine —I replied, with more firmness than I actually felt—. You came here for something, my duty is to help you.

But his sad gaze made me doubt. "Was I failing?" The fear started growing inside me. What if I wasn't living up to his expectations?

—Am I doing it wrong? —the words finally slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them.