Seungkwan
This morning, I woke up completely exhausted, despite the fact that I had slept for a full eleven hours. Not even the smell of pancakes and bacon could drag me from my bed. John eventually gave up waiting for me in the kitchen and brought my breakfast to me.
Once I’d managed a few pitiful mouthfuls of my syrupy meal, John ushered me towards the bathroom and into the most enormous bubble bath I‘d ever seen. With a stern expression, he ordered me to stay in the tub until I turned into a prune and then to crawl straight back into bed.
Mission accomplished. I’m now bundled up in my fluffy, short pyjamas, surrounded by a mountain of blankets and pillows, and engrossed in a ridiculous dating show about a gaggle of island-bound individuals shouting at one another for no apparent reason. I love it.
Perhaps I could move to an island? I could subtly plant the seed in Mingyu’s head to send me away, so he doesn’t have to deal with me.
Urgh, Mingyu. No, I refuse to allow thoughts of him to ruin my last day of freedom.
Just thinking about tomorrow’s wedding has me breaking out in a cold sweat. I knew I wasn’t destined for a fairy-tale romance, but I had hoped I’d be able to respect whoever I was matched with. Someone kind, or smart, or interesting. My future husband is none of those things.
So, I push away the useless thoughts of what might have been and burrow deeper into my bed. I’ve hatched at least fifty escape plans since this morning, but none of them are any good. Without an alpha to sign off on my every decision, my accommodation, my health care, hell, even on the car I drive, the government would assign me a guardian.
I’ve heard all the horror stories about the alphas appointed by the state. Cruel, old-fashioned men who sign up for the government program because they can’t find a modern omega that will have them. Out of my limited options, this is definitely the worst one.
Fortunately, these days, the role of an alpha guardian is mostly a formality for omegas over eighteen. The majority of custodians give their omegas blanket freedom, like Dino's godfather. Of course, this isn’t always the case, as my situation proves. Some of us are still waiting for the archaic rules to be abolished completely.
No matter which way I think about it, marrying Mingyu is still my best chance of living with a semblance of freedom. He may despise me, but he’s grown up in an era where schools teach the importance of omega rights.
So, I let out a heavy sigh, resigned to my fate, just as another episode of trashy television draws to a close. Damn it, where’s the remote? I need more island fiascos to distract me from my own shitty existence.
Thankfully, while I mope in bed, John has taken charge of my move into my uncle’s cottage. I’m still pissed off that my uncle knew about this whole scheme and didn’t bother to give me a heads-up. I’m close with him and his omega, Jeonghan. So, the thought that he’s been a part of this plan all along me cuts deep. I can’t wait to look him in the eye and ask him why? Why would he do this to me?
The afternoon rolls on, and just as the island inhabitants start arguing over which of them should be sent home, my phone vibrates with a text from John.
John: You’re all moved in. Come over, and I’ll show you where everything is. Mingyu’s stuff is here too. His housekeeper has just finished up x
Snatching up my phone, I tap out my reply. I don’t think I could deal with seeing my “fiancé” today.
Eli: Is Mingyu there? xx
Roger: No, sweetie, it’s safe. Don’t forget your charger! Love you x
I groan, reluctantly dragging myself out of bed and changing into the cosy, pink tracksuit that John left out for me. I pack up the last of my belongings, taking my time as reality sinks in that this is the last time I’ll be in my childhood bedroom. It feels like I’m saying goodbye to the last of my innocence as I shut the door behind me.
