* * *
A dome-shaped ceiling was supported by four pillars, with designated spaces for torches and a long bench inside.
In front of it lay a small pond, as if the area had been built specifically for people to admire the water.
‘Just like the novel described. No doubt about it.’
This was where Remy and Allen would talk.
The torchlight inside the pavilion would keep it bright even at night, but the surrounding area would be dim, making it the perfect place for someone to hide.
It matched the novel’s description exactly.
‘I should head back for now. I still have to attend the ball.’
Having confirmed the location, Remy returned to the ballroom.
The ball was scheduled to begin in earnest later in the evening, but even before sunset, the venue was already crowded.
People gathered in groups, flaunting their connections, laughing, and engaging in lively chatter, all dressed in their finest attire.
Naturally, Remy didn’t belong to any of those groups.
His mere presence in high society made people recoil in distaste.
To endure the dull and tedious event, he moved toward the most secluded corner he could find.
He had no desire to interact with anyone besides Allen.
And most of all, he didn’t want to run into three particular Alphas.
Especially Ashton.
Out of everyone, he wanted to avoid him the most.
‘By now, the printing should be done. Will it be distributed before the fireworks start?’
The climax of the original story began with a grand fireworks display.
According to the novel, the deafening explosion of the fireworks had drowned out the gunshot that pierced Remy’s heart.
Until then, he hoped nothing would go wrong.
And, most of all, he prayed he wouldn’t run into those three Alphas.
“The ball will be starting soon. All guests, please proceed to the Great Hall at once.”
A fanfare blared, and the chamberlain’s voice rang across the venue.
More people flooded into the already packed Great Hall, filling the vast space with a sea of chatter.
Keeping to the shadows, Remy remained hidden, silently observing the unfolding events.
“……Ah.”
His gaze locked onto a single figure, someone he recognized immediately.
Ashton.
Surrounded by a swarm of Omegas, he looked visibly troubled.
‘Come to think of it…….’
Because Ashton had always been chasing after him, Remy had never really noticed it before.
But Ashton seemed to be quite popular among the other Omegas.
No, “quite” wasn’t the right word.
Every Omega in the room turned to stare at him the moment he passed.
‘I remember thinking he was ridiculously handsome when I first saw him. And his physique is incredible, too. Plus, his family is powerful… And, above all, he’s a dominant Alpha.’
If anyone in the empire were asked to name the ideal Alpha mate, they’d all say Ashton without hesitation.
He was that kind of person—someone who existed in a world completely different from Remy’s.
‘Does that mean I was impressive for receiving his confession…? I’m just a nobody Omega.’
A bitter taste spread on his tongue.
It wasn’t that he regretted turning Ashton down, but for some reason, the sight of him chatting with another Omega unsettled him.
They were just talking. And yet.
‘What’s the point, Remy? Even if you feel this way now, nothing’s going to change.’
Shaking his head, he scolded himself.
This was no time to be staring at Ashton and getting lost in useless thoughts.
The only thing that mattered was returning to his original world.
He was so close—this was his last chance.
Even if he couldn’t remember why he had wanted to return so badly in the first place…
He couldn’t let all his efforts go to waste.
‘I should just stop looking.’
Remy turned away.
He retreated further into the shadows, making himself as invisible as possible.
He had to stay hidden until Allen arrived.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Not long after Remy disappeared, Ashton finally managed to break free from the crowd of Omegas.
He immediately started scanning the room, searching for someone.
But Remy was already gone.
‘He’s not here. I should’ve gone to his house earlier. I didn’t expect him to leave so soon.’
In truth, Ashton had gone to the Wesley estate to pick up Remy for the ball.
But Remy had already departed before he got there.
‘Where is he? I don’t see him anywhere… That’s making me uneasy.’
He began searching.
Normally, he could track Remy down by scent alone, but tonight, with so many Alphas and Omegas crammed into one place, the overwhelming mix of pheromones made it impossible.
Finding him in this crowd was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
‘Damn it.’
The more Remy remained out of sight, the more anxious Ashton became.
He knew exactly how important tonight was to Remy.
And, just as much, he knew how important tonight was to himself—to prevent Remy’s death.
‘Remy… Please…’
As Ashton desperately searched, a loud commotion signaled the arrival of tonight’s main attraction.
The host of this grand ball—the third prince of the Frederica royal family, Hayward.
“Oh my god… Look at His Highness.”
Every Omega’s gaze turned toward him.
He wore a pristine white ceremonial uniform, a golden sash draped across his chest, and epaulets of the same gold resting on his shoulders.
His commanding presence was only enhanced by the sharp contrast between his well-built physique and his strikingly beautiful face.
Under the dazzling lights, his silver hair, the mark of the Frederica royal lineage, shimmered brilliantly.
Dressed in his finest attire, he looked more regal than ever, stirring murmurs among the gathered Omegas.
“Do you think His Highness is planning to propose to someone tonight?”
As Allen happened to pass by, he stopped in his tracks.
“A proposal?”
“I heard Prince Hayward personally organized tonight’s ball.”
“I heard that too, but…”
“Isn’t it strange that His Highness suddenly decided to hold such a grand ball? He’s never done anything like this before. Unless it’s to propose.”
“Well, you have a point. Since the royal family didn’t host it and His Highness personally arranged everything, I can’t say it’s impossible.”
“If he really did hold this ball to propose, this is huge. But to whom? Who could it be that he went to such great lengths to prepare all this? Whoever they are, they’re ridiculously lucky.”
“Right?”
Allen’s heart dropped as he listened intently to the omega’s conversation.
There was only one person who immediately came to mind.
It had to be Remy.
‘So, in the end, His Highness has decided to propose to Remy? I thought it might happen eventually, but this soon…?’
Allen’s face hardened in an instant.
Of course, he had already known that Haywards had feelings for Remy and had considered the possibility of a proposal.
But now that it was actually happening, it was much harder to endure than he had expected.
As if things weren’t bad enough with Rex already, the thought of Remy becoming the star of tonight’s party only made it worse.
The idea of Remy stealing the spotlight at such a grand ball was something Allen simply couldn’t tolerate.
‘No. I can’t just let this happen. I won’t let Remy have all the admiration to himself. It’s pissing me off.’
“Allen.”
Lost in his thoughts, Allen flinched at the voice calling his name, snapping him back to reality.
“Oh, Rex…”
Rex stood before him.
His neatly swept-back red hair and meticulously dressed appearance made him look more refined than ever.
The white frock coat adorned with red accents perfectly complemented his fiery hair, making him stand out even more.
His deep-set eyes, glistening as if dampened by autumn rain, felt especially intense tonight.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“I’m fine. You?”
“Same here.”
As they spoke, Allen’s face grew noticeably warm.
Perhaps it was because he had once pretended to be in heat at Rex’s house, only to be rejected.
Now, Rex felt unfamiliar—distant even.
And that distance only made him appear even more handsome.
‘I can’t let go of Rex. Even if I give up on the others, I won’t give up on him…’
“Oh, by the way, have you seen Remy?”
Allen’s face darkened.
* * *
