Last Love chapter 7

Wen Ke left LM in a hurry, and when he returned home, he felt uncomfortable all over. He took another painkiller and then called Xu Jiale.

Over the years, he had maintained contact with Xu Jiale, his best friend since junior high school. Now, it seemed Xu Jiale was the only one left from those early years.

Xu Jiale had recently gone through a divorce as well and was currently fighting for custody of his child with the Omega father. Although Xu Jiale was also overwhelmed, upon hearing about Wen Ke’s situation, he immediately offered to come to City B over the weekend.

Wen Ke lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Eventually, he got up.

He didn’t bother turning on the lights and sat quietly on the sofa in the living room.

In the dimly lit living room, occasional rays of dim twilight poured in from somewhere, allowing the eye to see tiny dust particles floating slowly in the air.

The wall clock ticked away, yet the house seemed frozen in the crevices of time.

The coffee table, the TV, the carpet— all lifeless objects, all familiar to Wen Ke.

For the past two years, most of the time, Zhuo Yuan wouldn’t be at home. Sometimes Wen Ke was too lazy to go inside to sleep, choosing instead to lie on the sofa with a blanket, watching TV until he fell asleep.

When he woke up in the morning, the TV would still be on, giving the illusion of some human activity.

He got lost in his thoughts, bending down to open the lower cabinet of the coffee table. However, when his fingers touched the cigarette box inside, he suddenly shuddered and closed the cabinet door again.

After their marriage, Zhuo Yuan had him stay at home to recover for six years.

In the third year, he secretly smoked for a while.

When Zhuo Yuan found out, he told his mother, and the elders of the Zhuo family sternly scolded him, saying it would affect his health and fertility, and it was irresponsible.

Since then, he left the remaining half of the cigarette box untouched.

But he still remembered the first time he smoked was with Han Jiangque.

Han Jiangque wore a denim jacket over his school uniform, nervously went to the convenience store to buy a pack of Huanghelou cigarettes.

The two of them hid in an alley, imitating adults, lighting a cigarette with a “snap” from a lighter, and then both coughed red-faced after taking a puff.

Wen Ke had always been a good student, but when he followed Han Jiangque, he did many things a good student shouldn’t do.

But back then, it felt truly happy.

High school days seemed both distant and terrifyingly close to him now.

He sealed those memories away for a long time, just like the cigarette box in the cabinet. When not touched, it seemed as if it never existed.

However, Han Jiangque appeared again, as if someone abruptly pushed open the cabinet door, and memories, like smoke, scattered out in thin wisps.

Only then did he realize that every scene from those years was still vivid.

In the evening, Zhuo Yuan came back. The two of them exchanged simple greetings in the living room, and Wen Ke asked, “Have you eaten?”

Zhuo Yuan nodded, casually asking, “What about you? How’s your health?”

“I’m fine,” Wen Ke replied as usual.

Zhuo Yuan hurriedly went into the study.

Wen Ke looked at his back and suddenly felt a strong sense of exhaustion.

Leaning on his forehead, he stood up and walked to the kitchen, preparing to cook himself a bowl of noodles.

These years of married life had honed his culinary skills, and there was still some previously brewed broth in the fridge. So even though he just threw in some vegetables and cracked an egg, the dish still smelled delicious after it was cooked.

He scooped the noodle soup into a bowl and was about to bring it to the table when the doorbell suddenly rang.

He was about to go open the door when the study door suddenly burst open. Zhuo Yuan strode out, looking nervous. “It’s okay, I’ll handle it! You sit down and eat.”

Wen Ke didn’t respond but didn’t move either.

Zhuo Yuan stood at the door, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. However, at that moment of hesitation, the doorbell urgently rang again. Unable to withstand the pressure, he reluctantly opened the door.

An Omega stood outside.

Although Wen Ke couldn’t see from where he stood, the moment the door opened, he already knew—

A buttery scent of pheromones wafted in from outside.

This sweet and captivating fragrance must be emitted by a high-ranking Omega approaching its heat.

“You, how did you come over? Didn’t I say—” Zhuo Yuan didn’t dare to turn around and look at Wen Ke’s expression.

“Zhuo Ge…”

Ignoring Zhuo Yuan’s unsightly expression, the young man at the door threw himself into Zhuo Yuan’s arms, coquettishly saying, “I really can’t hold it anymore. I feel like I’m going into heat tonight… You said you could handle the family matters in these two days, right? Can you mark me tonight? Please?”

Zhuo Yuan subconsciously hugged the boy’s body. His face turned extremely ugly, but facing such a soft and near-heat Omega, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh.

“Let him go.”

Wen Ke suddenly spoke.

“Xiao Ke…”

Zhuo Yuan awkwardly began.

“We haven’t officially divorced yet,” Wen Ke slammed the chopsticks on the table and said slowly, each word distinct, “Zhuo Yuan, get him out.”

Zhuo Yuan opened his mouth, never having seen Wen Ke like this before, and was momentarily stunned.

On the other hand, the young man in his arms tried to peek into the room, but Zhuo Yuan stopped him. The boy complained, “Why is he still here? Didn’t you say—”

“Hush,” Zhuo Yuan quickly pulled the boy out, half dragging him. In a low voice, he said, “Wait for me here.”

Saying that, he ignored the displeased boy, closed the door, and then turned to face Wen Ke.

“Xiao Ke…”

Zhuo Yuan took a deep breath before speaking.

“Zhuo Yuan, you lied to me.”

Wen Ke’s expression remained calm.

“Xiao Ke, let me explain.” Zhuo Yuan walked toward Wen Ke, wanting to reach out and touch his shoulder.

“You lied to me.”

Wen Ke stepped back, avoiding Zhuo Yuan’s hand, and repeated, “I asked you if there was someone else, and you said no.”

“I…”

Zhuo Yuan said dejectedly, only to stop because he didn’t know how to argue further.

“Is it necessary to be like this?”

Wen Ke raised his head. Though he was doing his best to restrain himself, a hint of restrained anger was still visible in his usually gentle and obedient eyes. “We were high school classmates, known each other for over ten years, and married for six. Now, you want a divorce, and I agreed to the mark-peeling surgery despite how uncomfortable it is. I didn’t force you into anything, didn’t make things difficult for you, but even then, you still want to lie to me?”

“Zhuo Yuan, don’t you think you’re despicable?”

Perhaps the word “despicable” provoked Zhuo Yuan. He stared back at Wen Ke. “Despicable? Yes, I’m despicable. I lied to you.”

“But, Wen Ke, damn it, I really don’t know how to face you!”

Zhuo Yuan forcefully unbuttoned his shirt collar. He paced around the room in frustration before vehemently stating, “Let me tell you the truth, Wen Ke. For the past two years, I haven’t come home not because of work but because I simply didn’t want to. I didn’t want to see you, I didn’t want to talk to you. The thought of being obliged to satisfy you when you’re in heat annoyed me. The only one wanting a divorce is me, right? Don’t you want a divorce too? Huh? Wen Ke, don’t you want a divorce?”

“What do you mean?”

Wen Ke’s lips trembled involuntarily, and his eyes widened in bewilderment.

Even though he felt Zhuo Yuan’s coldness these past two years, the surface reassurance was still gentle. However, this was the first time Zhuo Yuan had bluntly told him—

Having sex with him was a duty.

Just a duty, the duty he least wanted to fulfill.

In that moment, an intense sense of shame whipped across him like a lash.

In these years, he had put in every effort to maintain this marriage. He loved Chinese cuisine, enjoyed making soups, but the most exquisite dishes he could prepare were the Western ones Zhuo Yuan loved; he knew Zhuo Yuan’s clothing size by heart, visited countless high-end stores to find the tailor Zhuo Yuan liked the most for custom-made suits; the house was stocked with Zhuo Yuan’s favorite tea, CDs, and PS4 games. Everything was what Zhuo Yuan liked.

The Zhuo family had suggested countless remedies for him, even sending him to a familiar clinic for gland massage, as it was said to aid conception. He endured the pain, which once led to him being admitted to the hospital in the middle of the night.

Despite all these grievances, he never complained to Zhuo Yuan. Marriage, for him, was like the ascetic practice of a monk; he could only persevere with his inherent flexibility and tenacity.

But what did he ultimately gain from these six years?

“What do I mean? Can’t you understand?”

Zhuo Yuan sneered, “Wen Ke, your low gland level, weak pheromone scent, I tolerated all that. When I married you, it was because I liked you. But what intense emotions have you given me? Except for clinging to me during your heats, what about normal times? Have you ever coquettishly leaned on me? Have you ever loved me properly? You’re as plain as water, how can I like you? Ask yourself, if the one having sex with you were Han Jiangque, wouldn’t you know how to seduce him?”

Wen Ke felt the world spinning. Zhuo Yuan’s angry pheromones, like a storm, enveloped him.

Having just undergone the mark-peeling procedure, a time when he needed the most gentle pheromone support, he was now being overwhelmed by Zhuo Yuan’s violent pressure. He could barely stand and had to grab onto the table to remain stable. “Zhuo Yuan, have you gone mad? What does it have to do with Han Jiangque? You’re the one who cheated, not me!”

“Yes, you don’t need to remind me. I did cheat.”

Zhuo Yuan said, “When we officially divorce, I’ll give you more money as compensation.”

“Zhuo Yuan…”

Wen Ke’s voice was hoarse. “Do you think it’s about money?”

“Do you want to know my thoughts? I think it’s always about money, always has been,” Zhuo Yuan said coldly. “When you agreed to be with me back then, wasn’t it because your mother needed money for treatment?”

Wen Ke froze, and his eyes reddened instantly.

He couldn’t believe that the detestable man saying these things in front of him was the same Alpha who had gently held his hand and put a ring on it years ago.

He had been enduring, enduring all grievances, hoping for an amicable separation.

But now, Zhuo Yuan ripped off this facade, revealing a hideous face that left him horrified.

“Zhuo Yuan, back then…”

Wen Ke trembled as he spoke, “Back then, you helped me and my mother. I’ve always been grateful to the Zhuo family. I did owe a lot of money, and I couldn’t repay it when I turned eighteen. But I never intended to take advantage. Later, when we got married, I wanted to repay you, but you didn’t want it. Do you think so little of me in your heart?”

Zhuo Yuan looked at the Omega, who had been married to him for six years and was now on the verge of tears, and softened for a moment. “I never said you were worthless.”

He paused and continued, “What I mean is, our debts are hard to settle. Regarding the affair, I apologize. Xiao Ke, let’s not argue. I have no intention of taking that money. At that time, your mother worked in my house, and she wanted to help. I never wanted you to repay—besides, even if you were with me because of money, it doesn’t matter now. I don’t care anymore.”

“Yes, the debt is indeed hard to settle.”

Wen Ke’s chest heaved rapidly. He stared at Zhuo Yuan, speaking softly, “And what about the cheating during the senior year mock exams? Zhuo Yuan, I didn’t get into college. Do you know how much I wanted to go to university? “

“Xiao Ke, don’t bring that up.”

Zhuo Yuan’s expression suddenly darkened.

“I’ve never mentioned it before. But why was the Zhuo family in such a hurry to engage you to me back then? Afraid I’d expose who asked me for cheat sheets—”

“Shut up!”

Zhuo Yuan suddenly rushed forward, grabbed Wen Ke’s shoulders, and forcefully pushed him backward!

His temples throbbed, and his ferocious expression resembled that of a wild beast.

Wen Ke couldn’t react in time and his posterior neck slammed into the protruding cabinet door. He instantly went blank.

The gland on the back of his neck was wrapped in cotton due to the recent surgery, and the wound was not healed yet. Being brutally hit against the cabinet door caused sharp pain, making Wen Ke, for a moment, believe he might have died.

The gland was the most vulnerable part of an Omega’s body, exposed externally. Once damaged, it would affect the Omega’s sensory perception.

Wen Ke’s face turned pale. He convulsed, curling his body, hands tightly covering the intensely aching abdomen.

Zhuo Yuan was also startled. “Xiao Ke! Are you okay?”

“Let… let go of me,” Wen Ke said faintly.

Zhuo Yuan quickly released his hands, attempting to reach out to Wen Ke, but Wen Ke pushed him away.

Leaning against the nearby cabinet for support, Wen Ke slowly straightened his body, took a deep breath several times, and barely managed to recover.

He had no other thoughts in his mind now—he just wanted to leave this place, leave Zhuo Yuan as quickly as possible.

When Wen Ke pushed open the door, the young and beautiful Omega from before was still waiting outside, thinking he had won. He glanced arrogantly at Wen Ke and then threw himself back into Zhuo Yuan’s arms.

Zhuo Yuan, still somewhat worried, added from behind, “Xiao Ke, call me if you need anything.”

…

Exiting the elevator, Wen Ke took only a few steps before curling up on the lobby sofa.

It hurt so much…

His gland, reproductive cavity, and the spasming legs, everything hurt.

The pain had soaked his entire upper garment with cold sweat.

With trembling fingers, he grabbed his phone, uncertain about whom to call.

Although it hurt a lot, it probably didn’t require emergency assistance. But Xu Jiale hadn’t returned yet, and he couldn’t find anyone in B City to help him in this moment of need.

In these moments, he felt even more helpless.

He really wanted his mom.

Despite being at an age where he should have grown into an adult and become stronger, the thought of his mother, who had exhausted all her efforts to help him during his senior year but ended up passing away, made him suddenly want to cry.

It turned out that living in this world was indeed very lonely.

Just at this moment, his phone suddenly rang, and he answered it drowsily.

“Mr. Wen, good evening.”

“Hello.” It was Miss Yu from the LM Club. 

Wen Ke felt a bit dazed and couldn’t remember when he had left his phone number.

“Mr. Wen, we found your contact number from Mr. Zhuo’s previous appointment records. I hope I didn’t disturb you by calling at this time. When we met today, we noticed that you didn’t seem well, so we are a bit concerned. May I ask if you have made a decision? Do you want us to arrange a consultant for you during this period?”

“I, uh…” Wen Ke had just started speaking when he suddenly felt intense pain in his reproductive cavity, unable to suppress a low moan.

“Mr. Wen?” Miss Yu sensed something was wrong. “Mr. Wen? Are you okay?”

Not receiving a response, she became anxious and quickly continued, “Mr. Wen, I checked your information. Is your current address Apartment 23-18, Building B, Hailan Pavilion, Xicheng District? If yes, can we send someone to check on your condition?”

Wen Ke was in too much pain to speak. After gasping heavily for a few moments, he managed to muster a faint “yes.”

“Please wait a moment; our team will be there shortly.”