Awkward lunch

"This is too much," Vernon complained under his breath, sorting through the rest of the papers on his desk.

"Why do I have to do all this?"

"You'll get used to it eventually," a voice said, and Vernon turned to meet a woman staring at him with a warm smile.

His brows furrowed. "Was it like this for everyone?"

She shrugged, twirling her pen. "Mostly. Unless... Melissa likes you."

"I'm Martha."

Vernon's gaze lowered to the tag pinned on her chest pocket. "It's nice to meet you," he said, extending a hand. "I'm—"

"Vernon Giordano-Donovan," Martha finished for him, a playful glint in her eyes. "The whole floor knows you're the CEO's husband."

"I saw your wedding on the news too," she added, her voice dropping to a whisper.

The omega's cheeks colored with mild embarrassment. "Oh. That's a bit... comforting."

Martha's lips quirked up. "It must be difficult, isn't it?"

Vernon frowned. "What do you mean?"

She thought for a moment. "All the attention. The... spotlight?"

"I've gotten used to it," Vernon responded with a small smile. "It doesn't matter to me."

Martha hummed in understanding. "That makes a lot of sense." She checked her watch. "It's nearly time for lunch. Do you want to grab something at the cafeteria?"

Vernon nodded. "Yeah. I would—"

Just then, the door opened, and silence descended upon the room.

Vernon lifted his head and met Xavier's gaze. His breath hitched.

What was the alpha doing here?

Martha poked his shoulder. "Your husband is here."

The omega resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Why was she stating the obvious?

It's not like he was blind or something.

The staff broke into murmurs as Xavier walked further in, heading for where Vernon was sitting.

He stopped a few steps from the omega's desk. "Let's go."

Vernon's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why? Is there a problem?"

"So forgetful," Xavier said, amusement coloring his tone. "We're having lunch together, remember?"

The omega's eyes widened in realization, and he stood up. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to—"

Xavier gave him a small smile. "It's alright. Let's go?"

He turned and started walking away.

Vernon gave Martha an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry we can't have—"

She waved a dismissive hand. "It's alright. Some other time, yeah?"

The omega nodded, grabbing his jacket. He followed after the alpha.

Lunch was awkward.

Despite the restaurant having tasteful decor with a beautiful view of the streets outside and delicious food, Vernon could hardly stomach anything.

The silence was heavy, and the omega was self-conscious, occasionally tapping his foot on the marbled floor.

Xavier noticed this and set his cutlery down, his eyes observing him. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Vernon stiffened at the blunt question. He straightened, shaking his head. "No... you don't. What makes you think that?"

He nervously bit his lip, fixing his gaze on the tablecloth.

The alpha chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "Your lips say one thing, but your body is..." He paused, as if searching for the word, "honest."

Vernon met his gaze, tightening his grip on his fork. "I'm just... a bit nervous," he admitted.

Xavier raised a brow. "About?"

"New places."

The alpha nodded in understanding. "How are you liking it here so far?"

Melissa's scowling face flashed in Vernon's mind, and he inhaled sharply. He knew that woman was going to make his life hell.

But he was also strong enough to handle anything she threw his way.

Vernon forced a smile. "It's been good so far. I find it... interesting."

Xavier nodded. "If anything bothers you, don't hide it from me. I will always have time to listen to you, okay?"

"Thank you," Vernon whispered, feeling a flutter in his chest.

The alpha reached across the table and gently took his hand. "There's no need for that between us."

************

Marcus stood in the middle of the empty room, a melancholic look on his face. His gaze roamed around the space, taking in the cream-colored walls and bedsheets.

"How long are you going to stand there, darling?"

The omega turned at the sound of his husband's voice. He gave him a watery smile. "I miss my son, Vincent. Is that a crime?"

Vincent shook his head, approaching him. "It's not. But it has only been a day."

"Two days," Marcus corrected sharply. "Vernon is my baby, and I'm trying to adjust to the fact that he's married."

"I don't know when I'll see him again, Vincent?"

The alpha sighed. "He still lives in Virex City, darling. You can still see him, you know?"

Marcus raised a brow at him. "Are you trying to say that I'm being dramatic?"

Vincent's eyes widened. "When did I say that? I just made a suggestion."

"It was in your tone," the omega responded. "You don't need to explicitly say it. I know you better than anyone else."

He looked away, crossing his arms. "I just can't believe you're judging me for showing my emotions."

Vincent stared at him in disbelief. "You are putting words into my mouth."

Marcus scoffed. "And you're judging me. So that makes the two of us."

He narrowed his eyes. "Apologize and get it over with, Vince."

Vincent sighed. "I'm sorry."

"I can still hear that tone."

The alpha pulled his husband into his embrace. "I'm so sorry, darling. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

Marcus burrowed further into his embrace, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "I accept your apology."

Vincent closed his eyes in exasperation.

Only to hear his omega say—

"I like your suggestion, though."

He chuckled softly. "You're impossible."

Marcus gently slapped his chest. "That's why you love me."

Vincent hummed. "Yes. I always will."

************

Melissa looked up from her laptop. Her brows furrowed, red-painted lips twisting in a scowl. "Repeat what you said, Daniel."

The staff member nervously shifted on his feet. "The CEO took Vernon out for lunch."

Melissa's jaw tightened. "Did he finish the work on his table?"

Daniel shook his head. "No. He isn't even halfway through."

He crossed his arms, a sly smirk on his lips. "Vernon seems arrogant. It's an insult to have him working here."

She shot him a look. "What do you mean?"

Daniel leaned over the table. "Everyone in the company knows how much of an asset you are."

"Honestly, if anyone is to marry the CEO, it should have been you. You would have made an unstoppable pair."

Melissa thought for a while. "Mr. Donovan has already made his choice."

"But his husband..." She curled her fists, nails digging into her palms.

"Your position is important to Mr. Donovan," Daniel started, tracing a finger on the table. "It is a good thing that Vernon is beneath you."

"Use it to your advantage."

Melissa met his gaze. "Send him to my office as soon as he returns."

"It's time to show that omega who calls the shots here."