Honestly, I had a lot of things going through my mind that when I arrived at Pheromone Experience, I couldn't even let out enough pheromones for my Omega customers to enjoy. It is a good thing Noelle came through; otherwise, I would have received a proper scolding from the clients.

As I walked home, I reflected on the things Noelle had said. To think she would persist that I take the offer despite knowing there was someone I had fancied. Even so, there was no way that the client could have smitten Noelle in such a short time. The idea was unfathomable. Even so, that guy has always looked somewhat lonely to me. It seems like bullying wasn't enough for him the past two years, hence resorting to being meddlesome.

Once I reached home, I wanted to immediately shower and sleep, but I had to make dinner for Dad. His deteriorating health has had me worried for some time. As usual, I found him watching the telly in the same spot. He also appeared unusually energetic.

"Little champ, right on time!" He even spoke more cheerful than usual, and that somewhat relieved me.

"How was your day Dad?" I asked him as I was placing my coat on the hanger. He replied, but I didn't hear him, for my attention shifted to the crutches beside him. Noelle and I had pestered him on end to use them, but he had always declined.

"You took the crutches out?"

"I was up in spirits today. As a matter of fact, I felt I could conquer the world."

We both laughed at his merry response, and the sense of relief I'd felt earlier grew. My day may have started on the wrong foot, but things were turning to a pleasant end of day until I noticed a couple of used plates on the table, quite messy, I might add. Clearly, Noelle had been here. She was always the messy chef herself.

"Where is Noelle?" I asked.

"Oh, she left a while back. If you'd have come on time, you would have caught her." 

"She could have at least cleaned up a little. I've had a tiring long day today."

"Oh, son, don't worry about those at all. As a punishment to my former student for failing to pay me a visit for many years, he will take care of them."

"Student?" 

An unsightly image of a man that had haunted me this morning and the last two years walked from the kitchen, stopping just in front of me and extending a hand for a greeting. "I'd hoped  you'd be home before sunset to enjoy a family dinner." 

"You!" I almost growled, a surge of anger overpowering me. I looked at my father, bewildered. "What is he doing here?"

"Uta... That's no way to speak to our guest. What has gotten into you?" My father appeared puzzled by my reaction and turned to my nemesis, looking apologetic. "Please pardon him. H-He has never acted this way with anyone before."

It was already bad enough having to look at his repulsive face every morning, but seeing him before I went to bed, in my house? "Today is the exception..."

"Uta!" My body stiffened from my father's bellowing. He was angry alright, angry enough to release his pheromones and as soon as he realized, he expressed regret. 

"Kindly pardon my son's behaviour. It is very unbecoming." Looking at me, my father appeared concerned as he attempted his best to salvage the situation, but his remark was meant for my nemesis. "Uta has never treated anyone this way."

"It's alright, coach."

'Coach?!'

Turning to face my father, the client said, "I should have told my assistant to let him know I was coming before my visit."

I couldn't believe my eyes! This man had my father convinced he was upright and demure, yet he has treated me like a peasant for the past two years. Coach, he said? The familiarity of how he comfortably addressed my father without honorifics made my blood boil. But what do I expect from him anyway? First, Noelle, and now invading my home?

"Why are you here?" I couldn't just let it go despite my dad's warning glare.

"Coach, perhaps I should have informed you of the harsh exchange of words between me and your son this morning, due to a mix-up in delivery."

'This little snitch!'

"Do not fret over the matter either since it was no fault of his own. He politely explained to me the reason, and I overreacted to the point of him wanting to end the contract."

'What a manipulative son of a...'

"When were you planning to tell me about this son? Is that why you were late today?" If my father could have stood up, he'd have grabbed me by the neck.

"Coach, this is no matter to get agitated over. Your son has done an exemplary job for the past couple of years exceeding at meeting my demands, therefore I beg on his behalf that you overlook the matter."

"You are being far too kind on my son young master."

"My point is, I do not wish to leave you two at loggerheads. I have much respect for you, which is why I came today in person with the news of our union."

Suddenly, I remembered the cause of my foul mood the entire day. To think I'd become accustomed to being irritated by the sight of him that his little mind game this morning slipped my mind, and from the looks of it, my dad, just like Noelle, had been brainwashed too by this bastard. 

A long silence followed as the two looked at me in anticipation, as if they'd expected me to play along to this ridiculousness. I was tempted to unmask this man, but that would mean my demise. Pheromone Experience had to remain a hidden enterprise. 

Damn it. This guy had me cornered just where he wanted, but I couldn't understand why he wanted to keep toying with me like this to the point of coming here. How far was he willing to go with his belittling and pretentiousness?

"Why me? Why not any of your so-called elite friends?" I raised my hand, preventing him from speaking further. Truthfully, it sounded as if I was considering being his puppet by asking him that. "Forget it." I glanced at my dad and decided to come clean. If he were going to find out the truth one day about the things I've been keeping from him, wasn't it best he heard it from me? Unfortunately, the grouch read me like a book, for he turned to my father and blurted out.

"The flower shop is falling, and your medical bills are taking a toll on your son." This man looked at me and added, "My marriage to you will secure your father's health and save the business. It is within my power, and I'll still do it even if you reject me."

"W-What?" I was dumbfounded. 'Did I miss something here?'

"Son, Noelle revealed how you have been struggling to keep the shop afloat. It would be best if you stopped shouldering problems by yourself little champ. The young master will lessen the burden for he has grown fond of you."

"W-What?" I had to sit down. The room was spinning, and my mind was spiralling. I covered my eyes, unable to endure the spectacle before me.

"Yes, son. This is a perfect match. For him to have come here to place his proposal means he genuinely cares for your well-being."

'No he doesn't!'

"Noelle said you've been lonely too, so there is no need to be courteous, son. You are equally not getting any younger." 

'Here we go again.'

"I can understand your apprehensiveness about this matter. For that reason, I shall make time for the two of us and for you to get to know me outside a client and supplier relationship."

"I reject your proposal," I said, uncovering my face and standing up. "I want nothing to do with you."

The man chuckled and shook his head as if he were amused. "Noelle did mention you were going to play hard to get. That means I need to work harder to win you over." 

"I'm afraid my son is no easy prey, Hun." My father appeared amused as well. "If you need help with what he likes, Noelle and I are at your beck and call."

"Thank you coach for your support."

"Support?" How are they conversing as if I wasn't standing right before them? "This is my decision, not yours."

"I agree with you. Therefore, whatever your doubts, I'll be glad to clear them up. I hope you and I can get along from now on." 

'What the...!'

Bowing down, he added. "Please take care of me."