CHAPTER 10
“Rose,” Rayne called again, but the omega ignored him.
“Rose, I’m talking to you. Were you the one who was supposed to tell me about preparing the presentation for today’s meeting?” he asked gently.
Because in the end, Rose was still working in Rayne’s father’s company. This place hadn’t become his yet, so Rayne couldn’t just shout at him.
But even when he tried to stay gentle, Rose didn’t care.
“Why are you asking me?” Rose muttered, crumpling the papers in his notebook. “You’re the one who messed up and didn’t show up today. Just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you think you can get everything easily, this position, and soon, the CEO title too.”
His words stung more than Rayne expected. He was about to respond, because what did Rose mean by being born with a golden spoon?, but before he could speak, his father’s assistant appeared at the door.
“Mr. Blackwell has called for you,” the assistant said.
Rayne exhaled, deciding to ignore Rose for now, and followed.
He knocked softly on the office door, and his father’s calm voice replied, “Come in.”
Rayne pushed the door open and saw both his parents standing near the desk, holding a file. Their expressions were serious as they discussed something.
“Mom? Dad?” Rayne called, walking closer. “Did you call me, Dad?”
“Yes,” his father said, exchanging a look with his mother before turning back to him. “We have something important to tell you, Rayne.”
He paused, smiling faintly. “Your mother and I have decided to retire. We’re too tired to keep working.
We want to take a long trip, and we’ve decided it’s time to hand over the company to you.
Everything’s already been signed by board members too.
From today onward, you are officially the CEO of this company. ”
Rayne froze, disbelief flooding him. The words echoed in his head, but all he could think about was what that omega had said earlier.
“Dad… am I really capable of handling this? What if I mess up? What if I become the reason this company falls?”
Both his parents smiled warmly. His father placed a hand on his shoulder, and his mother gently patted his head.
“It’s okay, Rayne. No one is perfect. We weren’t either,” his father said. “We faced many ups and downs, so how could we expect you to succeed perfectly on your first try? Just do your best. We’ll always be here for you.”
Their reassurance softened the fear in Rayne’s chest. He smiled and hugged them both tightly.
He was the CEO now.
Since childhood, he had loved sitting in his father’s chair, pretending to be the boss. It had been his favorite game. And now… it wasn’t a game anymore. It was real.
They took him to see his new office. It was spacious, elegant, and modern, clearly designed with care. After that, they led him to the main hall where all the employees worked.
His father cleared his throat and raised his voice. “Attention, everyone! I’d like to introduce your new boss. From today onward, Rayne will be the CEO of the company. My wife and I are officially retiring.”
Applause filled the room.
Rayne smiled, trying to stay composed, but his gaze drifted toward Rose.
Rose stood at his desk, fists clenched, eyes dark with resentment as he glared at Rayne.
Still, Rayne smiled politely at everyone and walked into his office. Sitting down on the CEO’s chair felt surreal.
The leather was soft, the room smelled faintly of new furniture, and for the first time in his life, Rayne felt the weight of true responsibility.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
“Come in,” Rayne said.
A tall beta man entered, well-built, sharp-featured, and confident.
“Hello, my name is San,” he said, bowing politely. “I’ll be your secretary starting today.”
Rayne blinked before nodding. “My secretary?”
“Yes, sir.”
Now that he was the CEO, it made sense to have a personal secretary, but a thought suddenly hit him.
What about Dad’s secretary? Did he get fired because of me?
San’s silver hair contrasted with his dark black eyes. He was handsome—perfectly suitable for the position.
“Boss, you’re looking great today,” San said with a charming smile.
“Oh, thank you,” Rayne replied, crossing his arms. “But just so you know, I’m not giving you a bonus even if you compliment me. It’s your first day working for me, after all.”
“Oh, that’s bad then,” San said immediately, completely straight-faced. “You’re not looking great anymore, you’re just average.”
Rayne blinked, speechless for a moment before laughing softly.
He knew it, San had only complimented him for the sake of a bonus.
“I think you don’t want your payment,” Rayne said, narrowing his eyes. “That must be why you’re saying I don’t look good.”
His tone was calm, but his gaze sharpened as he leaned back in the chair.
San’s eyes widened, and he bowed quickly. “N-no, Boss! I was just joking!”
Rayne couldn’t help but smirk. He’s kind of funny, he thought.
He was genuinely in a good mood today. He even called his father’s secretary and found out that the man was also retiring.
Apparently, the secretary was getting married. Because of his work, he had stayed single all these years, and now that he was over forty, it was finally time for him to enjoy his own life. Rayne was happy for him.
“Boss, what are you thinking?” San asked.
Rayne glanced at him and shook his head lightly. He was thinking, but not something he wanted to share yet.
He stretched his neck and stood up, using the table for support.
“It’s lunchtime, right? Let’s go eat something delicious,” Rayne said, grabbing his phone and coat.
He didn’t wear the coat, just draped it over his arm as he headed for the door.
San opened it for him, and Rayne stepped out, the beta quickly following behind.
The moment Rayne appeared outside, the workers went silent.
He felt the shift, their stares, their hushed breaths, their displeasure.
It was clear they didn’t want him as their boss.
But what they wanted wasn’t going to change anything.
Ignoring everyone, Rayne walked past with San and headed to the restaurant across from the company.
When he stepped inside, his feet froze.
Lucian was sitting there with an omega. They were talking and smiling while eating together.
When Rayne suddenly stopped walking, San frowned beside him.
“What happened, boss? Why did you stop all of a sudden?” San asked.
Rayne tore his eyes away from Lucian and glanced toward the table right beside him.
“Let’s sit over there.”
He walked to that table and sat down, and San followed, taking the seat across from him. Right beside them, Lucian was sitting with an omega.
As soon as they settled, Lucian noticed Rayne. Rayne quickly turned his head away, and Lucian didn’t say anything either. If he hadn’t been on a date, he probably would’ve greeted him. But he didn’t, which meant he was already meeting omegas.
No, Rayne tried to calm himself. He shouldn’t jump to conclusions.
Just like he came here to eat with San, his secretary, that omega could be someone Lucian worked with. Yes, that must be it. Rayne shouldn’t overthink it.
“Boss, what should we order? We need to give the order ourselves at the main counter,” San said, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Rayne’s eyes flicked back to Lucian, who was already looking at him. He quickly turned back to San.
“Just order whatever’s popular here.”
San nodded and stood up to place the order. Rayne glanced back at the omega again. He was beautiful, much more beautiful than him.
He didn’t understand what was happening in his life anymore. He and Lucian didn’t love each other, but since they were married, it still mattered to him when Lucian looked at another omega instead of him.
Rayne didn’t know if this was jealousy, but if it was, it was definitely one-sided. Lucian probably wouldn’t care even if Rayne were with another alpha.
Maybe he should’ve waited. Married someone who actually loved him, even if he didn’t love that person back. At least then, that man would’ve cared about him, his feelings… maybe even been possessive of him.
But love wasn’t something written in Rayne’s fate. He shouldn’t expect it anymore.
“I heard you got married recently. Is that true?” the omega asked Lucian.
Rayne was already looking at Lucian when Lucian glanced back at him.
“Yes, I’m married now,” Lucian said.
Rayne looked straight ahead, silent. A few seconds later, San returned and sat across from him.
“I’ve placed the order, boss,” San said quietly, watching Rayne.
Rayne smiled faintly and took out his phone, unsure of what to say next.
“Boss, I’ve got your schedule. After this, you have your first meeting,” San informed him.
Hearing that, Rayne placed his phone down on the table and looked up.
“And when will I be free?” he asked.
“You don’t have anything scheduled for tonight, so you’re free,” San replied.
Just then, the waiter arrived with their food and set it down.
“Wow, it smells delicious.” Rayne was about to take a bite when Lucian suddenly grabbed his hand.
Rayne’s head snapped toward him. “What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded. Was he seriously stopping him from eating?
Lucian stood up, took the spoon from Rayne’s hand, dipped it into the bowl himself, and then pushed the bowl toward San.
Rayne shot up from his seat, anger rising. “What does that mean?”
“There’s mushroom in the soup,” Lucian said coldly. “Can’t you even tell that? You’re not a child anymore. Learn to take care of yourself. Your parents or I won’t always be around to save you.”
His words were sharp, too sharp. Rayne hadn’t noticed there were mushrooms. He couldn’t see any, and he didn’t even know if they had a smell.
“You don’t have to take care of me. I never asked you to!” Rayne shouted back, voice trembling with anger.
Lucian pressed a hand to his forehead and looked at San. “You’re his secretary, right? Didn’t you read his file? It clearly states his health conditions.”
San quickly scrolled through his tablet, his expression turning guilty. Rayne’s anger only grew stronger.
“San, let’s go. We’ll eat somewhere else. Apparently someone just ruined our meal,” Rayne said, grabbing his phone and coat and glaring at Lucian before walking out with San.
Outside, San sighed. “I’m really sorry, boss. I forgot to read your health file. This is my first time working as a secretary, so I didn’t know it was necessary.”
“It’s okay,” Rayne said softly. But his appetite was gone. When they returned to the office, Rayne told San to go have lunch, but San refused.
Rayne went straight to his meeting. After that, he still had piles of work waiting. By the time he finished, night had already fallen.
“San, you should go home now. I’ll manage on my own,” Rayne told him.
They left the company together. San said he’d take the subway, so they parted ways. Rayne sat in his car, exhausted physically and mentally. He should’ve gone home, but Lucian’s harsh words kept echoing in his head.
Before he realized it, he found himself driving to the hospital. He parked right in front and stepped out.
He took slow steps toward the entrance, but then he saw Losif.
Losif was sitting outside, leaning against the wall with his knees pulled to his chest. He looked so pitiful that words couldn’t describe it. Just sitting there quietly, like he’d been waiting for someone.
So his family didn’t come to pick him up after all?
He had amnesia now… so where was he supposed to go? His own family didn’t even care enough to be here. They must have ignored the hospital’s calls.
Rayne stepped closer until he stood right in front of Losif. Losif looked up quietly, and the moment their eyes met, his face lit up. He quickly stood.
“You’re here!” he said with a smile.
“What are you doing here? And how did the hospital even let you come out?” Rayne asked, frowning.
Wait… did they discharge him because his bills weren’t paid?
“Losif, when did you come out of the hospital? Why are you sitting here like this?”
“When you left, a nurse came to me,” Losif said softly. “She told me they were discharging me and that I had to leave. I didn’t know where to go, so I sat here waiting for you.”