Chapter 8
Visitor
Zhang Chengyi had initially planned to have a doctor check on Phapfun every week, but he quickly abandoned the idea when he noticed the pressure it put on the young omega. Phapfun seemed to turn pale every time he had to see the doctor for a check-up. Although Chengyi was anxious about the pregnancy and wanted to know every detail, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the soon-to-be mother. In the end, he decided to follow the doctor's advice and limit the check-ups to twice a month, which visibly improved Phapfun's demeanor.
Chengyi looked fondly at the omega resting his head on his lap. Phapfun's belly was round and protruding as he entered the fourth month of pregnancy. For almost three months now, Chengyi had been working from his condo, avoiding going to the office unless absolutely necessary. If urgent matters arose, he would sneak out while the young omega was asleep. This was because Phapfun was very attached to his scent, though thankfully, it had started to lessen recently. Soon, Chengyi would have to return to working at the company as usual. He was considering finding someone to take care of Phapfun while he was away, but it was a significant decision because he didn't trust anyone. The Zhang Family had enemies everywhere. The only two people he trusted were Luohe and Jenjop, but both were alphas. He trusted his close associates and Phapfun, but he didn't trust the instincts of alphas and omegas. Even he struggled to control his emotions when near Phapfun, so trusting someone else was out of the question.
"I dreamt it would be easier if we went to the hospital for check-ups," Phapfun muttered, glancing at the pregnancy monitor that had been installed in the living room a few days ago.
Zhang Chengyi wouldn't let him go anywhere, not even to the hospital, and barely allowed him to move at all. He watched every step Phapfun took, even following him to the bathroom out of concern that he might slip and fall. At first, Phapfun was embarrassed to have someone standing in the bathroom with him, even if they turned their back. But over time, he grew accustomed to it. The more he saw Chengyi's attentiveness, the more he feared. What if the child didn't have the expected physical gender? Would this care and concern disappear?
"There are too many diseases for me to let you go in and out of the hospital frequently, Phapfun... I have money, and you and the baby need to be taken care of in the best possible way," the chairman of Zhang Chan Group stated calmly.
Phapfun pouted upon hearing those words. He felt a mix of irritation and envy towards the wealth of the owner of those strong thighs. But he couldn't deny that Zhang Chengyi wasn't just showing off; he had the means to do so. It was evident from the clothes, shoes, and socks that seemed to appear out of nowhere every week, nearly overflowing the room. Phapfun was stunned by the prices, so expensive that he considered selling them and buying gold instead. Did clothes really need to be that pricey?!
"Mr. Zhang, when is the doctor coming? I'm hungry..." he pleaded, burying his face into the firm thigh.
Unbeknownst to him, the owner of those strong legs flinched, tempted to give the careless person a smack. The spot where Phapfun buried his face was just a little too close to his reproductive organs. Did the other even realize how much he had to endure? Strangely, as Phapfun's belly grew, the sweet scent of milk became even stronger, making Zhang Chengyi almost want to bury his nose and indulge in it!
The young Alpha tried to steady his breathing as he picked up his phone to call a close friend to hurry the doctor along. He was displeased that the other party was making the pregnant person wait so long. It wasn't just Phapfun eagerly awaiting the baby's gender; he was waiting too. The reason was the strange behavior of the doctor during the last check-up. The doctor seemed to have something to tell him but wanted to wait until they were sure. Chengyi could only pray that what the doctor wanted to tell him was good news, not bad. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to even think about having another child, no matter how much his father might plead.
After the doctor and nurse arrived, Phapfun was subjected to another blood test. Although an ultrasound could reveal the baby's gender, the secondary gender could only be determined by examining the mother's blood. The young Omega lay tense as cold gel was applied all over his belly before the device was moved back and forth over his round stomach. Suddenly, the screen nearby displayed a clear image, leaving the soon-to-be parents stunned by what they saw. But there was something even more shocking when the middle-aged doctor spoke up.
"Do you see this, Mom and Dad? There are two babies... They're twins."
The doctor spoke with a smile on his face. He had suspected this since examining Phapfun two months ago but wasn't sure until the latest check-up. He intended to tell them both but hesitated because nowadays, giving birth to twins is incredibly challenging. If the test was wrong, he would be the one in trouble. He couldn't forget that the child he was caring for was an heir to the Zhang Family. The doctor had to smile broadly again when he saw the baby's gender.
"They're boys... Both of them are boys."
Before he could recover from the shock of hearing they were having twins, the news that both were boys left Zhang Chengyi at a loss. Of course, he was happy, but his face showed signs of worry. Twins meant double the danger and required stricter care. Hearing that the babies were boys didn't ease Phapfun's anxiety. He was still worried because even if they were boys, if their secondary gender was Omega, they might still face prejudice, just like him…
"Are they healthy?" Chengyi asked softly.
"Both mother and babies are healthy right now. There's nothing to worry about."
Chengyi squeezed Phapfun's hand tightly. When their hands touched, they realized both were ice-cold. Becoming parents wasn't easy for them, even though they had planned to have a child. The surprise of twins left them unprepared, as everything would need to be doubled for two lives.
"Do you have any other questions, Mom and Dad?" the doctor asked.
"What about their secondary gender..." Chengyi asked, barely able to find his voice. He frowned as the hand he held squeezed his tighter.
"It'll take about an hour for the results. Would you like to wait for them, Mr. Zhang, or should I send them to you later?"
"I want to know the results now," Chengyi replied without hesitation, then called out to the butler, "Prepare some refreshments for the doctor and nurse."
"Yes, Mr. Zhang."
Every minute felt like an eternity to Phapfun. They sat silently holding hands on their favorite sofa. Zhang Chengyi's stern demeanor only heightened Phapfun's fear. Mr. Zhang hoped the children would be Alphas. But what if neither of them were Alphas, or only one was? Would everything turn for the worse? The more he thought about it, the more terrified he became.
The middle-aged doctor looked at the test results in his hand, a broad smile spreading across his face. Having twins was already difficult, but having twins who were both Alphas was almost impossible.
"Congratulations, Mr. Zhang... both are Alpha boys."
Phapfun sighed with relief, tears streaming down his face. He felt both joy and pain at the same time. Joy that the boys were Alphas, just as their biological father wished, but pain in realizing that as an Omega, whether male or female, he was still unwanted. Everyone in the room beamed with joy upon learning the children's secondary gender, but if they were Omegas, those joyful expressions would likely turn to concern or sadness.
"Phapfun... why are you crying?" Chengyi looked at the tearful man in shock, gently brushing the tears away from his smooth, fair face.
"Hic, sniff..."
If Phapfun had paid a little more attention, he would have noticed that Zhang Chengyi's expression hadn't improved at all, even knowing both boys were Alphas. His anxiety persisted ever since hearing that Phapfun would have to carry the twins for the next five months. His strong arms wrapped around Phapfun's smaller frame as the sobbing and tension showed no sign of easing.
One was crying with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, while the one offering comfort still had furrowed brows of concern. The onlookers were puzzled; what an unusual couple they were. If it were any other family blessed with twin boys, both Alphas, they would likely be celebrating with a grand feast.
After the group of doctors left, the room was filled only with the sound of Zhang Chengyi's phone conversation with his father. Although Phapfun couldn't hear clearly, he was quite sure the person on the other end was very happy. He could tell from Zhang Chengyi's words, advising his father not to send any more supplements, as he was already struggling to consume them all. The father and son continued their conversation for a while before Zhang Chengyi asked to hang up. The tall figure walked back to him.
"What's wrong?"
Upon hearing the question, Phapfun lowered his head in silence. Was his expression so obvious that the other could easily tell? The young Omega decided to slowly reach out and hold the strong hand. Though he wasn't particularly fragile, Phapfun wasn't usually this sensitive. It must be the little ones in his belly acting up again.
"They're... they're boys. They're Alphas."
Tears accompanied by stuttering made Zhang Chengyi sit down beside the sensitive one, trying hard to listen. It was as if he feared that missing even a single sentence could lead to a major problem.
"It's what Mr. Zhang wanted... Why aren't you happy, Mr. Zhang? Why?" Phapfun felt a pang of disappointment, wondering what he had done wrong. Why did Zhang Chengyi seem indifferent after hearing they were twin sons, even though he had given him Alpha sons?
"How do you know I'm not happy, Fun?" Chengyi asked, gently wiping away the tears from the now fuller cheeks. Since the pregnancy, he had helped the soon-to-be mother wipe away tears countless times. The young man found it amusing.
Why wouldn't he be happy? Of course, he was overjoyed that the little ones, his flesh and blood, would be born from the mother he... liked, perhaps. But hearing the word "twins" only heightened his worries. No matter how happy he was, he couldn't quite smile. Yet, he was certain he was very happy, possibly the happiest he'd been in twenty years.
"I'm very happy, the happiest." His warm hands gently cupped the pale face on both sides. "You're amazing, Phapfun... truly amazing."
Admiration shone in his eyes, drying the Omega's tears. Phapfun couldn't help but think of himself as a child, feeling a surge of happiness just from receiving praise. He buried his face into the strong chest, seeking comfort from its warm owner. Zhang Chengyi couldn't help but smile at the kitten-like behavior. He had sons, both Alphas, but perhaps they might be as affectionate as their mother. The young Alpha smiled at the thought of the little ones, unaware that this affection was purely the mother's desire. Phapfun felt annoyed at his obliviousness.
Mr. Zhang was making me too emotional!
Almost a week had passed since they learned the gender of the babies. Phapfun was forced to drink supplements every day, but whenever he tried to be angry at the one who insisted, he was always soothed with sweets. Zhang Chengyi began seriously researching someone to take care of the mother of his children. It was time for him to fully immerse himself in the company. The business he had been investing in for nearly five years was about to succeed, and Phapfun wasn't as overwhelmed by his scent as he had been in the early months of pregnancy.
"Where are you going?"
The young Alpha glanced away from the iPad screen, sensing the movement of the person sitting nearby. Of course, Zhang Chengyi still had to work even if he wasn't at the office. Meanwhile, Phapfun, who was with him almost all the time, didn't want to disturb him, so he found another favorite activity besides watching dramas—reading novels.
Caught in the act, he gave a sheepish smile. "I'm going to get some cake from the fridge. Would you like some, Mr. Zhang?"
"Just stay here. I'll get it for you."
"But you're working..."
"Don't be stubborn, Phapfun," Chengyi scolded the expectant mother, who was wearing a charming red maternity dress with cream-colored pants.
Phapfun frowned and sighed, watching the broad back retreat towards the kitchen before he lay down on the carpet. Now, there wasn't a single part of this luxurious room that wasn't covered with soft rugs, thanks to the wealthy man's handiwork. Zhang Chengyi seemed to be afraid of everything, hardly allowing him to move or do anything. If he could carry him around, he probably would.
Ring, ring.
The notification sound from the main door surprised Phapfun. His round eyes glanced towards the kitchen before he slowly got up, intending to see who the visitor was.
Phapfun slowly opened the door and found a young man dressed smartly. His build was similar to Zhang Chengyi's, though slightly smaller. With a handsome, clean-shaven face, the scent wafting towards Phapfun made him step back. It was clear the man was an Alpha, but he didn't seem dangerous. Phapfun knew Zhang Chengyi's people were guarding the place tightly from the elevator entrance. For this person to reach the door meant he was either important or knew the owner of the room well.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Phapfun."
The deep, soft voice greeted him in English, making Phapfun realize the man wasn't Thai. But who was he?
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