The Unfortunate Omega and the Arrogant Alpha’s Forced Marriage (Completed)

Every three months, an Omega’s heat cycle would arrive—a period so intense that it could drive them mad if they didn’t find release. Enduring such a time without a partner was no easy feat.

Yoichiro knew this and still chose to ignore it. He didn’t care about Kusunoki’s heat cycle or its timing. As long as there was no pregnancy, that was all that mattered.

For Yoichiro, the ends justified the means.

Right now, what Ono Electric Industries needed most was to expel the rot within.

What happened to a single Omega was of no consequence to him.

Still, openly voicing such thoughts was unwise.

It had been a quarter-century since Western countries began advocating not only for gender equality but also for equality among secondary genders. Japan, though late to follow suit, had started to implement policies to improve the status of Omegas. The government now mandated equal employment opportunities and special leaves for Omegas.

Companies affiliated with the Japan Business Federation were the first to face these quotas, scrambling to comply. Resistance was an option, but it risked public backlash and jeopardized overseas business ventures.

Thus, on the surface, it became imperative for companies to meet the government’s standards—even during times of economic difficulty.

(Who has the time to bother with Omegas?)

Ono Electric Industries alone employed tens of thousands of workers. It was Yoichiro’s responsibility to ensure their livelihoods. He had no room for idealistic, feel-good charity projects.

(Omegas are nothing but burdens. What’s the point of granting them rights?)

Omega heat cycles, referred to as “heat,” occurred roughly every three months. Similar to menstrual leave for women, Omegas were entitled to about a week of leave for their heats. Moreover, employees with Omega spouses could also take this leave.

Western standards even dictated that if the Omega was a “mate,” leave was mandatory.

A “mate” referred to a bond between an Alpha and an Omega, established not through formal contracts but by the Alpha biting the Omega’s nape during heat. Once bonded, the Omega’s pheromones would affect only their mate, while other Alphas would be immune. Furthermore, bonded Omegas developed an instinctive aversion to intimacy with any Alpha other than their mate.

Modern medicine had yet to uncover the mechanism behind this phenomenon; it was simply accepted as fact.

Since only a bonded Alpha could ease an Omega’s heat, it was deemed essential for them to take leave together.

Yoichiro found the concept incomprehensible.

He could not understand, even slightly, why Alphas would obsess over Omegas.

The mere thought of it heightened his irritation. His exhaustion transformed into a storm of negative emotions, chaos stirring in his chest.

(No, this won’t do. I need to focus on work. I shouldn’t have let myself think about them.)

Despite his inner turmoil, Yoichiro maintained his composure. His secretary remained unaware of the true nature of his relationship with Kusunoki. Yoichiro needed to keep up the charade, adjusting his behavior to avoid suspicion.

“Well… perhaps you’re right. If I won’t have time to return home properly until the year-end, I might as well leave early tonight.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I’m sure Kusunoki will be delighted. I’ll arrange for the car immediately.”

“No need. I’d like to take in the sights on my way back.”

The distance to his Bayside condominium wasn’t far enough to require a car. Occasionally choosing to walk home served as a kind of market research, offering insights into potential product ideas. Knowing this, the secretary did not press further.

After donning his custom-tailored jacket, coat, and scarf, Yoichiro acknowledged his secretary’s deep bow and left the building.

Outside, the street trees were adorned with festive illuminations. The cold blue and white LED lights, meant to celebrate the season leading up to Christmas, added a touch of elegance despite their cool tones.

But this year, the display seemed more subdued than usual.

“The rising electricity costs, I suppose,” Yoichiro muttered under his breath.

It was an unavoidable consequence, though Japan’s development had been built on overcoming such challenges. As he stared at the twinkling lights, the idea of creating low-power LED lights specifically for illuminations began to form in his mind. While competitors had already introduced products with solar panels, Yoichiro had no intention of being a second-mover. A new mechanism was necessary.

Deep in thought, Yoichiro continued walking.

As he approached Yurakucho Station, the underpass eateries were buzzing with life. Izakayas were filled with boisterous salarymen enjoying themselves, their voices echoing through the night.

Finally, it dawned on Yoichiro why his secretary had been so insistent about him leaving early.

It was Friday.

Although December had only just begun, the city was already brimming with a lively energy as people sought to escape the year-end rush and looked forward to Christmas and the New Year. The festive anticipation was evident on their faces.

(So it’s December…)

While Yoichiro understood this intellectually, he had been so focused on the “event” of the year-end sales battle that he hadn’t truly felt it.

The secretary likely feared that the upcoming series of meetings, business federation gatherings, and banquets would leave him with no time to fulfill familial or personal obligations—including the expectation of starting a family.

Not that the secretary knew Kusunoki’s heat cycle.

Yoichiro sneered.

(Of course they wouldn’t know. I don’t even know.)

Omegas had a high chance of pregnancy when they mated with an Alpha during heat. Conversely, outside of heat, conception was virtually impossible—no matter the circumstances.

That was likely why the secretary had been pushing for Yoichiro to take heat leave.

(No doubt my father put them up to it. As if I’d comply with his schemes.)

Disgusted by the meddling thoughts of his father and secretary, Yoichiro strode through the lively streets. The city, decked out for the weekend, was filled with couples, colleagues, and revelers. Yoichiro’s cold gaze swept over the scene.

In about half an hour, he would reach his home.

Stopping at a few electronics stores along the way, he sought inspiration but found none, which only added to his irritation.

(Even if I go home, I’ll have to see Kusunoki’s face… or perhaps they’re out somewhere.)

Having forgotten how to kill time, Yoichiro returned home with a faint sense of expectation.

Since graduating from university, he had poured himself entirely into work, leaving no room for anything else. He couldn’t even recall how he used to spend his time as a student.

Now, as president, work consumed his thoughts every waking moment. Even remembering his spouse’s face was a challenge.

If they passed each other on the street, Yoichiro doubted he’d recognize them.

(And that’s fine. I only married them to secure the presidency.)

As long as there was no pregnancy, Yoichiro didn’t care how Kusunoki spent their time—whether they squandered money or entertained other men.

As long as they didn’t get pregnant.

(No, wait. Perhaps it would be better if they did get pregnant—with someone else’s child.)

If Kusunoki betrayed him, a divorce would be easier, freeing him from all these entanglements. After all, Omegas had no sense of chastity—betrayal would make for a more convincing story.