Falling into the Abyss

Chapter 38: The Past Regarding Roland (I)

Ethan could still remember the night he brought Roland to his favorite bar, which was comparatively quieter than others. The lights were soft and ambiguous, and the walls were covered with vinyl record covers from unknown artists. Melodious jazz music drifted in the air, and the bar appeared very retro. Ethan sat next to the bar table, sipping on a martini as he listened to Rolands unique and charming voice narrate his observations from various planets under the Third Empires jurisdiction. Ethan rarely traveled, especially since the Earth Unions government discouraged its citizens from traveling to foreign countries. Even official trips had to go through layers of approval, which was very troublesome. Ethan listened to Roland vividly recount the strange ethnic and folk customs of those distant planets and felt a bit of envy in his heart.

Roland stretched out his right hand. A silver ring adorned his ring finger, inlaid with a rare emerald. This stone was dug out near the underground lake. Since I took a liking to its appearance, I made it into a ring. After he finished speaking, he suddenly lifted his hand and gently brushed it across Ethans cheek. His smile was full of an unruly wildness, with hints of flirtatious meaning. Look, its similar to the color of your eyes.

Ethan felt that his cheeks were burning at that time. He quickly followed up with a burst of laughter to cover up how his heartstrings were being tugged and asked, So should I be the one to wear this ring?

He had initially intended it as a joke. Unexpectedly, Roland took off the ring altogether, then gently held his left hand and slowly slid the ring onto Ethans ring finger.

Ethan was dumbfounded and momentarily forgot to withdraw his hand. He merely watched Rolands movements in a daze. Rolands eyelids and thick brown eyelashes were slightly raised, and he said with a half-smile, You see, once you wear my ring, youre mine.

Ethan had never had an Alpha flirt with him before, but he quickly smiled and withdrew his hand to take off the ring. However, Roland held him back and said, Actually, this ring is not worth much, and I just like the color. But when I saw you today, I knew it had found an owner more suited to it. Just treat it as my gift to you.

After Ethan asked the driver to send the slightly drunk Roland back to his apartment that night, he walked alone in the cool air, trying to dissipate the heat from his body. However, it did not work because no matter how long he walked, every time he thought of the plump lips surrounded by stubble, the deep and wild outline of his eyebrows, and the slightly rough but very gentle hands, he felt the fire in his stomach begin to burn fiercer and wilder.

Ethan did not wear the ring again, but he carefully kept it in a box, hoping for a day that he would have a chance to return it.

Getting up early to work was originally the most painful thing he had to accomplish in the day. But at that time, for Ethan, the task appeared outlined by a gold halo. He chose his best-fitting suit, combed and fixed his hair carefully, and put on a pair of thin-framed glasses. He appeared more energetic in the mirror, but he still had a serious and ascetic aura. He unfastened a few buttons near his neckline but felt that it looked unremarkable and refastened them.

He drove his aircraft to the Energy Bureau building and walked briskly into the secretarys office, located next to the directors. He needed to sort out a secretarys schedule for today and hand out some trivial tasks to his assistant secretary, but his main task today was to accompany the director, Roland, and some others to visit the metal synthesis station they had built on the Third Space Station. He dutifully introduced and explained the stations various zones during the entire process and explained the basic principles behind the synthesis. It was necessary to showcase his knowledge in a timely manner when the director required it. He could feel Rolands gaze falling onto him from time to time and tried to control himself not to overthink.

By the end of the days visit, it was already time for dinner. The director enthusiastically decided to hold a celebration banquet for several researchers. Ethan had to decide which restaurant to choose as quickly as possible before negotiating with the person in charge of the restaurant. After that, he transferred two plainclothes officers from a nearby guard station to keep watch. Within an hour, everyone was comfortably sitting in a room, smoking, and chatting.

In fact, at that time, Ethan was already so exhausted, and yet he kept being asked to chug down alcohol. He didnt like the smell of smoke permeating the room, so he excused himself to the toilet to get some air. He leaned on the railing in front of a man-made lake before looking up at the Milky Way across the distant starry sky and sighing.

Did you excuse yourself to the bathroom to take the chance to flee? He heard the charming voice that he had almost expected to appear ring out behind him.

The corner of Ethans mouth silently pulled up before he turned to look at Roland. This dinner is being provided free of charge by the host, so why are you fleeing?

Because its boring, Roland said simply. Ethan glanced at him, eyes narrowing. He spoke with dissatisfaction, You didnt think my arrangements were interesting enough? If I had known earlier, then I would have arranged to let you bunch of scholars head to the strip club for dinner.

Hahahaha, whats so good about seeing a striptease. Perhaps Id even dance better than them.

Ethan couldnt help but laugh. You? Striptease?

You dont believe me? Roland swept his slightly long brown hair back from his forehead and said narcissistically, Omegas cant even hold a candle against my striptease!

Ethan was completely dumbfounded, his mouth slightly ajar as he leaned against the railing without moving an inch. He was worried that someone would pass by at any moment and see this crazy scene unfolding, but he could not bear to stop it. Rolands movements were smooth and familiar. Every time he raised the corner of his mouth, it seemed to be purposeful yet natural. He teasingly unfastened a few of his shirts buttons, revealing his large, honey-colored chest. Ethan swallowed, unable to look away as if he had been enchanted.

Roland danced over to him, and by the time he reached him, the buttons on his shirt had been completely unbuttoned. He stretched out a hand to press Ethan against the railing. Roland confined the Beta, who was still in a daze, in the narrow space between himself and the railing. His exposed skin exuded a heat warm enough to burn away the chilly night wind, and the look in his eyes was as intoxicating as wine.

Will you believe me now? Roland gave him a teasing smile, revealing his sharp canines, appearing like a vampire.

Ethan suddenly regained his self-control and quickly stretched out a hand to push the opposing party away. However, he quickly retracted his hand, feeling as though the place where his palm had touched the others skin had been burned. You are truly nuts. What if you were caught by others?

Hahahaha, if Im not afraid, then what are you afraid of?

I dont want to be charged with molesting VIPs, Ethan spoke sternly to cover up how his cheeks turned so red that they appeared to be dripping blood. He really didnt understand the other. Although he had heard that the people of the Third Empire were very open, he couldnt imagine that they were so bold.

Ethan was unable to concentrate during the second half of the dinner. He did not even dare lift his gaze since Roland was sitting opposite him, occasionally narrowing his eyes in a smile. He felt that he couldnt escape this man because he would always do something shocking.

That night, Ethan lay on the bed in his apartment and tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He asked the smart butler to turn on the projection computer and used his identity and authority to surpass the Earth Unions firewall. He waved his fingers as he searched for Rolands name on the major social networks. Ethan was no longer a young man who liked to surf social media. His account had even been locked for many years, and it took a lot of effort for him to retrieve it. He flipped through Rolands photos, wondering if he had a girlfriend or boyfriend. Still, after scrolling for a long time, he found that Roland had broken up with his boyfriend a year ago. That boyfriend was a very charming Omega, with a slender figure and raised eyebrows. He had a confident and gorgeous charm.

Ethan looked at Rolands photo hugging his ex-boyfriend affectionately, one unruly and the other glamorous, and he admitted that they couldnt be better matched. He then touched his glasses-wearing face. Although he had a good face, it was nothing special. Compared with that Omega, there was really no comparison.

Ethan suddenly felt a little lost and turned off the computer, falling asleep while still preoccupied with unknown thoughts.

After that, Ethan deliberately avoided Roland and even used the excuse of needing to go home to visit his sick mother several times, handing over the task of accompanying Roland to his assistant secretary. In this way, he didnt see Roland for about a week. Later, those researchers had already familiarized themselves with the environment. They wanted to start cooperating with the Earth Union researchers on the task of synthesizing new aviation materials, so there was no need for a secretary to accompany and assist them.

It happened on a Saturday night when Ethan had initially planned to cook dinner by himself and quietly read a book or watch a movie at home. While the spaghetti was cooking, he heard someone knock on the door. Ethan felt somewhat confused because he had always been a relatively withdrawn person. Even with the colleagues who he had a better relationship with in the Energy Bureau, he would rarely meet them on the weekends. Unless it was a takeaway order, no one would disturb him on a Saturday night.

He opened the door, and his eyes widened.

Roland was leaning against the door frame. Unlike the comparatively prim and proper outfit he wore previously, he had donned a casual leather jacket. This outfit obviously suited his wild temperament more, and he still had the same charming and suggestive smile.

Hey.

Ethan replied indifferently, Hey

Why wont you invite me in?

Why are you here?

I remembered that last time we chatted in a bar, you said you lived in this area. I happened to pass by today, so I came to say hello. His lies were meticulous, but Ethan knew he had never told him his specific address or apartment number

Seeing Ethans face filled with doubts, Roland suddenly admitted defeat. He raised his hands, adding, Okay, okay, I heard from your colleague Typhoeus. I really am not a stalker.

Ethan raised his eyebrows, somewhat surprised.

Roland probably misunderstood what Ethan had meant. Instead of being his usual self-confident and chic self, he scratched his head in an embarrassed manner and said, Uhif you are busy, I wont bother you. After speaking, he turned and left. However, Ethans body moved before his brain could reactHe reached out and grabbed Rolands arm.

UmIm fine, so come in and sit down.

Although Ethans apartment was not large, he had very little furniture, and it was neat and clean. Therefore, it looked a bit empty. From the furnitures color to the decorations, their style was minimal and muted, which suited his personality very well. Roland smelled the scent of spaghetti sauce and asked, Are you cooking?

Well, seafood cream pasta. Do you want some?

Okay! I havent eaten yet!

The last time Ethan had cooked for someone was fifteen months ago when he had not yet broken up with his former Beta girlfriend. The moment he asked the question, he wanted to suck the words back into his mouth, and he did not expect the other party to agree to his suggestion. When he brought the pasta out anxiously, he saw Roland looking at the expensive paper books on his shelf.

Are you interested in ancient history?

HmmI majored in this subject in college.

Coincidentally, I also like to read ancient history, but Im not as professional as you. He walked over to the marble counter in the kitchen and sniffed the pasta. Mmmm~~~ It looks beautiful, a feast for the eyes!

Ethan did not know what to make of his double-edged remark and silently passed over the tableware. His stomach was so hungry that it was already growling, but now, facing this strange Alpha, he suddenly didnt dare to eat with big mouthfuls.

However, Roland seemed to be very content. The way he casually ate even looked to be full of a bold elegance. Ethan suddenly felt strange, as though he had cooked dinner with his partner, who he had been getting along with for a long time on a Saturday night, with the evening TV program projected on a wall. As long as a pet dog was added, the perfect two-person life he had once imagined would be shown right before his eyes.

Roland quickly finished the dinner on his plate, wiped his lips with a napkin, and sighed, I havent eaten such delicious pasta in a long time. Only the Earth Union can replicate such authentic Earthling cuisine.

Ethan chuckled softly and replied, Youre praising me too much. My cooking skills are just at a level that wouldnt upset my stomach when I eat it.

Rolands gaze suddenly fixed on his face. After being gazed at by him, Ethan felt his hair stand on end.

Whats wrong?

Roland said, You have sauce on your face.

Ethan felt a bit awkward and quickly wiped his face, but he missed the spot. Roland suddenly leaned forward, reached out, and wiped the sauce from the corners of his lips, beforelightly licking his fingers.

If blushing made a sound, then Ethans face should boom out at this moment.

The air between them fell silent for a while. Ethan finally broke the silence and pushed up his glasses before lowering his gaze and asking, Why did you ask Typheous about where I am staying?

Roland replied calmly, Because I havent been able to see you.

Why did you need to see me? Oh, I see, is it about that ring? I always wanted to find a chance to return it to you, its just

No, no, it has nothing to do with the ring, Roland interrupted him, and a crack appeared in his confident smile as he continued, I justI really wanted to see you again.

Ethan was not a teenager who had never been in love, so he naturally knew what this sentence implied. However, he was still stunned because he had thought that Roland was just flirting with him.

Ethan had always known that he preferred powerful Alphas to Betas and Omegas. However, the more powerful an Alpha was, the lower the chance they would notice an ordinary and boring Beta like him because there were too many dazzling Omegas around them. Ethan was attracted to Rolands tall and handsome appearance at first sight, and couldnt resist his bold behavior and gentle tone. He never thought that such a handsome Alpha would be interested in him.

The person who he secretly liked happened to like him too. The chance of this was tantamount to an asteroid hitting the planet. If it was the current Ethan, perhaps he would not believe it. However, Ethan at the time had not experienced despair and still had unrealistic dreams.

Roland watched Ethan remain silent and cleared his throat, saying, I know you must think that I was a little too frivolous before. At first, I just felt you acted way too cautiously and calmly, so I wanted to tease you, but afterward, I found that I couldnt stop thinking of you.

Ethan looked down at the dinner on his plate that he had hardly touched. He hesitantly said, I dont quite understand what you mean. Im just a Beta.

According to my personality, if I encounter something I like, then Ill find a way to get it. The distance between Roland and him once again shrank. Rolands scorching eyes burned like hot blue fire, flickering all around Ethan. The faint smell of smoke came from his body, which Ethan clearly did not like. However, when it mixed with the scent of Alpha hormones emanating from the mans body, it obtained the charm of a conqueror. Roland gently took off Ethans glasses and said in an affectionate voice, Whether you are a Beta, Omega, or Alpha, I like you. I like your eyes. I like the way you push your glasses up when youre nervous. And I like the way you act stern when youre embarrassed.

At that moment, Ethan felt like he was going to melt away, and the defenses he had struggled to maintain in the face of temptation collapsed.

Ethan didnt avoid it when Roland leaned forward, the stubble-adorned skin rubbing against his jaw that was always shaved. He didnt avoid it when his lips were caught by another pair of full and strong lips and instead responded to the kiss. It gradually intensified, and when Ethan knocked over his plate and the tableware, no one cared. They devoured each others taste and smell, like lovers who had reunited after a long separation.

When Ethan recalled that night a year later, when he had been put in prison and was awaiting his trial, only a mouthful of bitterness remained. He thought that Roland had definitely done his homework on him before meeting him for the second time. Maybe Roland had already even analyzed what kind of man he liked.

Roland must have been snickering in his heart when they were kissing.

It turned out that it was so easy to make the Directors grand secretary fall from grace.

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