Lunch with Xue Lian had gone exactly as expected.
They'd eaten in Bael's office at the small table by the couch, keeping things private and controlled. No restaurants where paparazzi could catch them, no public appearances that could turn into headlines.
The wedding photos were still circulating, being seen with another omega would create problems Bael didn't need right now.
Xue Lian had picked at his food more than eaten it, making conversation that danced around what he really wanted to say.
Bael had let him talk, responding when appropriate, but halfway through he'd pulled out his laptop to review a contract that genuinely needed his attention.
"Do you really need to work right now?" Xue Lian had asked, voice light but carrying an edge underneath.
"Unfortunately."
It wasn't entirely an excuse, the contract did need reviewing, but more than that, Bael couldn't give Xue Lian everything he wanted yet.
