Marked by My Omega Rival After Moving In (GL, ABO) - Chapter 74

After a long time spent comforting her, the pale and anxious omega girl lying on the bed finally stopped trembling in her embrace. However, her shoulders remained tense, and her vacant gaze was fixed on her fingers.

There were fresh bite marks on her hand, left from clenching her teeth too hard in anxiety. The marks were deep, red, swollen, and even oozing tiny droplets of bl00d.

… And there was a new needle mark on her wrist.

It was probably from some pheromone-related medication. Realizing this, Yu Xiaoxiao’s heart sank.

She looked at those pale hands, hesitant to touch them at first, but eventually, she gently took them in hers and placed a delicate kiss near the bite marks.

These were the same hands that had tightly gripped hers just last night—soft and warm, with skin so fair it seemed translucent, knuckles tinted with a beautiful flush. They had been trembling with tears, fragile and tender like the waters of spring.

Now, however, they appeared pitiful—pale, stiff, and trembling slightly even in her grasp, the wounds jagged and raw.

All because she hadn’t been able to keep an eye on Xiang Shuhuai. She hadn’t stayed by her side. Just one morning apart, and this was the result.

A strange feeling surged in Yu Xiaoxiao’s heart.

… She wanted to hide Xiang Shuhuai away—somewhere deep inside herself, somewhere no one else could ever find. That way, nothing could ever hurt her again.

“Shuhuai,” Yu Xiaoxiao whispered softly, suppressing the odd emotion, as she comforted the girl in her arms, running her fingers through the omega’s soft, long hair. “It’s okay now. You’re safe. Don’t be scared…”

But Xiang Shuhuai remained stiff, leaning silently against her.

After a while, Yu Xiaoxiao tried calling her name again. “Shuhuai?”

“I’m sorry…”

The faint whisper came unexpectedly. Xiang Shuhuai’s trembling voice was muffled against Yu Xiaoxiao’s chest, barely audible. “I’m sorry…”

“Why are you apologizing?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked, pulling her out of the embrace gently. Her hands rested on Xiang Shuhuai’s shoulders as she gazed into those quiet black eyes. In their depths, she saw her own blurred reflection.

The emotions rippling within them seemed on the verge of breaking, like fragile glass teetering on the edge of shattering into countless pieces.

Xiang Shuhuai bit her lip and shook her head silently.

Yu Xiaoxiao raised her hand and touched the soft lips, gently freeing them from the pressure of her teeth. “Don’t bite,” she said softly, using her thumb to part the girl’s teeth to stop her from further hurting herself. “Big Ice Block, don’t bite.”

The thumb brushing her lips was warm and firm. Xiang Shuhuai seemed startled by the sudden warmth invading her mouth. She stilled, not knowing how to respond.

Her lips gently held onto Yu Xiaoxiao’s thumb without applying any force. Her pale face looked nearly translucent, her slightly parted lips revealing the dark red of her tongue. She looked up at Yu Xiaoxiao with wide, blank eyes—obedient and dazed.

… That look. It made Yu Xiaoxiao feel an urge to either embrace her tightly or tease her until she cried, draining every tear from her eyes.

Yu Xiaoxiao’s heart skipped a beat. Realizing what she was thinking, she hurriedly withdrew her hand, flustered.

However, Xiang Shuhuai instinctively clutched at her sleeve, her gaze following Yu Xiaoxiao’s retreating hand. After a moment, she softly said again, “I’m sorry…”

Her black eyes were heavy with guilt and self-reproach, so intense it seemed as though it might crush her.

“The mark—it disappeared. I don’t know why…” Xiang Shuhuai muttered softly. “When I woke up this morning, it was gone… I don’t know why… I’m sorry…”

Yu Xiaoxiao simply asked, “Does it hurt?”

She brushed her fingers lightly across Xiang Shuhuai’s bruised lips, as though trying to erase the deep, unsightly marks left there.

The pale, soft lips pressed slightly under her touch, and with the gentle friction, a faint flush appeared, bringing a fragile beauty to her wounded appearance—like delicate petals at the end of spring, trembling and translucent.

Xiang Shuhuai didn’t resist as Yu Xiaoxiao examined her lips. Instead, she simply shook her head lightly.

Then, she spoke again. “Do we… need to mark again?”

“I’ll just take some medicine, and then we can try marking again… Should we do it again, Yu Xiaoxiao?”

She looked at Yu Xiaoxiao with a kind of quiet desperation, her black eyes suddenly lighting up with a strange intensity, as though a shooting star had ignited within them. “Yes, if we just try again… if we mark again, everything will be fine. I can handle being marked. It must have been a mistake earlier. Yu Xiaoxiao, we—”

She was about to rise, her movements shaky, to search for her medical kit, but a firm grip caught her wrist. “Ah!”

Startled, she let out a soft gasp. Yu Xiaoxiao pulled her back and held her close once more.

The alpha girl buried her face in Xiang Shuhuai’s shoulder, planting a gentle kiss on her pale skin before suddenly biting down.

Xiang Shuhuai winced at the sudden pain but didn’t pull away. Assuming this was the prelude to being marked, she softly protested, “Yu Xiaoxiao, I need to take my medicine first before we can mark…”

But Yu Xiaoxiao didn’t let go. Seeing her persistence, Xiang Shuhuai hesitated. Closing her eyes, she relaxed, surrendering herself to whatever was to come.

… Yet, the pain and overwhelming sensations she had anticipated never arrived.

Instead, a sudden feeling of weightlessness swept over her. Startled, Xiang Shuhuai’s eyes flew open, and she realized Yu Xiaoxiao had lifted her into a complete princess carry.

“What are you thinking, Big Ice Block?” Yu Xiaoxiao’s voice was calm and steady as she carried her out of the bedroom. “Marking? Really?”

Xiang Shuhuai’s face turned pale instantly.

“No… no marking?” she asked hesitantly, her voice faint and unsure.

“We’re going to the doctor first,” Yu Xiaoxiao answered matter-of-factly. Then she added, “Since it doesn’t hurt, let’s have breakfast first. Big Ice Block, did you even eat breakfast?”

… Xiang Shuhuai looked down, her face falling silent.

She hadn’t.

When she woke up that morning and realized something was wrong, she had locked herself in her room, trying medications to no avail. At the time, she was in such a terrible emotional state that she hadn’t even thought of eating. In fact, she had thrown up everything she’d eaten the night before.

… She really thought Yu Xiaoxiao wouldn’t notice.

She realized she was nothing but a flawed and incomplete omega, unable to even form a proper bond mark—completely useless.

As they reached the bedroom door, Yu Xiaoxiao freed one hand to turn the doorknob. The momentary sense of weightlessness pulled Xiang Shuhuai out of her spiraling thoughts. Instinctively, she tightened her arms around Yu Xiaoxiao’s neck.

Sensing something off about the person in her arms, the alpha girl tilted her head slightly and nudged her gently with the tip of her nose. “What’s wrong, Big Ice Block?”

Xiang Shuhuai shook her head.

Being carried like this was too intimate, like a child in someone’s arms, forcing her to depend entirely on Yu Xiaoxiao. She clung to her neck and buried herself in the warmth of the embrace.

…Hiding against this sun-like source of warmth, Xiang Shuhuai’s ears flushed a subtle red.

She thought she had hidden it well, but from Yu Xiaoxiao’s angle, the delicate, almost transparent red of her ear tips, peeking through soft black hair, was clearly visible—fresh and enticing, like a perfectly ripened peach.

Seeing this, Yu Xiaoxiao’s heart filled with an ache and a surge of tenderness.

Seriously. She thought.

Just a moment ago, when the topic of bonding was mentioned, the omega girl had looked so resolute—pale and calm, as if she didn’t care what happened to her. But now, a simple princess carry had her blushing down to her ear tips.

Unable to resist, Yu Xiaoxiao leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

The slight body in her arms trembled at the touch, and her ears turned an even deeper red.

So soft, delicate, and tender, like velvet, the blush spreading like a freshly washed peach.

Looking at her, Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but think—what if someone bullied this adorable and gentle girl?

“But, you did do something wrong, Big Ice Block.” She coaxed, her voice light and playful. “Do you know what it is?”

Xiang Shuhuai shook her head but reflexively muttered, “I’m sorry…”

“This morning, when you realized something was wrong, you should’ve told me. You promised me, remember?” The alpha chuckled and kissed her hair again. “Whether you wanted to see a doctor or just rest at home, you need to let me be there with you.”

“Don’t try to deal with everything on your own, okay?” She gently coaxed the cat in her arms. “If it happens again and you hurt yourself, Big Ice Block, I’ll have to punish you. Remember the nine minutes?”

Thinking of that nearly overwhelming three-minute kiss from before, Xiang Shuhuai froze. After a long moment, she nodded slightly.

Xiang Shuhuai was light, and carrying her was effortless for Yu Xiaoxiao, who trained regularly. Holding her felt like cradling a big, soft cat. Reluctantly, she finally placed her on a chair by the dining table and, with a playful kiss on her cheek, sternly reminded her not to hurt herself again—or face punishment.

Then, with energy, she darted over to the kitchen island to start preparing breakfast.

Meanwhile, Xiang Shuhuai rested her head on the table, quietly watching her with a faraway look.

The small kiss lingered on her cheek, warm and soft, like a gentle heat she could easily sink into.

She thought—Yu Xiaoxiao is such a good person.

…Someone like me doesn’t deserve her.

Soon, the soft sizzling of the waffle maker filled the air, carrying the sweet aroma of breakfast. Xiang Shuhuai remained still, staring blankly.

She thought, If I really, truly can’t accept a bond…

“—It’s tricky,” said Dr. Xie.

Now sitting on the examination bed, Xiang Shuhuai heard this as the doctor reviewed her case.

They had finished breakfast, and Yu Xiaoxiao had driven her to the clinic. But Xiang Shuhuai insisted that Yu Xiaoxiao stay outside, leaving her waiting in the car while she went in alone.

“Due to the alpha pheromone stimulation, your gonadal hormone levels are unstable. During the bonding process, this could lead to an overproduction of pheromones, further disrupting your hormonal balance. The best-case scenario is that the bond would simply fail. Any other complications could be more severe, especially considering your already weak condition.”

Dr. Xie flipped through the test results, then offered a concise explanation.

“In short, during this period of conservative treatment, you must avoid any alpha pheromone stimulation. Even temporary bonding is not allowed.”

Dr. Xie continued, “Fortunately, there weren’t any major issues during the bonding process. Do you feel any discomfort now? Was it painful at the time?”

“Ah…” Feeling inexplicably guilty under the doctor’s stern gaze, Xiang Shuhuai admitted softly, “I don’t know… I took painkillers. Two pills.”

Hearing this, Dr. Xie’s brow furrowed deeply. “And you used the numbing cream I prescribed?”

Feeling even guiltier, Xiang Shuhuai hesitated but eventually nodded. Lying to the doctor wasn’t an option.

Her admission caused Dr. Xie to fall silent. Initially, Xiang Shuhuai thought the doctor was contemplating her treatment plan, but when she looked up, she realized Dr. Xie had simply been observing her with a somber, worried expression.

“May I speak with your partner?” Dr. Xie finally asked.

“There are certain aspects of your treatment that will require her cooperation and support.”

“I…”

Xiang Shuhuai instinctively wanted to refuse, to say she could handle it on her own. But then she caught the concern in the doctor’s eyes and understood what she was worried about.

…Violence. The kind inflicted upon omegas by their alpha partners.

Dr. Xie was worried that she hadn’t willingly agreed to the bond, that it had been forced upon her.

After all, given her fragile health, no rational person would insist on completing the bond at such a cost—not without resorting to numbing cream and painkillers.

Xiang Shuhuai knew it hadn’t been a rational decision. It had been a desperate measure to hold onto Yu Xiaoxiao.

But now, faced with the doctor’s kind intentions and professional concern, she felt utterly lost.

…Dr. Xie wasn’t just her doctor; she was part of the team Xiang Shuhuai had hired to oversee her treatment. Their relationship was professional, and the doctor’s duties were clear. Yet this older, experienced woman still chose to care, simply out of kindness and integrity.

Unfamiliar with such pure, unmotivated goodwill, Xiang Shuhuai hesitated for a long time before finally messaging Yu Xiaoxiao to come meet the doctor.

To her surprise, Yu Xiaoxiao and Dr. Xie already knew each other.

“Hello…” Yu Xiaoxiao knocked lightly, pushed the door open, and paused, her eyes widening in surprise. “Oh! Auntie Xie!”

Dr. Xie stood up, equally astonished.

“—Xiao Xiao.” She smiled warmly. “How’s your mother doing lately?”

“She’s doing well. After her surgery, her health hasn’t been an issue. She’s taking it easy now, working less and resting at home.” Yu Xiaoxiao replied, looking curious. “But, um… how do you…”

Dr. Xie’s gaze shifted between the two of them.

She asked, “Are you two—?”

Xiang Shuhuai wasn’t sure how to respond for a moment. Instead, Yu Xiaoxiao walked over, sat down beside her, and gently held her hand, her movements intimate and natural.

“She’s my partner,” the alpha girl said casually, a bright smile on her face.

Her hand was incredibly warm, almost like the sun, carrying a sense of reckless heat that seemed to seep through Xiang Shuhuai’s skin, soothing the unease in her heart. Without realizing it, Xiang Shuhuai curled her fingers slightly in Yu Xiaoxiao’s palm.

“…Yes,” she heard herself reply softly.

Hearing this, Dr. Xie, who had seemed somewhat doubtful before, now appeared visibly relieved.

“Good,” she nodded. “That makes things simpler. Xiaoxiao, how much do you know about Xiang’s current health condition?”

Yu Xiaoxiao answered, “I only know what was written in the surgery plan.”

“That’s good enough,” Dr. Xie said. After seeking a confirming nod from Xiang Shuhuai, she handed the medical reports to Yu Xiaoxiao. “To put it simply—her gland is currently very fragile and underperforming. Because of this, it’s unable to retain a mark.”

Yu Xiaoxiao took the report and instinctively tightened her grip on the soft hand of the omega beside her, then nodded firmly.

“So, if she wants to regain full functionality, she’ll need to undergo a period of medication therapy,” Dr. Xie explained. “During this time, her gland must not be stimulated—no marking, not even temporary marks. You also need to avoid any actions that might irritate the gland. We’ll make the treatment course as short as possible, but during this period, your cooperation is crucial.”

The alpha girl nodded earnestly. “I understand…”

“Do you have any questions about this?”

Xiang Shuhuai did have questions.

Did “those actions” include things like caresses and kisses?

…She didn’t want to lose those. She didn’t want to give up any of the moments where she could feel Yu Xiaoxiao’s warmth.

She also knew Yu Xiaoxiao enjoyed them too. As someone new to these experiences, full of energy and enthusiasm, Yu Xiaoxiao often seemed to want more of those moments together.

But before she could speak, she heard Yu Xiaoxiao ask tentatively, with obvious concern, “Will the treatment hurt? If it’s really painful… is there a gentler option?”

The question startled Xiang Shuhuai. She raised her face to look at Yu Xiaoxiao, seeing nothing but sincerity in the alpha girl’s warm amber eyes.

“I don’t mind taking more time. A slower treatment is fine,” Yu Xiaoxiao said, gripping Xiang Shuhuai’s hand more tightly, her thumb brushing gently over her thin, delicate fingers while carefully avoiding any recent injuries. She continued, a little clumsy but entirely genuine in her care, “I just… I want whatever is best for her. I’ll do whatever it takes to support it.”

“There is an option,” Dr. Xie said after a moment of thought. “Extending the treatment timeline would allow for gentler medication, though it would mean slower progress.”

Yu Xiaoxiao’s eyes brightened immediately, and she turned to Xiang Shuhuai, practically glowing with hope. “Big Ice Block—”

She looked at Xiang Shuhuai, her gaze like an eager puppy’s, shining with determination, making it nearly impossible for Xiang Shuhuai to refuse. Helpless against that pleading expression, Xiang Shuhuai finally gave in, nodding softly. “…Go with her suggestion.”

Dr. Xie didn’t press the issue further, jotting down notes on the paper. “All right. I’ll send the detailed treatment plan over tonight. I’ll also send a list of precautions for you both to follow.”

Yu Xiaoxiao nodded enthusiastically. “Got it!”

After a few more instructions, they prepared to leave. But just as they were about to go, Xiang Shuhuai, with red-tipped ears, hesitated before asking, “Um… Does this mean all other forms of intimacy are off-limits too? Like… like kissing, for example…”

Her voice grew smaller and smaller as she spoke, her ears turning redder by the second. Being held by Yu Xiaoxiao only made her feel more exposed, her private thoughts laid bare.

“Not necessarily,” Dr. Xie replied with a relaxed smile.

For the first time, she saw her usually composed patient looking like any ordinary young omega, her cheeks flushed with shyness over a private matter.

“There’s no need for a complete ban on intimacy. Just be mindful not to overdo it. The most important thing is for the alpha partner to control their pheromones and avoid stimulating the gland directly.”

Yu Xiaoxiao leaned forward with a determined nod. “Understood! Thank you, Auntie Xie!”

Her response was so cheerful and earnest that Xiang Shuhuai’s face turned even redder. She lowered her gaze, so embarrassed that even saying goodbye felt like a challenge.

After leaving the clinic, the two returned to the car, still holding hands.

“Big Ice Block,” Yu Xiaoxiao began from the driver’s seat, her eyes sparkling with excitement, “do you want to meet one of my friends? I know we need to keep our relationship private, but she’s super trustworthy—like Youyou and Yaoyao. She’d never tell anyone.”

Xiang Shuhuai, curled up in the passenger seat, looked up at her, a little confused.

“Please?” Yu Xiaoxiao pleaded, holding her hand and swaying it slightly, her puppy-like eyes filled with hope. “Pretty please, Big Ice Block? I really want to introduce you to my friends…”

Faced with Yu Xiaoxiao’s eager expression, Xiang Shuhuai’s heart softened. Finally, she gave a small nod.

“Hehe,” Yu Xiaoxiao grinned, starting the car. “Off we go, then!”

She had already made this plan earlier while waiting downstairs.

Her love was so insecure, unable to feel reassured without a mark. Yu Xiaoxiao thought that introducing Xiang Shuhuai to her close friends and making their relationship known within their small circle might help ease her worries.

So she had contacted Gu Wei, asking her to meet for a meal and to meet her partner. After all, Gu Wei was reliable and had given her so much advice.

[Sure thing, Little Fish,] Gu Wei replied readily.

[I’ve always been curious about who managed to make you grow up. Now I finally get to meet her!]

[Do I know her?]

Yu Xiaoxiao responded with a playful grin: [You do.]

Her fingers flew over the keyboard, typing out:

[She’s someone you’d never expect.]