RV Chapter 18

逆转 (Reverse) – 莲鹤夫人

Chapter 18

　　In the days that followed, there was no break in the work being done to find a solution for Reverse, and the heated argument outside never stopped either. By having a verified and officially recognized gland source on his side, the alpha could confidently use his shield. He expertly crushed everything that stood in his way, from private viral experiments conducted by his political rivals to the rampant trafficking of omega populations and the influx of illegal suppressants into the black market, transforming it into a blood-soaked path of political accomplishments.

Standing before the audience, he spoke with a serious, grave expression on his face, “Right now, we still can’t say for sure whether “reverse” is the result of natural selection or the work of malicious individuals,” he said. However, I can assure every omega citizen here and now that their safety has always been the first priority of the state and government—”

Toward the end, his features softened, and an almost unnoticed hint of tenderness came into his eyes—like a single peach blossom drifting slowly down from the tip of a blade sharp enough to cut.

“…I’d also wish to thank my wife. Thank him for what he did for society and the significant part he played in making a major breakthrough in reverse research.”

The omega sat on the bed, his deep gaze fixed on his husband.

With such an amazing and captivating gland in his hands, this was like giving a tiger wings. His approval ratings had reached an all-time high after his political achievements and speeches, making all allegations that he had used his position to coerce his wife unfounded. His PR team carefully created an image of the omega as a brave man who was sick with a rare, fatal disease and had to give up his high-grade gland for the sake of all humanity’s future. The imaginary flowers and cheers that followed shook the sky in endless waves, casting a thin, shiny veil over the pile of bloody bones at the alpha’s feet.

He had always been the most exceptional politician and tough political leader, and he was able to convert an intimate, personal sacrifice of a gland into a nationwide, attention-grabbing campaign about surviving a fatal illness.

…Always.

The discomfort spreading from the back of his neck became more intense. The omega looked at the screen that was glowing and could barely move his fingers to turn it off. Nerve pain was much worse than pain in his skin; it crawled into his brain like a massive parasitic vine rooted deep in his bones and blood, with hot iron ends that burned him. It hurt him very badly and made his whole body feel heavy and sluggish. In just a few weeks, he could barely eat and his build had gotten shockingly thin.

His older sister dropped by often. She always left in tears, and her marriage quickly deteriorated into cold detachment as a result. As for the alpha, he was still not allowed to see his wife—he was still being investigated.

The omega shut his eyes. In the haze, he thought he smelled a familiar, sharp scent coming from the far end of the hallway, like… like…

He opened his eyes slowly and looked at the door.

…Like his marked partner.

The alpha stood there in an overcoat, one door away from him, and watched him as if he were in an intensive care unit. Behind him, standing at a safe distance, was a crowd of bodyguards and assistants.

Speak of the devil, and he shows up. The omega couldn’t help but laugh at that. He wondered if he still needed protection like that. But now he was too weak—too weak to joke with a partner who was becoming less and less interested in him.

It looked like the speech and solid achievement in politics had finally met the Omega Rights Association’s evaluation standards. The alpha was, at last, permitted to visit his wife.

“You don’t look…very well.” It had been quiet for a while before the alpha broke the ice through a communicator.

“…Yeah.” the omega said, his mouth slightly opened, “It hurts.”

His heavy, withering scent had long since filled the recovery room. If that door were to be opened, the pheromones that would be let out could possibly overwhelm the neighboring city streets, flooding them to the verge of drowning. This was the only way for the alpha to talk to him.

A little movement occurred in the man’s keen eyes. The omega gland was resting on the medical equipment like a large, glowing blister of water; it was heavy and drooping. A slight degree of pain was an egregious exaggeration. Everyone could know this was excruciating pain just by looking at him.

Breathing slowly, he let out a breath. The alpha averted his gaze as his eyelids quivered, as if he had been stabbed.

The alpha felt terribly uneasy for reasons he couldn’t quite put his finger on. As if a stone were pushing down on his heart, his chest felt heavy and suffocating, sending shivers down his spine and through his entire being.

“If you…” the alpha said, “…regret it now, I can have them stop the medication immediately and give you pain relievers…”

“Regret?” the omega seemed surprised, “I chose this path for myself. I don’t regret it.”

The alpha’s eyes grew heavy with the subtle rejection. With a little chuckle, he asked, “Are you still angry? Looks like you really do want to leave me.” he said as he looked at his partner’s slender face.

The omega stayed silent as the alpha continued in a gloomy tone, “If that’s the case, then I should free up the space beside my pillow and choose a more useful wife candidate, shouldn’t I?”

“…Ah, I’m not really angry.” the omega said. He had a soft, faint voice from being ill. He then spoke slowly, “I pray that your next marriage is full of success and happiness. I just… need some time and fresh air.”

That one sentence put an end to the alpha’s good mood that had been going on for days. The omega went on, “I’ll comply with the non-disclosure agreement and not say anything about the divorce to anyone outside. Thank you for looking after me all these years… Sir, I hope your future work goes well and that everything goes as planned…”

The omega, unable to express his anger, gave a soft smile and said, “Sorry. I’m terrible with words. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

It was as if the alpha had thrown a punch into cotton—his strength was going nowhere except back into himself, vibrating violently all over his body. His attractive face remained unchanged, with just his teeth slowly grinding together and a bulging vein visible along his jaw.

What exactly did this mean?

If he were his own opponent, he would definitely be the most annoying and dangerous rival imaginable. But he wasn’t. He was just an omega who was weak and lying in a hospital bed.

“…No.” The man’s eyes were as black as coal, and his deep-set brows were as lifeless as stone, “I’ll be waiting for the cure for reverse…so take care of yourself.”

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Translated and edited by janemoyu (01/23/26)