*Short story, lots of potentially upsetting content. Not recommended for anyone who needs content warnings.
*A sad love story.
Chu Shanlan is an ordinary beta. After breaking up with his high-born, domineering, top-tier alpha ex-boyfriend, he meets a wonderful man. They get married and have a daughter. Their life is modest but happy.
Then tragedy strikes: his husband falls gravely ill and dies. Before he passes, he takes Chu Shanlan's hand and tells him not to remain a widower for his sake. At the funeral, Chu Shanlan holds their daughter in his arms and stands before his husband's coffin, tear-streaked and dazed, even entertaining the thought of joining him in death.
The next second, a pair of familiar leather shoes appears in his downcast gaze. He looks up to see his ex-boyfriend staring at him, his expression unreadable.
Theme: I heard your husband died. I'm really very gla... sorry to hear that.
