A Marriage Alliance on a Deadline

Older man/younger man | Wheelchair-using receiver | Sweet romance with angst | Marriage first, love later | Marriage of convenience Gentle, soft-spoken young Omega from an aristocratic family x gifted, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted Alpha lawyer On his first day of university, Qiao Zhimian was drawn to Lian Yi’s upright, spirited air and fell in love at first sight. But Lian Yi, the law school’s celebrated senior, hated spoiled, weepy Omegas most of all. So, just as expected, he coldly rejected Qiao Zhimian’s confession in front of all their classmates. Qiao Zhimian pursued Lian Yi throughout their three years at university. He was considerate and attentive, always checking in on him and staying by his side whenever he needed someone. But all that devotion earned him nothing but cold indifference. Everyone laughed at Qiao Zhimian and looked down on him for throwing himself at Lian Yi. He became a joke among the wealthy as well. Lian Yi graduated a year before him, finally escaping the pretty little shadow that had followed him around. After years of unrequited love that led nowhere, Qiao Zhimian learned that Lian Yi was going abroad and did everything he could to see him one last time. But he was in a car accident on the way to the airport and was left disabled. The two met again at their wedding. The Lian family was on the verge of bankruptcy. To help their youngest son, who had grown despondent, the Qiao family resorted to a few underhanded tactics behind the scenes, forcing Lian Yi to abandon his ideals and career, return home, and marry Qiao Zhimian. On their wedding night, Lian Yi, drunk, gazed coldly at the Omega. “You really have no shame. Do you think marrying me will make me like you? Don’t even dream about it. Just looking at your face makes me sick. Your family used its power to bully people, and what happened to you is all retribution.” Qiao Zhimian had thought his husband had married him willingly. Now, he finally understood the truth, and the joy of their wedding day gave way to a heart full of pain. Even if they both ended up hurt, Qiao Zhimian still couldn’t bring himself to let go. He suggested they sign a one-year agreement: if Lian Yi stayed by his side for a year, the contract would end and they could divorce, leaving Lian Yi free to go. Lian Yi readily agreed and signed without hesitation. “When the contract expires, never show your face in front of me again.” Qiao Zhimian sat in his wheelchair, eyes reddening as he lowered his gaze obediently. “All right.” Later, Qiao Zhimian, the one who held the purse strings, asked Lian Yi to share his bed. When Lian Yi refused, Qiao Zhimian was so embarrassed that he cried until his face was streaked with tears. Unable to withstand his aggrieved tears, Lian Yi marked him. An Omega who is knotted outside of their heat cycle will feel especially much pain. Curled up in the man’s arms, Qiao Zhimian began to sob. The Alpha called him delicate, but gently kissed away his tears. “Why are you crying? Wasn’t this what you asked for?” A year is neither long nor short. Just before the contract expired, Qiao Zhimian discovered he was pregnant. He decided to keep it secret and began preparing to withdraw from the relationship. But on the eve of their divorce, the Alpha found the divorce agreement and suddenly pulled him into his arms from behind. He rested his forehead against Qiao Zhimian’s thin shoulder, so nervous his voice trembled. In a hoarse voice, he pleaded, “Can we renew the contract, honey? Please, Mianmian, don’t leave me...” Reader’s guide: ① The receiver is confined to a wheelchair after an accident, but his legs will gradually recover with rehabilitation. The top will be heartbroken when he learns the truth. ② One-on-one romance, with both sweetness and angst. ③ The top says one thing and means another. He becomes more and more doting after marriage and turns into a devoted wife-protector. He did have some feelings for the receiver during their university days. Later, the lawyer shamelessly chases after his wife and child. He becomes completely worthless in their eyes. ● P.S. The blurb may be a little over the top. Things aren’t actually this bad, orz. The author is terrible at blurbs, but this really is a sweet story. Theme: Don’t make promises you can’t keep.