Between Shadows and Sweet Temptations

Chapter 1

**Title: After the Flash Marriage, Ben Rivers Finds Himself in a Turmoil**
Ethan Shaw is powerful and influential, but Ben Rivers is most captivated by his looks. Ethan has features strikingly similar to someone Ben has always cherished deep in his heart, and just seeing him brings Ben joy.
So, by day, Ben juggles roles as interstellar commanders, aloof sorcerers, and domineering CEOs in his voice acting career. At night, he enjoys the sight of Ethan’s handsome face and, if fortune smiles upon him, he gets to feel Ethan's chiseled abs.
Life is stable and blissful.
2. Ben Rivers strives to maintain an intoxicated clarity.
He loves Ethan Shaw’s face but not the man himself. Ethan's character is notoriously unpleasant, embodying the harshness rumored to accompany his formidable position, along with the sensitivity, rage, and unpredictability that Ben has personally experienced.
The most egregious part is Ethan's disdain for Ben's voice.
Ethan calls Ben’s deep, sultry voice affected and flirtatious, as if it intends to seduce.
Ben grits his teeth, swearing to himself: One day, I will find my true love and leave you lost in the crowd.
3. As time rolls on, Ben begins to realize that while Ethan might come off as fierce, he isn’t as intimidating as he seems. Ethan has a knack for being contradictory.
When Ethan claims he won’t help, it really means he’s handling things quietly. Saying he won’t interfere is just his firm support. When he says to stay away, he’s really inviting Ben closer.
He maintains that their marriage is merely a business arrangement, yet he secretly listens to Ben's audio recordings, clutching onto Ben's clothing like a lifeline.
Since finding his true love seems impossible, Ben decides to be someone else’s light.
He allows himself to drown in this relationship.
Ethan, who initially would cover Ben’s mouth, later finds a way to seal those lips with his own.
Eventually, whenever Ben bites his lip, struggling to suppress his desires, Ethan leans in and whispers sweet temptations, “Where are you running off to? I won’t bite,” or “You kiss so well—who taught you that?” or “Good boy, call me ‘big brother’.”
… All lines from his recordings.
4. One day, fans of the Alpha Voice discover clues about his relationship, eagerly speculating on what his little wife looks like.
However, the photos they snag reveal Ben being embraced tightly by a tall, brooding man.
-- What a shock! The fearless alpha of the voice acting world is actually the submissive one!
-- But that’s not so hard to believe…
The story follows a charming beauty and tough, brooding alpha dynamic—a powerful man whose masculinity is softened by love.
**Usage Note:**
1. Highlighted in warmth. This is a heartwarming tale sprinkled with themes of shared parenting, emphasizing love above all else. The plot may carry traces of naïveté and simplicity.
2. A dual-first-love scenario, one couple, happy ending, marriage first, love follows. A tale of mutual redemption, where both characters have clear flaws but grow to tenderly accept each other’s imperfections.
**Keywords**: Main Characters: Ethan Shaw, Ben Rivers  | Supporting Characters:   | Others: Upcoming story "The True Heir, Dangerous Yet Charming" coming soon!
**A quick summary:** He dared to receive love.
**Theme:** There’s always someone who can pull you from the darkness into the light.
As summer's end approached, a slight breeze finally wafted through the sweltering air.
On Willow Lane, right outside St. Joseph's Orphanage, the sun filtered through the leaves, casting a warm yellow hue on the two figures—one tall and proud, the other small and delicate, making them appear like heroic figures exiting a grand stage.
Gentleness was mixed with a lingering reluctance.
“Once upon a time, in a dense forest, a gentle bear and a clever rabbit were the best of friends, playing gleefully together every day.”
“On this particular day, the bear brought two carrots to visit the rabbit,” Ben Rivers paused, switching to a clumsy voice to embody the bear. “Is anyone home, little rabbit?”
“After what felt like ages, the rabbit finally hesitantly opened the door,” he switched back seamlessly to narrate, his voice brightening, tinged with an emotional edge while taking on the role of the timid rabbit. “I—I don’t want to go out today. I fear the big bad wolf.”
While holding the hand of his little listener, Lucy Star, he passionately told the story he had just crafted, switching between characters effortlessly.
Lucy was an excellent audience. She never rushed him nor interrupted, instead tilting her small head, captivated and attentive, her cherubic face brimming with admiration and expectation for Ben.
Her emotions flowed with the plot, erupting into sweet giggles during joyous moments, yet tightening her grip with tension during suspenseful ones.
Mr. Lee, from the orphanage, stood at the door, and Ben nodded to indicate that he needed just a moment longer.
He crouched down, adjusting Lucy's collar while concluding the story. “...In the end, the big bad wolf learned its lesson and never troubled the creatures of the forest again.”
Mr. Lee watched him intently, unable to look away.
Three years prior, Ben, tall and handsome with pleasing features that seemed to leap from a novel, first arrived here with the Youth Volunteers Guild. His presence drew the eyes of numerous young teachers.
Regardless of how busy his studies or work became, Ben managed to carve out time each week to help out at the orphanage, saving his pennies to bring treats for the children.
As they spent more time together, the staff agreed that what was most captivating about Ben was his forever warm smile and his versatile voice.
And if that came attached to a good-looking frame, it was just icing on the cake; Ben raised the romantic standards significantly among the younger teachers over the years.
He ruffled Lucy Star’s soft, fine hair and stood up slowly.
Mr. Lee beckoned to the small child, waving her over. “Lucy Star, it’s time to go.”
Lucy looked from Mr. Lee to Ben, still gripping the corner of Ben's shirt tightly. Her bright, round eyes were filled with sweetness and reluctance, but she eventually loosened her hold, finger by finger, managing a brave smile that concealed tears. In her small voice, she cautioned, “Ben, you take care of yourself, okay?”

Chapter 2

Ben Rivers couldn't stand the sight of Lucy Star acting so well-behaved. Sometimes, he would have preferred it if she threw a tantrum, cried, or even lay on the ground kicking and screaming, rather than hide her true feelings like a child far too young to be so restrained.
Lucy Star was the first child he encountered at St. Joseph's Orphanage, and undoubtedly, she was the sweetest little girl there.
When they first met, little Lucy Star was lying in the corner of her crib, her tiny nose red from crying, and no one could comfort her. Yet, when she heard Ben's voice, she miraculously stopped crying, looked around for him, and wouldn’t let go of his finger.
That magical moment made Ben start to think seriously about adopting her.
Finally, this year, with his finances stable, he made the resolute decision to give Lucy Star a home—somewhere she would feel safe and free to be herself.
Ben pinched Lucy Star’s round little cheek and said, “Soon, very soon, I’ll come to pick you up.”
Only then did a soft smile break across her face as she waved at him.
As he walked down Willow Lane, it suddenly hit Ben how lonely it felt to be there without her.
It wasn’t just that Lucy Star couldn’t bear to be without him—he couldn’t bear to be without her either.
Just then, the buzz of his phone in his pocket broke through the melancholy. He remembered he had plans for the evening.
He had arranged to meet Victor Green, one of his few close friends. They had known each other for almost ten years, and he trusted Victor implicitly—he had consulted with him on every aspect of the adoption plan.
On the other end of the line, the din of a busy background filled the air as Victor shouted, “Ben, where are you?”
With a rich, deep voice and a calm, steady demeanor, Ben replied, “I’ll be there in forty-five minutes.”
Despite the fact he had another hour until their agreed meetup time, Victor had arrived early.
After hanging up, Ben quickened his pace, nearly breaking into a run. He hated keeping people waiting.
Suddenly, he stopped, turned sharply, and scanned the rows of trees lining the path, his eyes darting back and forth. He had felt something… a strange gaze following him for the last few months. Each time he paused, he found nothing.
Now, he tried to memorize the license plates of the cars parked nearby, yet nothing looked familiar.
For a moment, he entertained the crazy thought that maybe a ghost was trailing him, leaving him on edge.
He hurried to North Quarter Tavern, Victor’s favorite spot, yet it felt unfamiliar to Ben.
Socializing wasn’t really his thing; he moved through life from his home to work and back again, much like a high school student.
His lean figure slipped through the colorful lights, dodging clusters of lively patrons until he finally perched on a barstool across from Victor. He ordered a lemonade from the barmaid.
Forty minutes faster than expected.
Victor shrugged, watching Ben with mild amusement.
Since college, Ben had been like this—an ethereal being who seemed to float above earthly concerns, yet also a diligent worker.
“Since you’re here, you sure you don’t want a drink?” Victor asked, glancing at the bartender.
“I’m driving,” Ben replied, chugging his drink, proving just how rushed he was.
Victor had anticipated that response; he had witnessed Ben drink only once in the summer after high school, since then, Ben had maintained a state of sobriety and detachment.
Victor pulled a stack of documents from his briefcase and handed it to Ben, then snatched it back just as quickly when Ben reached for it.
Ben raised an eyebrow, his bright, doe-like eyes full of innocence, his slender dark brows arched slightly.
Victor sighed, “Are you really serious about this? You’re only twenty-four. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
Ben’s gaze was unwavering, “Yes.”
“You can’t be thinking of just finding someone to marry on a whim?”
“What other choice do I have?”
None. They had been discussing this for more than half a year.
According to current adoption laws, you had to be married to adopt a child. There was no other way around it.
Reluctantly, he handed the papers to Ben, containing profiles of potential brides he had carefully selected from a dating site.
“Thanks, Victor,” Ben whispered, pulling the documents out to scan, his voice calm but laced with solace.
“Victor, you know that ever since Lucy Star was a year old and moved into the orphanage, I’ve visited her whenever I could. We grew used to each other; she needs me, and I need her. I want to take care of her.”
“And don’t forget, I’ve been thinking about this for over a year. I’ve even tried dating…” He glanced at Victor, a touch sheepish. “But I haven’t found anyone.”
Victor scoffed lightly; it was hard to imagine Ben actually dating anyone.
Ben had been harboring a crush since middle school—someone tall and handsome with broad shoulders, sparkling clear eyes, a bright smile… the very definition of a crush.
The first two traits were acceptable; the last two were too subjective—Victor had never heard Ben describe anyone in such glowing terms before.
Before Ben could finish reviewing the first document, Victor handed him a second one. “Prenuptial agreement. Take a look.”
As a lawyer, Victor was confident this agreement would protect Ben’s interests in terms of both personal and financial matters.
“Well, if there’s a prenup, why not find someone you know instead of a stranger?”
“A familiar face could be even better.”
“Like me?” Victor teased.
Ben recognized Victor’s voice, but he couldn’t focus on what he was saying.
Because once again, he felt that gaze upon him, sharp and piercing.
For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, though he had never proven this stare’s reality, he sensed that its owner was feeling a bit angry.

Chapter 3

Ben Rivers felt a surge of anger rising within him, akin to a ripe duck ready to take off—intense and filled with a sense of foreboding.
He hesitated before turning around, much like he wouldn’t dare to make a sudden move in the closing hour of the day.
He was afraid of meeting those lurking eyes, that would draw a beast from the shadows into the light and officially declare war, even though he had no idea what he was fighting for.
Shifting slightly, he raised his coffee cup, taking a careful sip. This small act allowed him to sneak a glance over his shoulder.
Nothing. Still nothing.
Settling back into his chair, he realized Victor Green was still waiting for a response from him.
“Uh-huh. So, Victor, what were you saying?”
Victor's expression visibly crumpled, and after what felt like an eternity, he gritted out, “Nothing.”
It turned out that what he mustered the courage to say hadn’t even registered with Ben.
With no interest in prolonging the conversation, Ben stood up and handed Victor a few hastily chosen papers. “Let’s stick with these. I need to head out.”
Victor nodded. “Remember, the café by the university the day after tomorrow. Bring the prenup.”
“Sure thing.” Ben patted Victor’s shoulder. “Don’t stay out too late; drink a little less.”
As he stood, someone else rose from the corner of the bar, someone who left a bit earlier than him.
It was a bustling time at the North Quarter Tavern—with dim, seductive lighting dancing across patrons, and loud music reverberating as groups of friends animatedly debated where to head next.
Ben found himself moving against the tide of patrons flowing toward the entrance, feeling markedly out of place.
His car was parked a bit far, prompting a journey through a narrow alleyway.
The ambiance shifted as he stepped into the alley; the gaiety from the tavern faded significantly as he heard footsteps trailing behind him, gaining clarity and volume.
One step, two steps, three steps…
The footsteps sped up, closing the distance.
Before Ben could find a suitable weapon for defense and brace himself, someone abruptly grabbed his arm, shoving him against the wall.
Instantly, a tall figure loomed over him, a powerful hand covering half of his face.
Ben's limbs felt restrained, and the air grew thin as panic kicked in, his heart racing in response to the sudden threat, cold sweat soaking his back.
Fortunately, the man noticed Ben's distress and eased his grip, allowing him to breathe again.
Though not far from the main street of The Tavern, where upbeat music and chatter was still faintly audible, this man felt like he was conjured from a chilling nightmare, severing the connection between the alley and the world outside.
He seemed to be waiting for some moment.
Suddenly, he bent down and kissed...
“Come on, give me a kiss.”
The kiss didn’t land on Ben's lips, but rather on the back of the man's hand.
Nonetheless, his body language suggested they were sharing a passionate and lingering moment.
The unwarranted intimacy prompted Ben to struggle fiercely.
Though he couldn't break free from the man's grasp, he caught a glimpse of his features.
He stood a head taller than Ben, with a sturdier build, his chiseled jawline sharp and elegant.
His skin was pale, not in a healthy way, but more like someone who’d been cooped up indoors for years, drained of color and vitality.
Then, Ben inadvertently met those eyes.
Those were classic almond-shaped eyes, with elongated outer corners that slightly arched upwards—a shape that could be beautiful. But in this moment, those stark black-and-white eyes held a warning, as if signaling that any further movement on Ben's part would provoke something far worse.
Ben gazed into those eyes, his struggle ceasing in an instant.

Chapter 4

Ben Rivers wasn't intimidated by the man; instead, he was suddenly reminded of the older brother who had helped him at the back entrance of their middle school. He had kept the memory of that brother close to his heart, always on his mind.
These two men couldn’t be more different—their gazes and presence entirely distinct, with hardly a common thread between them. Over the years, the brother's image had grown blurry in his mind, leaving only a rough outline filled with all the emotions he had invested over time.
But for some reason, the moment his gaze met that pair of eyes, the memory of his brother came rushing back into focus, sharp and detailed.
This priceless feeling of suddenly reclaiming a lost memory momentarily distracted Ben Rivers, leaving him to wonder when this bizarre scene had picked up an audience.
The “audience,” an unassuming bystander, was young and seemingly unprepared for the encounter. Caught off guard, they stood frozen, unsure whether to approach or flee.
Finally, the crazed man released Ben Rivers, dispersing some of his hostility. He slowly turned to the onlooker and barked, “Get lost.”
The bystander, seemingly catching up to the situation, hurriedly bowed their head as they retreated, uttering, “I… hope you find happiness.”
And then there were only the two of them left in the alley.
The man leaned against the wall beside Ben, his grip still tight around Ben's wrist, refusing to let him leave. With desperation, his left hand searched his pockets, the urgency mounting as sweat beaded on his forehead. He was visibly struggling to remain upright, slipping down the wall in slight increments.
Ben watched all of this unfold and could sense how difficult it was for the man to remain standing.
Deciding to set aside their previous grievances, he quietly asked, “Do you need help?”
“Don’t speak.”
“But if you—”
“I said don’t talk!”
The sheer force behind those words, spat out through gritted teeth, startled Ben Rivers.
He stared at the man, whose face had drained of color, as if he were undergoing some kind of excruciating torment.
Finally, after a few tense seconds, the man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a pair of earbuds. His hand trembled as he struggled twice before successfully plugging them into his phone, opening an audio file without much finesse.
Ben, stuck in the alley, felt the weight of the silence as he accompanied the man through this inexplicable moment—ten agonizing minutes passed, and only as the man’s tension began to fade did he seem to regain his composure.
The man removed the earbuds and stood directly in front of Ben, his gaze unwavering as he took stock of him from head to toe. His eyes finally settled on Ben’s glowing phone screen. “Are you going to call the police?”
Instinctively, Ben shook his head. He hadn’t considered calling the cops; he had just wanted to help him call an ambulance. Besides, how would he even explain what just happened? “Excuse me, officer, I was almost kissed by a stranger?” It seemed absurd.
The man appeared satisfied with this answer, releasing Ben's wrist and producing a gold business card, offering it to him. “I’m sorry for how things went down, but I can take responsibility.”
Responsibility. For what? Ben had no interest in his hollow sense of accountability.
He glanced at the card but did not reach for it. Instead, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the man to watch him exit the alley.
That night, Ben struggled to find rest. He tossed and turned, not once falling into a deep sleep. His thoughts replayed his memories like snapshots—a moment of junior high mixed with tonight's strange events, creating a tangled mess in his mind that was impossible to unravel.
By six in the morning, he rolled out of bed.
His mother, Lilith West, was getting ready for her morning routine when she spotted Ben emerging from his room and stepped aside for him to use the bathroom. “Little Ray, you had another late shift at the station, didn’t you?”
Ben offered a simple “Mm-hmm,” choosing not to elaborate further.
The more he spoke, the more trouble he might invite.
He wasn’t working at a radio station at all; he was an online voice actor. A profession his traditional parents found hard to comprehend, especially with its instability. To ease their worries, he had spun a lovely tale that had slipped past scrutiny for two years.
With time ticking before his work began, Ben decided to accompany Lilith to the morning market.
The early sunlight was warm yet gentle, the air fragrant with earth, making everything feel refreshing.
The local market lay just outside the north gate of their community, and as they walked, they encountered familiar faces. Ben was the only young adult in sight.
Each passerby praised Lilith for having Ben accompany her; in today’s world, a son willing to rise early and shop with his parents was truly a rare gem.
Growing up, Ben had always been the perfect example of the ideal child—excelling in academics, obedient, and dutiful, leaving his parents with hardly a worry.
As soon as they stepped out of the community, they spotted Mr. Lee returning from grocery shopping.
She lived alone, and Ben's parents often helped her with errands, so she enthusiastically insisted on handing them a few freshly picked peaches.
Lilith, quite unable to decline, accepted the offer with gratitude.
Mr. Lee then beamed, patting Ben’s arm. “Look at your Little Ray, so wonderful, always here for you two. Unlike my son, who settled overseas ages ago, and barely comes back twice a year.”
Ben feigned ignorance to the boastfulness in her tone, smiling politely. “Uncle Lee’s son is making big bucks abroad.”
“For sure!” she chuckled, joy lighting up her face. “By the way, Little Ray, don’t you still have no girlfriend? What’s your type? Grandma can set you up!”
Ben peeked at Lilith, unsure of how to navigate this topic, but thankfully she quickly caught on to his distress and diverted the conversation elsewhere.
Though same-sex marriage had become legalized and LGBTQ+ families could adopt children, these concepts were still challenging for elderly family members to grasp.
Even Lilith and Ben’s father, Sarah Winter, had taken over a year of gentle persuasion to come to terms with Ben wanting to marry a man.
As they continued their walk through the market, the sun shined warmly down on them, framing a moment that felt both ordinary and uniquely precious.

Chapter 5

They accepted it, but that didn’t mean they wanted anyone else to know.
This was the only thing Ben Rivers had done that hadn’t made his parents proud.
But he felt there was no other choice; this was the answer he arrived at after much internal struggle and careful thought.
After a long goodbye with Mrs. Lee, Lilith West finally linked her arm with Ben Rivers', officially joining the throngs of shoppers at the morning market.
As she scanned the stalls brimming with produce, she lowered her voice and said, “Ben, let’s just focus on living our lives.”
Ben Rivers nodded.
He knew Lilith didn’t have to say it out loud, but the unspoken message was clear: don’t let others gossip.
After all, in this quaint neighborhood, his choices would be scrutinized and discussed endlessly.
So, he had to keep the emotional aspect of his life well-hidden, not revealing even the slightest hint. That way, he could uphold his parents’ understanding nature.
The two of them walked in silence for a while, before Lilith West suddenly thought of something. She released his arm and headed over to a nearby butcher stall. “Ben, how about your mom makes you tomato braised beef tonight? It’s been ages since we had it.”
Ben Rivers nodded again.
The butcher stall was busy, filled with people. It took Lilith a good while to squeeze her way inside, using a plastic bag to handle the different cuts of meat.
Ben lingered outside the crowd, feeling somewhat lost. Besides helping her carry things, he didn’t know what else to do.
Suddenly, he heard a car horn.
The driver hadn’t honked loudly, and the sound quickly faded amidst the market’s chatter.
But he heard it.
Not only did he hear it, but he pinpointed its source.
As he suspected, the man from last night had parked by the Community Gate, leaning against the hood of his car. When their eyes met, he waved.
Ben quickly turned his head away, not wanting to look back.
He remembered the license plate; he had seen it yesterday when he dropped Lucy Star off. It was parked almost directly across from him.
Why was he being targeted?
It was unsettling to think that the man might have been tailing him since last night, waiting here all night long.
Curiosity got the better of him, and Ben turned his head back.
The man had already moved to the passenger side, and when their eyes locked, he opened the door in a gesture that said, “Please join me.”
When Ben merely looked at him, unmoving, the man shrugged helplessly, then promptly shut the door and started walking toward Ben.
That was too far; Ben couldn’t allow that. He didn’t know what the man wanted or what he would do, but he couldn’t let him appear in front of Lilith West, especially not with familiar neighbors around.
“Mom, stay here for a moment,” Ben warned, glaring at the man before turning to Lilith. “I’ll go check out the potatoes over there.”
He deliberately skirted around the vegetable stall, waiting for the right moment before dashing back.
To his surprise, the man he had just warned really returned to his car, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth when he thought Ben wasn’t watching.
“Ethan Shaw,” Ben said, his voice typically steady but currently edged with urgency as he caught his breath. “I think we made our intentions very clear last night.”
Ethan Shaw paused briefly upon hearing the name, but quickly opened the door again, inviting Ben to step inside.
He had handed Ben his business card yesterday, though it had not been accepted. Still, Ben remembered his name.
The door stood open, and neither moved, caught in a stalemate for a minute. Finally, Ben reluctantly slid into the car.
He didn’t want to get in, but it was unavoidable. The two of them standing there was too conspicuous; every passerby stole glances.
“Ben,” Ethan said, leaning over the passenger door, blocking Ben from staring outside. He adopted the tone Ben had used earlier, “I made my intentions clear last night: I will take responsibility.”
Ben pressed his lips together, saying nothing.
He hadn’t shared his last name with Ethan; how did the man know he was Ben?
Ethan was not only following him but had also looked into his background.
When he didn’t get the response he wanted, Ethan leaned closer, almost pressing against Ben’s shoulder, using the most tempting proposition to draw him in. “We can get married.”
For reasons Ben couldn’t explain, the seriousness in Ethan’s words felt more profound than anything he had said before.
It was as if this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision made last night but something he had been planning for a long time, just like Ben's desire to adopt Lucy Star.
Ben shifted back slightly, tilting his head up to meet Ethan’s gaze.
It wasn’t just his imagination; Ethan resembled the person he had always had in his heart.
The same sharp eyebrows and alluring eyes, an equally defined nose, and even their lips held some resemblance.
But there were also vast differences.
Ben recalled the person leaning against the alleyway wall, bathed in sunlight, eyes clear and bright like a lake after rain, offering a sense of safety and warmth with their smile.
Ethan Shaw, however, seemed cloaked in a dark intensity, particularly in those eyes of his—deep and mysterious, hinting at something monstrous lurking within.
“What do you say?”
Ethan gave Ben plenty of time to think, but as Ben’s mind wandered, Ethan's sudden question pulled him back, leaving him scrambling for coherence. Almost against his will, he felt inclined to answer submissively.
Ben realized that Ethan had a powerful presence, effortlessly imposing his logic onto others, skillfully leading them into his carefully set traps.
Fortunately, a sudden silence fell between them, giving Ben time to collect himself.
Feeling overly exposed in their current position, he shifted back a bit, taking a discreet deep breath.

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