Hello~! I have a LADS request that's inspired by some manga stories from Youtube. Basically MC had a previous relationship with a mob bf that ended because he cheated on her. While waiting to meet up with the LADS men, said ex coincidentally shows up with the girl he cheated on MC with and they start mocking her for her "single" status, her work, etc. How do each of the LADS men react to her struggling to keep it together in front of this jerk? (Could you have MC & LADS men be in an established relationship and they are somewhat aware of this mob ex) Thank you for your time~!
Author’s Note: I know these kinds of manga, anime, and dramas are cliché, but I eat them up every single time. They're my guilty pleasure. 😅 Thanks so much for the request - I had so much fun writing these! 🤩
Synopsis : Your ex cheated. He mocked you. He thought he'd won. Unfortunately for him, you moved on - and upgraded.
A collection of Love and Deepspace drabbles featuring the men who chose you, protected you, and made sure the person who hurt you understood exactly what they lost.
Pairing: all LIs separately, including Valko x reader
Trigger/content warnings: established relationship, fluff, protective LIs, mocking/bullying/belittling (not by the LIs, don’t panic), hurt/confort (kind of)
Note: I used the same name for both the ex-boyfriend (Lorenzo) and his mistress (Narcissa), but consider each drabble not interconnected (aka separate branches)
WHERE YOU ARE CHERISHED
XAVIER (word count: 637)
You stand behind the counter at Philo, the flower shop, putting away the supplies from the day’s bouquet orders.
In the back, Jeremiah is in the greenhouse, tending to the flowers.
It is nearly closing time, and your boyfriend, Xavier, should be arriving any minute to pick you up.
You turn at the sound of the bell above the entrance.
The smile on your face disappears the moment you see who has walked in.
Your ex-boyfriend Lorenzo with Narcissa, the woman he cheated on you with, hanging possessively from his arm.
“Oh, how cute,” Narcissa says, fixing you with a smug smile. “You’re still working here.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” you reply, doing your best to sound unaffected. “I love my job.”
“I suppose you have to say that,” she sighs dramatically. “It’s not like being a florist is an impressive career.”
“At least I have a career,” you answer with an innocent smile. “Being unemployed in this day and age isn’t exactly a good look.”
Narcissa falls silent, a scowl twisting her features.
Lorenzo is connected to the mob - a fact you had been mortified to discover. The connection comes with wealth, and unlike you, Narcissa has no objections to enjoying every cent of it.
“I see your so-called career is still limited to things that wilt in a week,” Lorenzo finally speaks.
He takes a few steps forward, glancing around the shop with obvious disinterest.
“Cute little place,” he adds. “Smells like a funeral home.”
He wrinkles his nose.
“You actually enjoy playing in the dirt and selling weeds to people?”
Narcissa laughs softly behind him.
You glare at him.
Mocking you is one thing, but you will not let them insult Philo. This shop is Jeremiah’s pride and joy.
Before you can fire back, a familiar voice cuts through the tension.
Xavier steps out from the back entrance. He must have teleported into the greenhouse, probably giving Jeremiah a heart attack as usual.
“I’m sorry,” he says calmly, “but the shop is closed. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Says who?” Lorenzo asks, looking him up and down. “Are you the owner?”
Xavier walks over to you and threads his fingers through yours.
He shakes his head. “No.”
Narcissa smirks. “Found yourself a new boyfriend? How adorable.”
To be fair, Xavier does have a harmless, cute appearance.
However, for their sake, it’s fortunate they aren’t wanderers.
“Then who are you to tell us to leave?” Lorenzo crosses his arms. “We’re paying customers.”
“But you haven’t placed an order or purchased anything,” Xavier replies in a soft, deadpan tone. “So technically, that statement is false.”
You can’t hold back a snicker at his response. The fact that Xavier delivers the remark in such a calm, gentle voice only makes it funnier.
“As the owner,” Jeremiah says, emerging from the back while pulling off his gardening gloves, “I also have to ask you to leave.”
Lorenzo and Narcissa look at the three of you, and with an irritated click of his tongue, Lorenzo opens the door, clearly deciding their little visit isn’t worth extending. He lets Narcissa step out first, then pauses in the doorway and looks back over his shoulder.
“Just remember,” he says, “I could buy this entire block and turn it into a parking lot by Friday.”
With those parting words, he slams the door behind him so hard that it rattles on its hinges.
You turn to Jeremiah with a weary expression.
“He wasn’t lying, you know.”
“You don’t have to worry, Starlight,” Xavier says, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze. “We’ve dealt with worse people than him.”
“Xavier’s right,” Jeremiah adds with a smile. “And besides, I’ve dug up enough dirt on that man to bury him in paperwork if he ever dares show his face around here again.”
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ZAYNE (word count: 774)
Glancing down at your phone, you quicken your pace as you hurry down the street.
Unfortunately, an indecisive customer had held you back at work, and now you were running fifteen minutes behind for your date with Zayne.
He had already texted to say he was waiting at the bakery.
When you messaged him to apologize for being late, he replied with a simple No worries. You knew Zayne was not the kind of man who would get angry over something like this, but you had a personal vendetta against tardiness. You hated being late.
With your attention fixed on your phone, you collide with someone.
“I’m so sorry,” you blurt out immediately. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“Still as clumsy as ever.”
The familiar voice sends a shiver down your spine.
Slowly, you lift your head.
Standing in front of you is Lorenzo, your mobster ex-boyfriend. Beside him stands Narcissa, the woman he cheated on you with, her hand entwined with his.
“Long time no see,” Narcissa drawls, smiling like a cat that has caught the cream. “What’s the rush?”
“I’m late for a meeting,” you answer automatically, gesturing toward the bakery across the street.
You immediately curse yourself.
Why did you answer her? It’s not as if she actually cared, and you certainly had no desire to talk to either of them. Damn your reflexive politeness.
Narcissa follows your gaze.
“A bakery?” Are you sure you need sweets?”
Her eyes turn back to you linger on your figure.
“You’re looking a little… chubby.”
She pokes your stomach.
Lorenzo chuckles beside her.
“It’s unlike you to be late,” he says. “You were always so punctual.”
“I got held up by a customer at work,” you reply.
“Ew,” Narcissa says, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “I could never buy something out of fashion, let alone secondhand.”
She swings her designer handbag casually, as if it proves her point.
You tilt your head at her in mild confusion.
Yes, you work at a secondhand clothing store, but it specializes in vintage pieces - items that can be just as valuable as something brand new.
“My love, who are your friends?”
Zayne’s voice cuts through the conversation as he approaches from the side.
He had been sitting by the bakery window and noticed you through the glass. One look at your tense posture had been enough for him to realize you were uncomfortable.
“Zayne?” you blink up at him, startled that you had not noticed him approaching. “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I was just about to excuse myself.”
Narcissa releases Lorenzo’s arm and steps forward, her expression transforming into a dazzling smile.
“Do I know you?” she asks sweetly. “You look oddly familiar.”
She bats her eyelashes and tosses her hair over one shoulder.
Your stomach sinks at the obvious attempt to flirt with Zayne.
Shameless. She is flirting with another man while standing right beside Lorenzo.
“I’m Dr. Zayne Li,” Zayne says politely. “I’m the chief cardiac surgeon and a medical researcher at Asko Hospital. It’s possible you’ve seen me on television or in an article.”
“How does a respected surgeon know someone like her?” she asks, shooting you a pointed look.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, Dr. Li,” Lorenzo finally says, extending his hand. “I’m Lorenzo. I’ve made several substantial donations to Asko Hospital.”
Zayne begrudgingly shakes it.
“I’m Lorenzo. I’m known to make quite substantial donations to Asko Hospital,” he says, clearly taking pride in the statement.
“If I’m ever in need of medical assistance, I know I’ll be in capable hands.”
“I hope you and your partner live healthy lives and never require a trip to Asko Hospital,” Zayne replies calmly.
His expression remains composed, but his stare turns ice cold.
“My hands can save a life just as easily as they can take one.”
Both Lorenzo and Narcissa visibly pale as the meaning sinks in.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us,” Zayne says, slipping his hand into yours, “my fiancée and I have a date to get to.”
Only then do Lorenzo and Narcissa notice the engagement ring on your finger.
Without another glance or word, Zayne guides you toward the bakery.
“Zayne,” you say quietly, “can we get the pastries to go? I’d rather go home.”
“If that’s what you want,” he replies, opening the bakery door for you. “If you’re feeling upset, we can leave.”
“It’s not that,” you say, shaking your head.
“I’m simply in the mood for a different kind of treat.”
You wink and slip inside the bakery.
Zayne follows, the tips of his ears turning a distinct shade of pink.
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RAFAYEL (word count : 490)
You stand in front of a painting at Flux Arts, openly admiring the artwork while casually sipping from a tall glass of champagne.
Earlier, you had been happily chatting with Thomas, but he had been called away to handle other guests.
“I thought these exhibitions were reserved for VIP clients?”
A familiar voice sounds from behind you.
You sigh quietly and turn around to find Narcissa standing there, with none other than your cheating ex-boyfriend, Lorenzo, holding her by the waist.
“Breaking and entering is considered a crime,” Lorenzo adds.
“As if you have any right to lecture anyone about laws,” you mutter into your glass.
To clarify your statement, Lorenzo is a mobster.
“Do you even know anything about art?” Lorenzo asks, clearly unimpressed by your earlier comment.
“Coming from a man who can’t even draw a stick figure,” you mutter under your breath.
“Considering I own and run an art supply store, I’d like to believe I know a thing or two,” you say.
“Well, these paintings are far beyond your pay grade,” Narcissa mocks. “The most you can do is stand here and admire them.”
She smiles smugly.
“Unlike me. I only have to say the word, and the painting is mine. Isn’t that right, honey?”
She looks up at Lorenzo with an overly sweet smile.
“Anything for my darling,” he replies, smiling down at her.
You visibly fight the urge to gag.
“Entertaining guests, Cutie?”
Rafayel’s voice appears beside you as he casually wraps an arm around your waist.
“You must be the artist, Rafayel,” Lorenzo says, raising his champagne glass in greeting. “Perfect timing. I’d like to discuss the possibility of purchasing some of your artwork.”
Rafayel hums thoughtfully, pretending to consider the offer.
“What do you say to that, Cutie?” he asks, giving you a playful smile.
You return it.
“I find these individuals unworthy of your masterpieces.”
“With all due respect, Mr. Rafayel,” Lorenzo says, gesturing toward you with his glass, “I don’t think this woman - your assistant, no doubt - has any say in the matter.”
“My bride,” Rafayel corrects smoothly. “My bride has every say in this matter.”
His smile remains pleasant, but his eyes sharpen.
“Not to mention, the paintings reject you as their owner. Their colors clash with your soul.”
Spotting Thomas approaching, Rafayel waves him over.
“Thomas, please show these guests to the exit.”
With a dismissive wave, he guides you away from Lorenzo and Narcissa.
You force the two of you to stop, then glance back over your shoulder.
“Who needs money for the painting when I have the actual painter?”
You grin smugly.
“Your taste in the past was truly tragic. Your ex is nothing more than a monochrome blur compared to this vivid masterpiece.”
He gestures dramatically to himself.
You roll your eyes playfully and nudge his shoulder.
“True, but let’s not forget that your private collection was missing its ultimate masterpiece before I came along.”
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SYLUS (word count : 547)
You sit at a table in a restaurant overlooking the vibrant nightlife of Linkon City, surrounded by warm ambient lighting and the soft melody of the live band playing in the background.
You swirl the red wine in your glass, waiting for your partner, Sylus, to arrive.
Unfortunately, he had been held up in the N109 Zone, dealing with a matter concerning Onychinus.
Since you were already on your way to the restaurant - courtesy of Luke and Kieran, who had driven you there - you decided to simply wait for him rather than change your plans.
“Well, well, well. Who do we have here?”
A grating voice sounds from beside you.
You slowly turn in your chair, crossing one leg over the other as you look toward the source.
The woman standing there is none other than Narcissa - the dreadful parasite your ex-boyfriend decided was better than you and cheated on you with.
Beside her stands Lorenzo, dressed in a dark tailored suit. Statement jewelry adorns his hands and wrist, and a heavy overcoat hangs over his shoulders despite the middle of summer.
A year ago, you might have found the sight unbearably attractive.
Now?
You only find it pathetic, like he is trying far too hard to maintain his image as a mobster.
“What are you doing in a luxury establishment like this?” Lorenzo asks, his annoyance clear at seeing you. “As if you could afford to eat somewhere like this.”
Before you can respond, a waiter approaches.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Qin,” he says politely. “Is everything alright here?”
His eyes briefly flick toward Lorenzo and Narcissa.
“Everything is alright,” you reassure him with a smile.
The waiter hesitates for a moment, but eventually gives a polite nod and leaves.
“Mrs. Qin?” Lorenzo raises an eyebrow. “That’s not your name.”
“Designer clothes,” Narcissa says, taking in your outfit. “No doubt, fake.”
“Luxury restaurant. Fake name.”
She counts each point off on her fingers.
“I get it,” she says excitedly. “You’re here with a sugar daddy, aren’t you?”
“Takes one to know one,” you reply, glaring at her.
Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Sylus approaching the table.
His expression says, Who are these people?
You stand and loop your arm through his.
“Lorenzo, Narcissa, allow me to introduce my sugar daddy…”
“…also known as my husband, Sylus Qin.”
You smile smugly.
Sylus lets out a low chuckle.
“Sylus Qin?” Lorenzo stumbles over the name. “As in… the Sylus?”
“Did you say husband?” Narcissa repeats.
“Lorenzo, was it?” Sylus addresses him directly.
“Ah, yes. I recall your name coming up a few times. The sewer rat that has been causing trouble in the N109 Zone.”
Lorenzo’s face pales beneath Sylus’s intimidating gaze.
Even Narcissa instinctively steps behind him, using him as a shield.
Despite Lorenzo’s reputation, he is no match for Sylus’s overwhelming presence.
“I suggest you leave my restaurant,” Sylus says, taking a slow step forward, “while I’m still asking nicely.”
Lorenzo and Narcissa waste no time leaving, practically fleeing from the restaurant.
You can’t help but find the sight amusing.
Sylus looks down at you, a teasing smirk forming on his lips.
“So, you finally admit that I’m your sugar daddy.”
“Oh, hush,” you reply, your cheeks turning a bright shade of red.
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CALEB (word count : 653)
You wait patiently outside Farspace Fleet headquarters.
Despite being located in the highest district of Skyhaven, surrounded by elite security measures and under strict military control, you have no trouble entering.
All thanks to the authority granted to you through your boyfriend, Farspace Colonel Caleb.
After spending two weeks away on a mission deep within the Deepspace tunnels, he finally returned today.
You weren’t patient enough to wait for him at home, so you decided to come meet him instead.
Caleb’s adjutant, Liam, greeted you upon arrival. He informed you that the colonel would be with you shortly before leaving to attend to whatever duties required his attention.
From across the way, you spot someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
Someone you never expected to see here.
Lorenzo.
Your ex-boyfriend.
As a mobster, you knew his criminal organization operated through various front corporations. But you never imagined he had connections within the Farspace Fleet.
Unfortunately, he notices you as well.
With the same arrogant confidence you remember, he approaches.
“I thought the Hunters Association and Farspace Fleet had a strained relationship,” he remarks as he stops directly in front of you.
You know he won’t attempt anything here. Not surrounded by Farspace military personnel.
Yet, despite that, he still makes you uneasy.
When you first met Lorenzo, you thought he was everything you wanted.
Handsome. Charming. A gentleman.
He had taken a particular interest in your position at the Hunters Association, specifically your work in the Armory Department - the department responsible for maintaining and servicing weapons used by Deepspace Hunters.
At the time, you thought he admired your skills and knowledge.
You were wrong.
He had been using your expertise for illegal purposes.
When you discovered the truth, you confronted him and demanded to walk away.
But Lorenzo threatened you.
If you left, he would expose your involvement and tell the Hunters Association about the assistance you had unknowingly provided him.
The discovery that he had also been cheating on you with one of his informants, Narcissa, was the cherry on top.
It wasn’t until you met Caleb that Lorenzo finally disappeared from your life.
To this day, you still have no idea what Caleb did or said to make him back off.
Though you have no doubt his position as colonel had something to do with it.
“I’ll admit, I’m impressed,” Lorenzo says, sounding almost sincere. “I didn’t think you had it in you to seek assistance from the Farspace Colonel.”
Suddenly, Lorenzo drops to his knees, his head forced downward.
You would recognize Caleb’s Evol anywhere.
“I thought the first and last time I saw you, I warned you to stay away.”
Caleb’s voice comes from behind him.
Low.
Deep.
Dangerous.
His eyes are dark as he stares down at Lorenzo.
“Did you come here to make me regret my decision to spare your life?”
Lorenzo groans as Caleb’s Evol presses him further into the concrete.
Then, just as quickly as it began, Caleb releases him.
Turning toward Liam, Caleb gives a simple command.
“Take out the trash and ensure he never steps foot here again.”
“Understood.”
Liam grabs Lorenzo and forces him to his feet before dragging him away.
The moment they are gone, Caleb’s entire posture changes.
The cold authority of the colonel disappears, replaced by his familiar boyish grin.
“Hey, Babe. Miss me?”
His voice turns light and playful.
As if what just happened was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
You jump into his arms, knocking his visor cap to the ground in the process.
Caleb catches you effortlessly, wrapping his arms securely around your waist.
You kiss him until you’re both breathless.
“We’re going straight home,” you say in one breath. “You will only speak to me in your colonel voice, and the uniform stays on.”
Caleb blinks before a slow smile spreads across his face.
“Yes, ma’am.”
He gives you a playful nod.
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VALKO (word count : 606)
You fidget in an armchair located in the lobby of EonCore Tech.
You’re waiting for the chairman - your boyfriend, Valko - to finish his work.
The two of you have plans to spend the weekend at his cabin.
Since Valko is a wolf hybrid, he absolutely loves nature and feels most at home surrounded by the wilderness of the forest.
You shift your gaze to the side when you hear the rustling of paper.
Several feet away, a woman sits flipping through a magazine she picked up from the coffee table.
She looks familiar, but it isn’t until she lifts her head that recognition settles in.
Narcissa.
Of all the people you could have run into…
It had to be her.
The sly fox who your ex-boyfriend, Lorenzo, cheated on you with.
Uncrossing her legs, she places the magazine down and gives you her signature smile.
“Fancy seeing you here,” she says.
“Here to apply for a job?”
You remain silent.
“Word of advice,” she continues. “I’d save myself the embarrassment and cancel the interview. As if a small 9-to-5 office worker like yourself has anything to offer a company like this.”
You refuse to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
Unfortunately, your silence does nothing to discourage her.
“Lorenzo, my fiancé…”
She lifts her hand, proudly displaying the enormous diamond ring on her finger.
“…is currently upstairs speaking with the chairman about a possible partnership.”
Your stomach sinks and you can only hope that whatever deal or proposal Lorenzo is trying to make, Valko will dismiss it immediately.
Speak of the devil.
The doors to the elevator open, and Lorenzo storms into the lobby.
He looks furious, practically stomping his way forward like a child throwing a tantrum.
Narcissa stops talking and jumps to her feet, a bright smile appearing on her face.
“Babe, how did it go?” she asks, completely oblivious to his mood.
“Rejected,” Lorenzo snaps.
“The chairman cut me off before I even had a chance to finish.”
His angry gaze shifts toward you, who is quietly attempting to slip away unnoticed.
“You.”
“What are you doing here?”
His frustration turns toward you.
“If you’re here for a job, you could have at least dressed the part,” he scoffs.
“Your figure is the only thing you have going for you.”
“Sunshine, sorry to make you wait.”
Strong arms wrap around your waist from behind, and Valko affectionately nuzzles against your neck.
Lorenzo stares at the display of affection in confusion before realization slowly dawns on him. His entire expression changes.
The arrogance disappears, replaced by politeness and professionalism.
“Mr. Ao,” he says carefully. “Is this woman your partner, perhaps?”
“What a coincidence. She and I go way back. We’re old friends.”
Lucky for you, even without words, Valko can sense your emotions through the mating bond.
His sharp wolf-like instincts also makes it impossible for him to miss an obvious lie.
“I knew who you were the moment you walked into my office,” Valko says calmly.
Naturally, Valko already knows about your history with Lorenzo and Narcissa.
He was the one who helped free you from that man’s control.
“You are banned from ever stepping foot inside EonCore Tech again.”
His voice lowers into a warning growl.
He takes your hand and leads you toward the exit. Before leaving, you glance back.
“Word of advice, Narcissa,” you say.
“Once a cheater, always a cheater.”
“He cheated on me. There’s nothing stopping him from doing the same to you.”
Lorenzo gives you a dark glare.
Narcissa, however, only stares at you uneasily.
Because somewhere deep down, she knows your words might be true.
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Author’s Note: Please know that unless I send an answer declining your request, it will get written eventually. Thank you all so much for your support, your patience, and for trusting me with your ideas. ❤️
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