Chapter 136: You’re Leaving Without Saying Goodbye

Zara ’Why does he have such a magical mouth?’ Nova amused.

’Yes, I’d never lost control like this in front of a man.’ I chuckled.

"At least there are some advantages to being your fake girlfriend." I forced a smile, and a wrinkle appeared on his forehead.

’Did Alpha catch your sharp tone?’ Nova was sad.

’Ok, Alpha won’t kill us now, but we still have to be careful.’ Nova got angry at me.

"There aren’t just a few, there are a lot. Eat now, or do you want me to feed you soup right by your mouth?" Alpha Kane teased, and I quickly grabbed the spoon.

Alpha Kane tactfully steered the conversation toward the Winter Gala as we finished our soup. And thanks to the goddess, there was no mess in Alpha’s packs.

"Maximum media coverage will be useful for attracting new investors and clients. The world is completely digital," I added, sipping the thick drink.

"Yes, I’ve told the marketing team to be 100% prepared for this event. All media companies are invited, and you’ll be our new face this winter." Alpha Kane drummed his fingers on the table, a satisfied smile never leaving his face.

That thought also scared me a little; I wasn’t quite the right model. What if they hate me, and it creates a negative image for the company?

"I hope they don’t cut me too much," I said jokingly, finishing the rest of my soup.

"They’ll love you, Zara. You’ll see."

We both finished our soup, and I got up to clear the dishes. He insisted on helping me, even though there weren’t many.

"I can handle it."

I squeezed the sponge to create more bubbles and laughed heartily as the image of Alpha Kane with a broom popped into my head.

"A powerful Alpha CEO with a broom seems absurd to me now," I teased, nudging him with my elbow.

"Yes! Mom humiliated me. And she still does." He scooped a bubble onto his index finger and gently placed it on my nose.

I laughed heartily, and he gave me his rarest smile.

"That’s what moms do. It’s necessary for our growth."

Between our cheerful dishwashing and heartfelt conversations, we completed the task.

While Alpha dried his hands on a towel, the fear of being alone overwhelmed me, and the smile faded from my face. I knew Alpha Kane would leave any minute now and head back to his packhouse.

Seeing that I had gone silent, Alpha came up to me and took my hand.

"What happened?" His thumb gently touched the back of my hand.

I must look so pathetic; my heart was overwhelmed with the fear of being alone or separated from him. Tears threatened to well up in my eyes.

"Don’t go," I begged pitifully.

Damn, what’s wrong with me? What is Alpha thinking? That I’m turning into a whiny child. That was so unlike me.

What a beautiful smile lit up Alpha’s cupid-like lips in response to my plea. A smile that broke down all my defenses. A girl can resist and pretend to the limit, and I got my way.

"I never intended to." A heavy weight seemed to lift from my heart, and I wanted to hug him with relief.

Alpha quietly led me to a lounge chair and helped me settle in. Putting his strong arm around my shoulder, Alpha Kane pulled me close. Heat radiated from him like a furnace. I wouldn’t even need a blanket next to him.

"Let’s go watch a movie together. How about a romantic comedy?"

’Yeah, let’s add fuel to the fire.’ Nova amused.

"No, let’s watch an action movie. I want to get lost..." I suggested. Pressing myself against his chest, I wrapped my arms around his waist. I wanted to soak up as much of his affection as possible before this dreamy, waking reality collapsed.

"Let’s go." Alpha Kane grabbed the remote and turned on the action movie.

I couldn’t concentrate; I tried, but it was no use. I could only feel and focus on the sensation of his body pressed against mine. The gentle movement of his hand over mine.

Alpha Kane had a habit of stroking my hand, as if trying to relax me, and it always worked like the perfect lullaby. My eyes began to close, and soon I dozed off.

One day, I woke up when he moved me onto the bed and slid next to me, warming me under the covers.

"Hmmm," I purred sleepily, snuggling into his warm body.

"Sleep, beautiful..."

I don’t know why. After that.

He left the bed in a whisper, because I woke up alone, disappointed to the core.

Throwing off the covers, I jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I was desperately in need of a pee after yesterday’s soup.

Freshened up and changed, I left the room and was enveloped in the fragrant smell of cappuccino and freshly baked croissants.

Alpha Kane sat cross-legged at the table, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone. It must have been buzzing because we had a winter gala the next day.

Fresh and impeccably dressed in his office suit, this man was perfection itself. My poor heart sank, and my chest ached. The urge to rush to him and hug him pierced every fiber of my being.

I had to clench my fists to keep my arms close to my body and from reaching out to him.

He raised his head slightly, and his warm gaze found me. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?" Alpha asked tenderly, putting his phone aside.

The morning gradually turned into a good morning.

"Good morning! Yes, I slept." My gaze slid over the selection of food he’d ordered. "Did you order breakfast?" I walked over and settled into a chair.

"Yes, come in. It’s still warm." Alpha pointed, and I began to eat.

Alpha Kane glanced out of the corner of his eye now and then, like a caring mate, to see if I was eating enough.

If only this were reality, and not an illusion that would soon be shattered. Now I wasn’t even sure my heart could bear this pain. With a heavy heart, I cleared the table after eating.

Kaysir and I headed to the office.

On the way, I texted Ryan to ask when they would arrive so I could be home on time.

His message arrived instantly. {We’ll be there at 6:00 PM. We’ll pick up food on the way, so don’t worry. I know you’re busy.}

I smiled at my brother’s gesture.

{Okay, I’ll send Kaysir for you. See you soon.}

I turned to Alpha, putting my phone in my purse.

"I have to leave work at 5:30 PM today." We’d been working late, so we’d been getting home quite late lately.

Alpha Kane tensed slightly next to me before turning and speaking. His expression grew stern again.

"Kaysir will take you home." I nodded to him and turned away to look at the Sterling Empire. The digital billboard outside the entrance advertised our winter gala. My heart warmed.

We arrived at the office, and Alpha walked up the stairs with me. He was in great shape and not even breaking a sweat.

After dropping me off at the rehearsal room, he leaned over, kissed me tenderly on the cheek, and said, "I have a meeting, but we’ll see each other again."

I smiled as he left. The rest of the day flew by: last-minute rehearsals and checking everything was going according to plan.

Alpha joined us for rehearsals.

By 5:30 PM, I knew it was time to go. Alpha was very busy, so many people were around him, and everything was getting ready.

I quietly left the room to go home; as soon as I descended the first flight of stairs, someone grabbed my arm and pinned me against the wall.

"You’re leaving without saying goodbye." His growl made me shudder.