Zara

Anything to connect him to what happened and find out what he knew about me before I came into his life.

Conflicting thoughts, combined with immense emotional pain, kept me awake for a long time, until I finally did.

The next day, Asbela brought me breakfast into my room, and her gaze fell on my half-eaten plate from the night before. "You haven’t eaten?"

As I was fixing my hair, I looked at Asbela pleadingly and lied. "Can’t you tell him that? I’m trying to lose weight, and he’s constantly feeding me."

Asbela picked up the plate in surprise. "Are you on a diet? But why? You look great as you are."

I shook my head. "I need to lose a few pounds. Let’s keep it to ourselves, and if he asks, I’ve eaten properly."

Asbela was a real girl, because she nodded understandingly at me. After helping me with my morning chores, she handed me a sandwich.

"Just don’t starve yourself. Breakfast is important."

I thanked her heartily and left the room to go to the office with Kaysir.

’The devil was nowhere to be seen.’ Nova rolled her eyes.

’Alpha was either gone or would be back later.’ I replied to my wolf.

’Thanking our lucky stars, we hadn’t encountered him face to face.’ Nova amused.

I stepped outside into the cold, icy wind of late December. The wind was piercing, and I was glad I was wearing my coat and gloves.

I quickly settled into the car, but before we could pull out, the door opened from the other side, and Alpha rushed in.

The scent of his perfume assaulted my nostrils, making me nervous, and my heart sank in a sea of desire.

What had once been a pleasant scent now filled me with anxiety. I knew I would never be able to have him. He was a smug bastard, like most rich Alphas.

’Alpha also smelled strongly of tobacco. Had he smoked on an empty stomach, and so early in the morning?’ I’m surprised.

’This Alpha clearly had a death wish,’ and she wrinkled her nose in irritation.

And again, like a devil from the depths of hell, he was dressed all in black, in a long wool coat.

"Good morning!" He chuckled, as if I’d been expecting his greeting.

I used to, but now I don’t. If it were possible, I’d get as far away from him as possible. This man’s manipulation knew no bounds, and he would do anything to control others.

I ignored his presence and backed away from him, moving closer to the door. His sharp eyes followed my movements, and I felt him watching me.

"Buckle up!" he muttered, and I was grateful he didn’t lean over to buckle me himself, as had become his habit. I’d become so accustomed to him fastening my seatbelt that I’d completely forgotten about it.

Grabbing the belt, I buckled it without looking at him, and the car roared to life.

My attention shifted to the street. Christmas was just around the corner; people were putting up decorations and trees. Soon, the holidays would begin, and I would finally be able to return and see my family.

"We’ll have to go back together; Mom will be here, and she plans to stay until Christmas," he informed me of his mother’s plans, as if I was dying to hear them.

Ignoring him, I continued to stare out the window, not looking at him. Though my heart constantly ached in his presence, the pain gradually crept into the folds of my being and lingered there forever.

Seeing my silence, Alpha didn’t try to talk to me anymore, and I was grateful.

Arriving at the office, he left and waited while Kasir led me up the stairs. I felt his gaze on my back until the stairwell door closed.

Entering my office, I settled in and began my day. It dragged on, but Chan’s cheerful nature... The calm and relaxed atmosphere in the sales department kept me from sinking further into depression.

Miranda arrived with her usual gossip from upstairs and lunch. She handed me a box of chicken rice and wontons.

"Mr. Sterling is so cruel to Nasia. I don’t know how long she can hold out. The poor thing seems to be on the verge of tears every time she leaves his office. He made her bring him coffee seven times today, and she still hasn’t had a drink."

I shook my head at this news. It was so typical of him; I wondered if he was taking out all his frustration on her.

"Only you have the patience to tolerate his moods," I remarked, playing with the rice.

"And Mr. Ranold," Miranda added, and I nodded. Thinking about Ranald, I noticed he hadn’t shown up since our fight, and I wondered if he knew.

Perhaps I was surprised out loud, because when it was time to go home, Ranald was waiting for me instead of Kaysir. He was leaning against the opposite wall, like a model posing for a photo shoot.

"Hello! Zara. Mind if I walk you to your car?" he asked with his incredibly charming smile.

"Mr. Whittle, you don’t have to. I’ll find my way." I didn’t want him to worry, but I really didn’t want him to gloat in case Alpha told him what had happened between us.

He simply shook his head, his perfectly coiffed hair fluttering elegantly with every movement.

"Kane said you shouldn’t go down alone. Come on, it’s okay." He pulled himself away from the wall and gestured toward the stairs.

Nodding, I moved forward and began to descend. He met my steps and asked casually, "So, a demotion?"

This was the kind of conversation I avoided with him; I knew his arrival to escort me down was planned. Alpha wouldn’t have sent him; he always found his presence beside me irritating.

"Everyone needs a break from working next to their best friend, you know better than anyone," I replied sarcastically, and he threw his head back and laughed, letting the light reflect off his pearly whites.

"He’s right, he’s a heartbreaker. He’s my best friend." Ranald’s expression changed as his gaze met mine.

"You’re a sweet girl, Zara. So take care of your heart before it breaks completely." The seriousness in his voice told me he didn’t know his friend had already done just that.

He trampled on my feelings and discarded me as if I meant nothing.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Whittle," I replied politely, trying to contain my emotions.