Chapter 114: Planning to Leave

Hayley’s POV:

Irving stepped aside, picked up a bouquet of roses, and knelt on one knee before me. “Hayley, I’m in love with you! I know this might seem sudden, but I can’t hold back my feelings any longer. Today, I had to tell you—will you be my mate?”

I blinked, half-expecting it to be a dream, but everything felt undeniably real. I looked at Irving, feeling nothing in my heart, and pressed my lips together. “Are you joking with me? Instead of following the Moon Goddess’s guidance to find your destined mate, you’re casually choosing me as your mate?”

Irving’s expression was sincere, as if he feared I wouldn’t believe him. “Hayley, I’m serious. I’m into you. After all these years, my wolf has never sensed my destined mate, and I don’t want to wait any longer. I’ve fallen for you and want to choose you as my mate. Will you?”

“I’m… but I think you’ve misunderstood something. I have other things to do, so I’ll be going now.” I rose to leave without hesitation.

But Irving stepped in my way, gently holding my wrist. “Hayley, my feelings for you are real. I don’t care that you’re an Omega. Please don’t reject me.”

I instinctively pulled my arm back. “I’m sorry, but this feels too sudden. I don’t have any romantic feelings for you. Besides, while you may not have a destined mate, I do, and I plan to be with mine. So, my apologies.”

Then, I pushed him aside firmly and strode out the door. Afraid Irving might come after me, I took the risk of exposing my Alpha identity, quickly summoning Hera. In an instant, I shifted into my wolf form and slipped away.

My god, that was intense! What was that all about? Irving’s behavior was so strange. Even though he was the only one among the Southwell brothers who had seen my true face, I doubt that alone would make him fall in love with me. He said he was into me, but I didn’t feel any genuine affection from him. So, what was he really up to?

Upon returning to the Southwells’ house, I encountered Benjamin in the first-floor lobby. He looked at me and asked, “What’s going on? You look like you’re in a daze.”

I shook my head. “It’s nothing.” Benjamin’s keen gaze suggested he didn’t quite believe me, but he didn’t push for more details. We each went to our own rooms.

I locked the door and let out a deep breath. Although I rejected Irving tonight, the reality of living under the same roof in the future made me uneasy. It would definitely be awkward.

Feeling a bit helpless, I had just settled into my chair when I received a message from Benjamin: “Ms. …”

Seeing his message made me wonder. Benjamin usually came home late due to his work commitments, so his early return today was surprising. Could it be that he was here to study the Mornant language? Thinking about that possibility made me smile slightly. I replied, “I’m here. Let’s get started in five minutes.”

After sending the message, I quickly grabbed the textbook I had prepared on the basics of the Mornant language. Once I was ready, I began the lesson for Benjamin. I started with the most fundamental vocabulary, teaching with great care, ensuring I explained every detail thoroughly. Benjamin was attentive, taking notes on nearly every word I covered.

An hour flew by quickly. After stretching, I couldn’t help but reflect on how difficult it was to be a teacher! I stood up, took my cup, and headed downstairs to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of milk. Just as I turned the corner, I unexpectedly bumped into Irving, who had just returned.

I was taken aback momentarily, thinking about pretending not to see him and walking away. But before I could, Irving grabbed my arm.