Chapter 186: The Heart’s Dilemma

Hayley’s POV:

Benjamin suddenly stood and walked toward me, and Hera started getting excited again. I tried to stay calm and looked at him with confusion. “I’ll help you pick one,” he said gently, explaining himself.

Something about Benjamin today felt off, though I couldn’t quite place what seemed strange. “Do you prefer comedies or tragedies?” he suddenly asked. I answered without thinking, “Comedy, I guess.”

Benjamin glanced at the bookshelf, found a book with a more humorous tone, and handed it to me. “This one’s good, you’ll enjoy it. It’s really fun to read.” I took the book and said, “Thanks.”

I started flipping through the pages, and after only two, I realized he had casually sat next to me. “Do you usually read here with Henry?” he asked out of nowhere. I nodded. “Just recently, actually. Normally, I’m upstairs, and he’s downstairs.”

For some reason, when he heard that answer, he seemed to relax a little. Feeling quite proud, Hera whispered, “Our destined mate is really paying attention to you. His wolf must have sensed my presence.” “Even if you hide your scent, it’s only a matter of time before he recognizes you. We are each other’s destined mate.” I immediately told her to shut up.

Benjamin spoke again from beside me. “This is a nice place. You should come by more often when you have time.” I didn’t respond but focused on reading the book. Benjamin sat beside me, and Hera, in a good mood, seemed to make everything peaceful.

But as I continued reading, I couldn’t focus at all. Benjamin’s scent, which drives Hera crazy, became clearer and clearer, and Hera got increasingly excited. On the other hand, I started to feel increasingly nervous, and my breathing became shallow. I was taken aback by my own reaction and quickly stood up, wanting to leave. But in my hurry, I slipped, falling forward.

Luckily, Benjamin, as an alpha, was quick on his feet and caught me. His big hand wrapped around my waist, and I could hear his deep, sexy voice in my ear, “Are you alright?” At that moment, I felt my heart race. I instinctively pushed him away and said, “I’m fine! Thanks for catching me.”

A fleeting look of disappointment flashed across Benjamin’s face. Hera grumbled in dissatisfaction about my behavior. “No problem, just be careful,” he warned me. I nodded and quickly fled.

I went downstairs and ran into Henry. “Boss, what’s wrong? Why’s your face so red?” he asked, concerned. I was startled by his question and quickly touched my face. “Is it? Maybe the air isn’t circulating well.” Henry immediately instructed the library manager, “Open all the windows here. Let some air in.” The manager quickly obeyed.

Henry said, “Boss, come here. Let me show you this problem.” Once I regained my composure, I gradually calmed down and went over to help Henry with his question. I explained it to him slowly and clearly, and he listened intently. As I focused on explaining, my earlier nervousness from Benjamin’s scent finally began to subside.

Benjamin’s POV:

Hayley seemed to be deliberately avoiding me. Watching her walk away, I felt a sense of loss. When I looked up from the second floor, I saw her over by Henry, helping him with his problem. A strong wave of jealousy surged within me. I realized I was developing possessiveness over Hayley. I finally understood my feelings for her.

I didn’t linger any longer but quickly left the library and got in my car. Sitting in the car, I contacted my assistant, Tyrone. I ordered, “Tyrone, tell the chief jewelry designer to be at the office tomorrow morning at 10…” “Yes, Alpha.”

I had developed feelings for Hayley. But I wasn’t sure if this was just a fleeting crush or something deeper. After all, Hayley wasn’t my destined mate. She wasn’t the one meant to be my Luna. So should I continue to follow my heart, let myself fall for her, and even make her my mate? I didn’t have an answer. Not until 10 AM the next day.

I was at the office when Tyrone arrived with a stylish, sophisticated woman by his side.