Chapter 332: Benjamin Didn’t Push Her Away

Hayley’s POV:

“Miss, are you alright?” a server approached, noticing my unusual expression and asking with concern.

I quickly turned, pretending nothing was wrong, and said, “I’m fine. Actually, I think I’ll stay a little longer. Could you bring me another cup of coffee?”

After speaking, I returned to my seat as if nothing had happened. But my gaze never left the hotel across the street. I didn’t know what was wrong with me—why I was so fixated on uncovering the truth. I stared intently at the hotel entrance. Not long after, I saw Madeline step out of the building. She linked her arm intimately through Benjamin’s, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. And Benjamin… he didn’t push her away. He let her cling to him like that! I watched as the two of them walked into the hotel together. My hands clenched into fists, trembling silently. In that moment, the faint doubt in my heart was confirmed. A sharp pain pierced through my chest as if my world had collapsed.

Oddly enough, Hera didn’t react as strongly as I expected. I hadn’t anticipated that my wolf would be this resilient, this calm, even in the face of betrayal from our destined mate. It was me who couldn’t handle it—I was in agony. I quietly paid my bill and left. I didn’t even know how I made it back to school. The whole day passed in a blur, my mind completely blank. I moved through it like a hollow shell.

Finally, the school day ended. Henry approached me eagerly. “Boss, let’s do homework together tonight! I’ve got a problem I need your help with.”

Without even lifting my eyes, I replied flatly, “Sure.”

Noticing my distracted state, Henry frowned and asked, “Boss, what’s wrong? Did you have a fight with Ben?”

At the mention of Benjamin, my brow furrowed deeply, and I remained silent. After a moment of hesitation, Henry lightly patted my shoulder and said, “Boss, Ben isn’t the best at expressing himself or cheering people up, but he’s a really good person.”

I quickly cut him off, irritation flashing in my tone. “Don’t talk about him anymore.”

Henry saw that I was genuinely upset and mumbled under his breath, “No wonder he was so anxious looking for you at lunchtime. Turns out he made you mad.” Then he added, trying to cheer me up, “Don’t worry, Boss. If you and my brother argue, I’ll always take your side. You’re the most important person to me!”

I knew he was trying to comfort me with his playful words, so I pressed my lips together and replied, “Let’s just go home.”

“Okay! But Boss, I’m serious—this problem I’m stuck on is ridiculously hard. I’ve been thinking about it all day and still can’t figure it out,” Henry said, smoothly changing the subject.

I answered absentmindedly, “I’ll help you with it when we get home.”

With that, I got into Henry’s car and let him drive me back home, deliberately ignoring the fact that Benjamin was supposed to pick me up.

Benjamin’s POV:

For two or three days in a row, I tried to catch Hayley in the mornings to take her to school, but I didn’t see her even once. Either I woke up too late, or Hayley left too early. I was starting to sense that something wasn’t right. That evening, I spotted Hayley coming downstairs to grab a glass of milk. She seemed ready to head back up and go to bed. The longing I’d felt over the past few days overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I moved quickly to block her path and pulled her into my arms.

“What are you doing? Let me go!” Hayley shouted angrily, clearly displeased.

I hadn’t expected her to reject my embrace so forcefully. A sharp pain pierced through my chest, and even Lawrence grew restless and uneasy. It was as if the bond between us as destined mates was fraying. I tightened my arms around her and asked, almost in disbelief, “Are you avoiding me?”

Hayley turned her head away but didn’t struggle, her tone cold as she replied, “No.”

I didn’t believe her for a second. “You’re lying.”

She shoved me away abruptly. “It’s late. I’m going to bed. Whatever you want to say, save it for another time.”

Without another glance at me, she turned and began to walk away. My heart ached with confusion and sadness. I moved quickly, cornering her against the wall. “If something’s bothering you, just tell me. If there’s been a misunderstanding between us, the only way to fix it is by talking it out,” I said earnestly.

But her reply only deepened my confusion. “There’s no misunderstanding between us, Mr. Southwell. I just want to ask you one thing—What’s the point of pretending to be so devoted?”