Chapter 333: Fool

Benjamin’s POV:

Her words left me stunned. I pressed further, trying to make sense of it. “Hayley, if you have something to say, just say it clearly. Stop beating around the bush.”

Hayley lifted her gaze and met mine with cold, detached eyes. A mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

“Why bother? If you’ve done something, then own up to it. I’ve already told you – if you have someone you like, I won’t cling to the position of your future Luna.”

“But at least give me some dignity. Don’t make me look like a fool.”

She clearly misunderstood me, but what exactly caused this?

I tried to explain myself honestly. “And the reason I agreed to our engagement is because I like you. I want to be with you. There’s no other reason.”

Hayley’s lips curled into a cynical smile. She clearly didn’t believe me.

“Stop lying to yourself, Mr. Southwell. Some things lose their meaning when said too plainly,” she sneered.

“Let’s take some time to cool off and think things through. If you want to break off the engagement, just let me know in advance. I believe the alliance between the Shadow Pack and your Midnight Pack doesn’t hinge solely on the two of us getting married.”

“As for the rest, I don’t think there’s anything left for us to discuss.”

After finishing her piece, Hayley pushed past me and walked away, her steps firm and resolute. Watching her retreating figure, so cold and distant, left me feeling deeply hurt.

Hayley’s POV:

When I returned to my room, I shut the door and collapsed onto the floor, wrapping my arms around my knees. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.

For the past two days, I’d been trying to convince myself that what I saw might not be real. I even asked Hera if she had felt the betrayal of our destined mate. But she couldn’t give me a definitive answer.

And yet, the image of Madeline linking arms with Benjamin refused to leave my mind. It played over and over again, tormenting me.

I couldn’t fully convince myself that Benjamin hadn’t betrayed me. After all, I couldn’t even be sure if he truly loved me.

But I… I loved him deeply. So deeply that it hurt.

I also knew that everything I said to him earlier was out of anger. But no matter how much I wanted to stay calm, I couldn’t face this situation rationally. Maybe some time apart would help us find an answer.

Benjamin’s POV:

I was in a foul mood, mulling over everything that had happened. I couldn’t figure out why Hayley’s attitude toward me had changed so drastically. We were fine before. What had gone wrong between us?

A soft cough came from the corner, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up with irritation and saw Henry standing there. He looked nervous and quickly explained, “Ben, I wasn’t eavesdropping on purpose. I just happened to overhear.”

I thought for a moment before saying, “Let me ask you something.”

Henry nodded eagerly. “Ask me anything.”

I glanced at Hayley’s tightly closed bedroom door and asked, “What’s been going on with her these past few days? Do you know?”

Henry frowned and replied, “Boss has been in a strange mood lately, like she’s upset about something she can’t shake off. She’s never been like this before.”

He paused, then added, “It seems to have started the other day. Oh, right – that day at lunchtime, when you came to her school but she wasn’t there. Ever since then, Boss has been acting differently. Did you two argue? Or… Ben, did you meet your destined mate and decide to break off the engagement with Boss?”

Hearing his ridiculous guess, I responded without hesitation, “Breaking off the engagement is impossible. It will never happen.”

Reflecting on what Henry said, I suddenly remembered something about that day…

“I think I know what this is about now,” I said, realization dawning on me.

Without another word, I turned and left.

Hayley’s POV:

The next morning, I left for school early to avoid Benjamin. As soon as I arrived in the classroom, I buried myself in a workbook and focused on solving the problems in front of me. Before long, other students began trickling into the room.

I was engrossed in my work when Hera suddenly grew restless. I glanced up and saw Belle walking into the classroom with a pleased expression on her face. She scanned the room before locking eyes with me, a wicked smile curling her lips.

Hera immediately warned me, “Hayley, be careful. That b*tch is up to something. Let me take over!”

I refused her offer. As an Omega, I couldn’t reveal my true identity right now. Besides, I wanted to see what Belle was planning.

Sure enough, she strolled over to me, and with a loud smack, she “accidentally” dropped her cup. The warm coffee spilled all over my desk.