Chapter 403: Really Moving Out
Hayley’s POV:
I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I was the one who suggested moving, and he agreed to it, but I felt even more upset. Was it because I would be far away from my destined mate? I wasn’t in the mood to continue eating. “You guys go ahead and eat. I’ll go upstairs to pack.” Then, I left everyone behind and went upstairs.
After Hayley left, the Southwell brothers exchanged puzzled looks. “Something’s off. Did you guys notice that Hayley’s mood seems bad today?” When Christopher spoke up, Tanner paused briefly before looking at Benjamin. “I’ve noticed it too. And lately, Hayley’s been leaving early and coming back late. Do you think there’s something she’s not telling us?” The group fell into silence, with only Benjamin’s sharp eyes gradually losing their light.
Hayley’s POV:
As I prepared to leave the Southwells, I realized I didn’t have much to pack—just one suitcase. I dragged it downstairs, and Henry quickly came over to help. “Boss, let me carry that for you.” He reached for my suitcase, but then stood still, not moving. He quickly added, “Boss, you’re really leaving? I’m going to miss you so much.” I tried to comfort him. “I’m just moving out, not disappearing. If you want to play games, just send me a message. I’ll join you whenever I have time.” Henry pouted, clearly upset, and muttered, “Alright, boss.”
At that moment, Benjamin walked over. He turned to Henry and said, “Put the suitcase in the trunk. I’ll take her there.” Henry seemed like he wanted to say something, but seeing Benjamin’s firm attitude, he obediently placed the suitcase in the trunk. “Let’s go,” Benjamin said, heading out the door first. I followed close behind.
As soon as we pulled up to Champagne Oaks, I unbuckled my seatbelt and said, “Okay, you can drop me off here.” To my surprise, Benjamin didn’t say a word. He opened the car door, got out, and took my suitcase. “Which building?” I pointed to the nearby spot. “Building 3, Unit 2, 1002.” Benjamin nodded and started walking toward Building 3 with my suitcase. Seeing this, I quickly caught up to him. “You don’t need to walk me up. I can do it on my own.”
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, then gestured for me to step into the elevator as it arrived. As the elevator doors closed, he slowly spoke, “Even though you can manage on your own, as your fiancé, it’s my responsibility to make sure you get to your destination safely.” His words instantly silenced whatever I was about to say. I gave him a glance but didn’t respond. The elevator moved upward, finally stopping on the tenth floor. Once we stepped outside, I quickly pulled out my keys and unlocked the door.
It was a three-bedroom, one-living-room apartment, tastefully decorated with an elegant touch. I was very pleased with it. Benjamin set my suitcase in the bedroom before taking a look around and asking, “When did you buy this place?” I answered, “Before I moved into Southwell’s Residence.” Benjamin nodded in approval. “It’s a great place, but it’s not safe for a woman living here alone.” “It’s fine; I’ve got it covered. Tomorrow, I’ll buy a pair of men’s slippers and leave them by the door. I’ll also hang some men’s clothes on the balcony, so no one will think I’m a single woman living alone,” I said, smiling to reassure him.
Benjamin narrowed his eyes. “You’ve thought this through, but don’t you have any other options?” I looked at him, confused. “This works perfectly fine, doesn’t it?” Benjamin looked around, inspecting the balcony and bathroom windows. After confirming everything was secure, he said, “I have some things I need to handle at the pack, so I’ll head out now. You need to be careful living here alone.” I nodded quickly. “Don’t worry; I’ll be fine.” But as soon as Benjamin left, Hera began to stir uneasily inside me. My mood plummeted. Staring at the vast, empty apartment, a sense of loneliness washed over me. Hera kept reproaching me for the decision to move out.
Benjamin’s POV:
Although I respected Hayley’s choice to leave Southwell’s Residence, I couldn’t help but feel sad about it. My wolf, Lawrence, shared the same down mood as me. I felt like I had to do something… After leaving her apartment, I didn’t leave right away. Instead, I looked at the door to room 1001, and without a second thought, I pressed the doorbell. “Coming… Who’s there?” The door opened, and I stood there, saying, “I need to talk to you about something…