Chapter 410: Accepting My Refusal

Hayley’s POV:

“Sis, just say yes! Go back to the Southwell Residence and live with him!” Hera urged me enthusiastically.

I thought for a moment before gently but firmly refusing, “No, I’ll be more careful from now on. I won’t let something like this happen again.”

Benjamin seemed to have anticipated my answer and accepted my refusal with grace. “If that’s your decision, I respect it. It’s already late. You should wash up and get some rest.” He gently ruffled my hair.

I glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already past midnight. He was right, it was getting late. I looked at Benjamin and said, “You should get some rest too.”

Benjamin, however, kept his gaze fixed on my face. “Are you sure you’re alright being alone?”

I nodded.

“Do you not want me to stay with you?”

“No need,” I replied, shaking my head firmly.

Seeing my determination, Benjamin sighed softly and said, “Alright, I’ll go then. Call me if you need anything.”

With that, he wrapped his arms around me. He hugged me for several seconds before finally releasing me.

“Walk me to the door?”

I didn’t reject his suggestion and accompanied him to the door. “I’ll press the elevator button for you,” I offered.

Just as I was about to press the button, Benjamin reached out and pulled me back. Without any hesitation, he pressed a code and opened the door to the apartment next to mine.

Smiling at me, he said, “Hello, my new neighbor.”

I stared at him, frozen for a long moment, completely taken by surprise. My eyes remained locked on the open door, and I opened my mouth, asking in disbelief, “Are you… my new neighbor?”

“How about it? Want to take a look at your new neighbor’s place?” Benjamin asked with a playful grin.

A wave of excitement surged through me, and I quickly asked, “How… how come you moved out here too?”

Benjamin smiled and explained with a hint of exasperation, “Because my future Luna wants to live here.”

I looked at him, feeling a surge of emotion that almost brought me to tears. Without thinking, I reached out and hugged him tightly.

“Hello, new neighbor!”

Benjamin chuckled, gently ruffling my hair before asking once more, “Are you sure you don’t want to take a look around?”

I peeked my head out, curiosity getting the better of me. But Hera’s excitement was escalating, and I could sense she was losing control. If I went inside with him, it would be difficult to keep Hera’s intense desire to mate in check.

“No, it’s fine! You should get some rest. I’m going to bed too,” I quickly said, waving at him before turning and heading into my own apartment.

As I closed the door behind me, my heart raced, a strong, almost uncontrollable urge to be with him surging within me. Time seemed to crawl by as I eagerly awaited the day I would officially become his Luna. Then, I could sleep with him without any worries or restraints! As thoughts of Benjamin swirled in my mind, I slowly drifted off to sleep…

Early the next morning, the doorbell rang. Hera’s excited reaction made it clear that it was Benjamin. I hurried to the door, still wearing cartoon-themed pajamas, and asked, “What are you doing here so early?”

Benjamin held up a bag of breakfast and said, “I brought you breakfast.”

“Come in.”

He walked in without hesitation, closing the door behind him. The sleepiness I’d been feeling just moments ago disappeared instantly.

“I’ll wash up first, then I’ll join you for breakfast,” I said, hurrying to the bathroom.

When I came out of the bathroom after freshening up, I saw a beautifully arranged breakfast on the table. I felt a warm sense of gratitude and walked over, pulling out a chair to sit down.

“Sandwiches, bacon, pancakes… these are all my favorites.”

Benjamin smiled and said, “If you like them, go ahead and eat as much as you want. I already asked for leave for you, so you don’t need to go to the studio today. Just stay home and have a good rest.”

I nodded and said, “Thank you,” before diving into my meal. After a moment, I glanced at Benjamin and asked, “Have you had breakfast yet?”

He replied, “Not yet.”

I sliced off a piece of pancake and handed it to his mouth. Benjamin opened his mouth, eating the bite slowly and savoring it. I enjoyed the peacefulness of this time alone with him.

“You should eat more too.”

I picked up another piece of sandwich and offered it to Benjamin. He didn’t refuse, eating whatever I gave him.

Once we finished breakfast, I was about to clear the table when Benjamin stopped me. “I’ll take care of it. You should go rest.”

I paused, ready to move, but then the doorbell rang. Curious, I walked over and opened the door.