Chapter 429: Aggrieved

Hayley’s POV:

Christine looked at me, clearly confused. “Hayley, what did you figure out?”

I didn’t immediately respond. My mind was too focused as I grabbed a pen and began to sketch. As I worked, I became completely absorbed in the task, shutting out everything around me.

Thankfully, Christine understood me well. She quietly sat on the sofa, not interrupting my flow.

When inspiration struck, it hit me like a wave. The ideas poured out, and in no time, I had completed the first draft of the wedding dress design.

Staring at the sketch before me, I finally understood what Freya had meant. The blank piece of paper, though empty at first glance, had contained all the answers.

I stretched and smiled, calling out, “Christine, let’s go grab something to eat!”

Then I noticed she had fallen asleep, curled up on the couch. I rushed over and gently tapped her shoulder. “Christine, wake up! It’s time to eat.”

She slowly opened her eyes and gave me a sleepy, aggrieved look. “You finally remembered food, huh? I’m starving!”

I felt bad for making her wait and apologized. “Sorry, I got lost in the work. But it’s not too late. Let’s go!” Christine sat up, and we left the studio together.

After completing the initial design, I spent the next few days refining it. By the time the final version was done, the month had almost slipped away without me noticing. The start of school was getting closer.

I wrapped up my last tasks at the studio, and when I stepped outside, Benjamin’s car was parked by the entrance. As soon as I emerged, he opened the door and got out. He took the box from my hands and asked, “Got everything?”

I nodded. “Yep, it’s all in here. Just a few rough sketches.” He placed the box in the trunk. “Hop in the car.”

I opened the door and slid in, and soon the car was rolling down the street. Benjamin spoke up, “I’ve had Tyrone book the flight. You and Henry will be traveling together.”

“Got it,” I answered quietly. “The flight’s tomorrow morning.”

“Alright.”

He looked at me as though he wanted to say more, but in the end, he just nodded and fell silent.

The next day, I arrived at the airport to find Henry already waiting in the departure lounge. As soon as he saw me, he waved enthusiastically. “Boss, over here!”

Benjamin handed me my boarding pass. “Here’s your pass. Your flight boards in half an hour.”

I glanced at it, feeling a mix of sadness and hesitation building up. I looked at Benjamin and said softly, “Take care of yourself. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Benjamin’s expression remained neutral as he gave me a small nod, though I could tell something was different about him today. Oddly, leaving Benjamin didn’t bring the overwhelming pain or intensity I had expected.

Henry slapped his chest confidently, addressing Benjamin. “Ben, don’t worry! I’ve got her covered. Besides, I’m a high-tier Beta—nobody’s gonna mess with her while I’m around!”

Benjamin smiled faintly and gave him a small nod.

Before long, it was time to board. Henry and I said our goodbyes to Benjamin and made our way to the plane.

As we ascended to 3,000 feet, my mood began to sink. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I started to miss Benjamin, and the ache in my chest grew stronger, so much so that I retreated into a brief sleep phase to avoid facing the reality of leaving him behind.

I closed my eyes, trying to push the feeling aside. Then, suddenly, a voice broke the silence. “Excuse me, miss, may I sit here?”

I jolted, startled by the interruption.