Chapter 492: Unworthy of Your Trust
Hayley’s POV:
Hearing the anger in his voice, my mind went blank for a moment. It took me a while to gather my thoughts. When I looked at Benjamin, his face was etched with caution and sorrow, like he’d just taken a heavy blow. Our eyes met, and in that moment, I knew he had already figured it out. I remained silent, offering him only an apologetic look.
No matter my intentions, it was true that I kept secrets. I had no intention of defending myself or making excuses. Benjamin unlocked his phone and held up the screen to show me Selena’s profile. His expression was bleak as he said, “You’ve had so many chances to tell me the truth about who you are, but every single time, you chose to lie.”
“Am I really so unworthy of your trust?” he asked. “I’m even starting to doubt—are you really an Omega?” With that, he shoved the phone and the information into my hands and walked away in disappointment.
I stood there watching his figure fade into the darkness of the night, and my heart felt as if it had been gripped and twisted mercilessly. The pain was almost unbearable. But what else could I do? Reveal everything piece by piece? If Benjamin followed the trail of my identities, he’d undoubtedly draw the attention of those lurking in the shadows who want me dead. If that happened, he would be in danger. Even the Midnight Pack might be at risk. He cared about honesty and trust, but all I wanted was for him to stay safe.
The next morning, I was still curled up in bed when a classmate came to wake me up. “Hayley. Professor Cain from the Math Department is waiting for you downstairs.” “Oh, okay, got it. Thanks.” I groggily sat up, threw on a jacket, and hurried downstairs. As soon as I reached the dorm entrance, I spotted Professor Cain standing by the door with his hands clasped behind his back. I quickened my pace and jogged over.
“Professor Cain, what brings you here so early?” I asked, puzzled.
He looked unusually excited. “Hayley, have you heard? Your award application passed the preliminary review!” I nodded politely. “Yes, I’ve heard a bit about it. I really appreciate all the guidance from you and the other professors.”
“You flatter us. You are the one who’s talented in Maths. Accept the honor with pride; there’s no need to be modest,” Professor Cain said, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose and offering me a rare compliment. I didn’t know how to respond, especially with Benjamin’s emotional turmoil still weighing on my mind. All I could do was smile awkwardly.
Professor Cain continued, “Here’s the thing—there’s a mathematics award ceremony tonight. You should get ready and come with me. It’ll be a great opportunity to expand your network.” “I’ve dedicated so many years to studying mathematics,” he added, “but I’ve reached the limits of my talent. You, on the other hand, are different. Despite being an Omega, you’re exceptionally intelligent. I see the true potential for mathematical research in you.”
I thanked him for the kind words but wasn’t particularly interested in the idea of attending a formal event. I quickly tried to decline. The people attending tonight are probably distinguished scholars who’ve made significant contributions to the field, like you, Professor. “I’m just an unknown student. I’m not sure I’d fit in at an event of that caliber.”
Professor Cain was firm. “You don’t have to worry about that. Just show up, and I guarantee no one will stop you.” He paused, then raised two fingers in front of me, wiggling them with a proud grin. “Right now, your name, Hayley, is more well-known in the math community than mine!”
Seeing how insistent he was, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse anymore and reluctantly agreed. By evening, I picked out a simple white dress and got ready for the event. Just as I was about to leave, my bag started buzzing repeatedly. I pulled out my phone and realized it wasn’t mine—it was Benjamin’s phone, the one he’d accidentally left behind.