AlphaHayley’s Destined Mate
Chapter 585: A Heavy Feeling of Unease
Hayley’s POV:
“Do you really believe that Justin is Grandma’s biological son?”
Even though Hera had already suggested it, I still couldn’t bring myself to accept it. I knew the truth—I wasn’t Grandma and Grandpa’s biological granddaughter. They had taken me in, and that’s how I became part of their family. But for me, the idea of being their real granddaughter was more than just blood. As long as I was the only family they had left, I considered myself as close as possible to their own flesh and blood.
But now, Justin and his wife had appeared out of nowhere. A heavy feeling of unease washed over me. I couldn’t shake the fear that I might be pushed out of my place in their lives, leaving me alone—like a rogue without a pack, wandering aimlessly. It was strange, but I wasn’t afraid of death or bleeding on a battlefield. Yet, the thought of being abandoned by family terrified me in a way I couldn’t explain.
Benjamin didn’t fully understand the turmoil inside me, but as my destined mate, he knew me better than anyone else. After a moment of quiet reflection, he spoke reassuringly, “Maybe not. If they were truly family, why would you never have met them before? Real families don’t live so separated from one another.”
“You’ve got me, Hayley,” Benjamin added, his grip on my hand tightening as if to offer some reassurance. “And remember, just because you don’t share the same roof or the same blood doesn’t make someone less of family. A family is made by love, and you will always be Dorothy and Bill’s granddaughter. That’s something that will never change.”
Even though I knew he was trying to comfort me, his words eased the restlessness in my heart. I looked at him—so genuine, so careful with my emotions—and for a moment, I didn’t want to pretend to be strong anymore. I let go of my guard and leaned my head against his shoulder.
“Benjamin,” I whispered softly.
“I’m here,” he replied, his voice gentle. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I said quietly. I just needed to hear his voice.
We stayed like that for a while, just leaning against one another. About 30 minutes later, the door opened, and Justin and his wife emerged. They shut the door behind them and immediately blew their noses before walking toward me.
“Hayley, thank you for everything you’ve done over these past few days,” Justin said, his voice firm, radiating an air of authority as if he were in control. “From now on, we’ll be in charge of your grandmother’s care. You…”
“No need,” May interrupted quickly. “I’ll stay here and watch over her. Justin, you and Hayley should go back and grab some things.” She shot him a panicked look, clearly trying to get him to go along with it.
Justin instantly understood and shifted his tone, “Right, it’s important to check on Dad too. Let’s go, Hayley. Lead the way.” As he spoke, he reached out for my hand, but I swiftly stepped back, avoiding his touch and giving him a cautious look.
“What’s the matter?” Justin grumbled, annoyance clear in his voice. “We’re family now. You think I’m going to hurt you?”
I didn’t answer, allowing the uncomfortable silence to hang in the air. Benjamin, sensing the tension, stepped in, “Mr. Justin, my car is downstairs. Let me drive you.”
“You’re Hayley’s fiancé?” Justin looked Benjamin over, his gaze calculating.
Once Benjamin confirmed, Justin nodded. “Not bad. You’re a good talker. Much easier to get along with than Hayley here.”
“Well, since that’s settled, I’ll go downstairs now. Don’t make me wait too long.”
Benjamin flashed one of his signature smiles, took his car keys from his pocket, and handed them to Justin. “Here you go, Mr. Justin.”
“Thanks,” Justin said, grabbing the keys before turning and walking away. As soon as he was out of sight, May, clearly rattled, couldn’t bring herself to face me any longer. She quickly opened the door and dashed back into the room.
I started to follow, but Benjamin gently grabbed my arm, stopping me.