LIANARelief washed over me at Zaylen’s words, but it only left room for more questions to flood my mind. “Then? What does this mean?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty. “What does being your mate mean?”Zaylen sighed, his expression thoughtful as he searched for the right words. “It just means that the Moon Goddess thought we would be perfect for each other and decided to pair us, and the rest… it's up to us.”“So, meaning we are just destined to fall in love?” I pressed, trying to wrap my head around the concept.He nodded slowly. “Kind of, but not really. It’s complicated, honestly.”“Like Jordan still loves Sara, even though she is not his mate?” I questioned, trying to find some semblance of understanding in the midst of confusion.Zaylen’s nod confirmed my suspicion, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Jordan and Sara. Love, it seemed, was far more complicated than I had ever imagined.“But are you sure that you are not just in love with me and mistak
ZAYLENI couldn’t believe it. She actually said yes! Liana was finally my girlfriend!My heart felt like it was about to burst with joy, and I was pretty sure I could power an entire city with the energy coursing through me. I might as well have been the happiest man on earth at that moment.My grin was so wide, it felt like my face might split in two. I was practically floating. Without thinking, I pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around in a giddy whirlwind of euphoria.“You have no idea how happy I am right now,” I said, my voice barely able to contain my excitement.“Actually, I do have an idea,” Liana responded with a light laugh, her feet dangling in the air. “I mean, I can literally feel happiness radiating off you.”“Good then,” I grinned, refusing to let go. “You should know just how happy you have made me.”“Okay, come on, let me go,” she urged, trying to wiggle out of my embrace. “We are still in the office. Soon everyone else will
ZAYLENIn the evening, I walked into my walk-in closet, which had always been a haven of order and precision. Not today, though. Today, it felt like a battleground.I pulled out a shirt, held it up, and then discarded it onto the growing pile on the floor. "No, too formal," I muttered to myself. Next came a casual tee, which I quickly deemed "too casual" and tossed aside. A sweater followed— "too hot for the weather"— and joined the mess. Pants and jackets soon followed, each one failing to meet the high standards I was suddenly setting.Before long, my previously pristine closet looked like a hurricane had swept through it. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and I was no closer to deciding on an outfit. Frustration bubbled up inside me. This was ridiculous. Why did I own so many clothes, and why couldn't I find anything that looked right? Why was this so hard?After what felt like hours of chaotic rummaging, I decided to call in reinforcements. I dialed Noelle's number, pacing bac
LIANAI was happily putting on my makeup, humming a tune as I dabbed on some blush. The excitement for my first official date with Zaylen bubbled inside me. Everything felt like it was falling into place.It really was a good decision to give us a chance.Just as I finished applying my mascara, my phone buzzed. Seeing Zaylen’s name on the screen, I smiled and picked it up. "Hey, you," I greeted cheerfully.There was a brief pause before Zaylen spoke, his voice tinged with regret. "Liana, I am so sorry, but I have to cancel our date tonight."My heart sank. "What? Why?" I asked, my voice shadowed with disappointment."Something happened and I need to immediately check it. It's urgent, otherwise, you know I would have never canceled our date."I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I know, but…" The words hung in the air, filled with unspoken questions and disappointment."I am so sorry, baby. I was really looking forward to it too," he said, his voice softening.
LIANAI hesitated for a moment longer, weighing my options. It was just sharing a table, and we’d both be minding our own business. Plus, that guy seemed like a genuinely nice person.“Alright,” I nodded finally. “Thanks.”He led me to his table, a small corner spot that was cozy and away from the busiest parts of the café. I settled into the seat across from him, feeling a mix of curiosity and relief.Soon, my coffee arrived, and as I took a sip, a happy, blissful smile bloomed on my face. I couldn't help it; the coffee was just that good. That guy chuckled softly, catching my attention.“Why are you laughing?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you said you wouldn’t bother me.”“Sorry,” he replied, a playful glint in his eyes. “Just the look on your face was kinda funny.”“Funny?” I echoed, feeling a bit offended. “Funny how?”“Sorry, that came out wrong,” he quickly corrected himself. “I meant cute, actually.”I narrowed my eyes at him, still not entirely convinced. “You are
LIANAI gasped as Zaylen suddenly appeared, his expression dark with anger. Panic surged through me as I realized he was about to cause a scene. Without a moment's hesitation, I rushed to intervene, positioning myself between Zaylen and Leon, hoping to diffuse the tension before it escalated.“What the hell are you doing? This is a public space,” I hissed at Zaylen, my heart pounding with anxiety.Zaylen's eyes blazed with fury, and he seemed oblivious to my attempts to calm him down. "You have no idea what this guy has done," he growled, his voice low and menacing.I felt a surge of confusion and apprehension. Was Zaylen so consumed by jealousy that he was lashing out at this man without cause? Or had he mistaken Leon for someone else, believing he was harassing me?“Zaylen, leave him. He was not harassing me,” I insisted, my voice firm but tinged with concern.Zaylen's grip on Leon's collar loosened slightly, but his gaze remained intense. "What? He has been harassing you too?" he
LIANAI stepped out through the front door of the café and found Zaylen waiting outside, his expression tense with worry."Where is Leonel?" Zaylen demanded as soon as he saw me."He left," I replied simply, also mentally noting that Leon's actual name was Leonel.Zaylen's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. "How could you let him leave, Liana?"I rolled my eyes, feeling a twinge of frustration at his accusatory tone. "Why? So that you could accuse him of murder?""Murder? What? No!" he exclaimed, looking genuinely confused."Then why were you so mad at him?" I pressed, crossing my arms over my chest.Zaylen paused, seeming to reconsider his approach. "That's because he returned to the town and didn't even inform me. He only contacted Noelle! That's why I was so mad."I sighed, feeling exasperated by the misunderstanding. "Maybe you should have started the conversation with that. For some reason, Leon thinks you were there to accuse him of murder."Zaylen's brows furrowed deeper in confus
ZAYLENAs we pulled up to Liana’s hotel, I felt a knot of regret tightening in my chest. I turned to her, my heart heavy with everything that had happened tonight. “Hey, I am so sorry for ruining our first date,” I said, my voice low and sincere.Liana cupped my cheek gently, her touch soft and reassuring. “It’s alright, I get it. Things like this happen, don't worry. We can always make up for it later,” she replied with a warm smile that eased some of the guilt gnawing at me.I nodded, grateful for her understanding. “Thank you for everything,” I murmured, feeling a rush of affection for this incredible woman.“I’ll get going now. Goodnight,” she said, opening the car door.Before she could step out, I reached for her hand, tugging her closer to me. “By the way, I never got to mention… you look absolutely gorgeous tonight,” I uttered, my eyes locking onto hers, hoping she could see how much I meant it.She laughed softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Glad you finally noticed,” sh