Chapter 121
Zara
I collapsed into a chair and stared at the ceiling for a moment.
’You were getting worse. Your panic attacks were getting worse, and Alpha Kane wasn’t obligated to take care of you.’ Nova rolled her eyes.
’Yes, I know, but how can I control?’ I was helpless.
’At night, we will run in the woods. It will help you, Zara.’ Nova suggested.
Shortly after Alpha Kane left, Miranda walked in with a smile on her face.
“Zara, how are you, dear?” I stood up to greet her, and she hugged me without touching my arms.
“I’m fine. I didn’t want to be home alone, so I decided to stop by the office.” We settled in.
“I understand, but don’t overexert yourself. Okay,” she said, and told me about Alpha’s schedule for the day.
“I brought him coffee, so don’t worry. He’s supervising a modeling session today and wants you to join him. So be ready p>
I took out my tablet and started making short voice notes while Miranda filled me in on the details of the winter gala and Alpha Kane’s meetings.
After she left, I went through his entire schedule and made a mental note of when I needed to remind him.
I was still unpacking when I heard a soft knock on the open door.
Looking up, I saw Ronald standing in the doorway, smiling. Dressed in white pants and a black shirt, he looked impeccable.
“Zara, you’re here.” He waved at me.
“Mr. Whittle, yes, I’m here p>
“Ah, so formal as always. Call me Ronald.” The man seemed to have trouble hearing, I could have sworn. He didn’t know when to accept a refusal or remember the previous conversation.
I merely gave him a tense smile before politely asking,
“Do you need anything p>
“No, I was just going to bring the CEO to rehearsal. Come join us p>
Of course, I was going to go. But had the time changed?
Not even a few hours had passed.
“Wasn’t it supposed to be at 11:30?” I asked, remembering Miranda’s words.
“Mr Sterling needs a suit fitting, and I want us to practice before the other models arrive. You know, our walks,” he charmingly informed me with that charismatic yet cold smile.
I understood why all the women wanted to sleep with him. Not only was he handsome, but his smile could melt any heart.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.
“I’ll let him know p>
“Let’s go together,” he announced, and I knew he was doing it to annoy Alpha Kane again. The man seemed to enjoy teasing his CEO.
Nodding politely, I stood up and left the office. Ronald followed me, still smiling, his hands clasped behind his back. But his words made me freeze.
“So, I know Mr Sterling can be incredibly charming, and judging by the way he brought you home, I understand how exciting it must be for you. But at the end of the day, we’re players. Take care of your heart, Zara. It would be a shame if it broke p>
’Good offer or bad?’ I rolled my eyes.
’What the hell did he just say?’ Nova annoyed.
I froze and turned to him, my brows furrowed in confusion.
He stopped and crossed his arms.
“What does that mean, Mr. Whittle?” I asked.
“It means take care of your heart, Zara. Mr Sterling. He’s my best friend, but he’s not my boyfriend. So just don’t fall for him too much, you’ll only get hurt.” He just shrugged, pursing his lips.
But his words were like torpedoes aimed straight at my fragile heart. I knew Alpha Kane didn’t want a relationship and didn’t believe in love. And yet, hearing it from Ronald, as if he were trying to irritate me, was a surprise.
“I know what I need to do, Mr. Whittle. Thank you for the advice, but I can handle this myself.” My words sounded more irritated than I’d intended, and he smiled sympathetically.
“Of course, Zara. You’re a smart girl who knows what’s best for her and understands who, deep down, cares for her. Just be careful and listen to your heart when it comes to trust. Not everyone can be trusted.” He winked at me and walked forward, reaching Alpha Kane’s office door, opening it, and entering.
I remained lost in strange thoughts, pondering my options and how things were going with Alpha Kane. To say he didn’t win me over would be a lie.
Alpha Kane’s done so much for me since I started receiving those threats. Alpha Kane saved my brother and me in the worst conditions. He stood by my side like a pillar, so I could lean on him whenever I needed to.
’The way he calmed you today, even Marcus couldn’t pull you out of that panic.’ Nova was confused, too.
’How could I not trust him?’ I rolled my eyes.
’What about the mating bond?’ Nova remembered this.
’If I ever admit that I fell in love with him to the very end.’ I said to Nova.
’Will he love me too?’ My mind was confused.
Ronald wasn’t wrong. He must have seen his friend reject and abandon many women. I knew that, as his best friend, he understood his moods and character better than anyone.
I should have heeded his warning and stayed away from Alpha Kane, but inside, everything screamed at me at the suggestion. My heart ached wildly, as if someone was trying to rip it out.
Am I heading for another broken heart?
’No, we were being casual. Right?’ Nova chuckled.
’Right?’ I replied.
“Zara?” Alpha’s deep voice rang out, full of confusion. I glanced at him.
He walked out of the office, followed by Ronald. How long had I been standing here, pondering my life choices? Thinking about him and the feelings I was experiencing.
“What happened?” Alpha Kane stepped forward and placed his hands on my shoulders. My gaze fell on Ronald, and he watched me slyly.
I just shook my head.
“Nothing, I was just walking toward you so we could go downstairs for rehearsal p>
But the confusion in Alpha Kane’s gaze didn’t subside after my answer. Somehow, this man saw right through me.
“Ronald, keep your head down. Zara and I will join you shortly,” Alpha Kane ordered him, not looking at him.
“Yes, sir!” He gave a formal bow, which we both ignored, before heading for the elevator.
When he left, Alpha Kane patted me on the shoulder.
“It’s all about the thought of using the elevator again. Right? We’ll take the stairs; there are only four floors, and if you get tired, I can always carry you p>
I gave a fake smile and replied.
“Yeah, who wouldn’t want to be carried by some handsome Alpha boss? I’m so lucky p>
’Fucking Asshole alpha, too.’ I muttered.
I winked at Alpha Kane, and his full lips spread into a genuine smile. Perfect crinkles formed at the corners of his eyes, giving him such an alluring appeal. One that was becoming hard to resist.