99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 192

I knew that my intense reaction had taken Merlin aback.

“Claire, Alpha Sterling has offered over three times the market rate! I’ll give you a 50% commission. Why are you— why turn down easy money?”

“Mr. White, I know money doesn’t grow on trees. But I’d rather eat dirt than take a single cent from my ex-mate, who plans to utilize this opportunity to ridicule and humiliate me! If you insist on accepting this order, find someone else. I’ll pack my things and leave today.”

I stood up and began clearing my desk, ready to walk out of Moonves for good.

“Stop! Claire, calm down!” Merlin panicked, quickly placing a hand on my shoulder. “Okay, okay! If you don’t want it, we won’t take it! He only paid the deposit; the contract isn’t signed. We’ll just return the money!”

I paused.

Caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

A profound weariness enveloped me, as if every ounce of vitality had been siphoned away. I lifted my gaze, my expression a fragile reflection of my inner turmoil. “Mr. White, I need to leave early. There’s a tightness in my chest. I can’t breathe.”

“Of course, of course! Let me arrange a driver for you!” Merlin’s concern was palpable as he rushed to assist.

“No, I’ll manage.” I clutched my bag tightly and exited the office, not daring to look back.

Once I was inside my car, the door shutting out the world, I finally allowed myself to break down.

Tears, hot and uncontrollable, cascaded down my cheeks.

In that moment, I felt as though Liam had obliterated something I once held dear—my faith in love itself. If I had known this would be the outcome, so irreparable and grotesque, I would have willingly endured the humiliation and pain his parents demanded from the very beginning, rather than ever accepting him as my mate and allowing him to claim me.

Now, I was devoid of the courage to even consider another romance.

He had rendered me an emotional wreck, completely disenchanted with the concept of love.

The Uber ride home felt interminable. As soon as I stepped through the door, I drew all the curtains closed, ignoring the beckoning lights, and collapsed onto my bed, curling up in the comforting embrace of darkness.

Time slipped away, and I lay there in a restless daze until a piercing light forced my eyes open.

Blurry vision slowly sharpened, revealing a familiar figure standing beside my bed. Rubbing my eyes, I attempted to sit up.

“Claire,” he said, his voice a blend of concern and warmth. “I went to pick you up this afternoon, but you were gone. Merlin mentioned you were upset. What happened?”

“It’s nothing,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, unwilling to delve into the depths of my pain.

Lucien lowered his head, his gaze tracing the contours of my chest. “So, your chest feels tight? Is that correct?” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Let me help you with that.”

I gasped sharply, instinctively grabbing his wandering hand and pushing it away. In a rush, I reached over and flicked on the bedside lamp.

Under the soft glow, I locked my eyes onto his, my expression serious and unyielding. After the nauseating encounter with Liam earlier, I knew I needed to have an honest conversation with Lucien.

“Lucien, we need to talk.” My tone was far too somber for playful banter.

I noticed Lucien’s eyes narrow slightly, and he sat up straighter, his demeanor shifting to match mine. “Okay.”

“You asked me before if I wanted to keep things casual,” I stated, each word deliberate and measured, as if I were finalizing a business deal. “My answer now is yes. At this moment, I only want something casual. I don’t want to be the one who initiates it, and there can’t be any commitment titles for the time being. Can you accept those terms?”

Lucien regarded me in silence, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he processed my words. He didn’t respond immediately, and I felt a pang of anxiety.

I instinctively anticipated his refusal. With a forced smile, I shrugged nonchalantly. “Never mind. I knew you wouldn’t accept it. If that’s the case, we should—”

Before I could finish, his warm lips pressed against mine, silencing my words with an undeniable fervor.

“Fine,” he murmured against my lips, his voice muffled yet unmistakably clear. “If you just want friends with benefits for now, I’m okay with that. But Claire, know that I will make you mine when you’re ready. Is that understood?”

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