A Mate To Three Alpha Heirs novel Chapter 78

{Elira}

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I woke up before the sun.

Not because of the alarm on my smartwatch, or the chimes of morning announcements. I just… couldn’t sleep anymore.

My body knew it was Sunday. And something in my chest knew it was the day I’d be leaving ESA—if only for a night.

The dorm room was still quiet. I sat up slowly, pushing the duvet down to my lap, and listened.

The soft rhythm of Cambria’s breathing from the bunk above me. Juniper’s occasional turn in bed. Even Nari’s light snore in the distance.

Everyone was still lost in sleep.

I stood and tiptoed across the room, grabbing my towel and outfit for the day.

I chose a simple cream blouse and a long black pleated skirt — nothing fancy, but it made me feel neat, proper and prepared.

I showered quickly. The water was warm, but the tile beneath my feet was cold, and it reminded me I was awake.

By the time I came out, a faint golden hue had started to filter through the curtains.

Back in the room, I packed a few items into my backpack—my student ID, the red envelope for some reason, a notebook, a textbook, a comb, and Rennon’s clean macaron box.

I had washed it after eating the last of the delicious pastry.

I wasn’t sure if I’d be returning with anything new, but something told me to leave space.

As I was zipping up my bag, Cambria stirred on her bunk and leaned over the edge to look at me.

“You’re leaving now?”

I nodded.

Her eyes were still puffy with sleep, but her voice was clear. “Be safe, Elira.”

“I will try,” I said, offering a small smile. I meant that as a joke, by the way.

She jumped down from her bunk and walked over to me without another word. Then, she hugged me.

“Don’t let anyone talk down to you,” she said softly. “I will miss you.”

I closed my eyes, holding on a second longer. “Thank you.”

Juniper stirred next, mumbling, “Is it already seven?”

Cambria answered for me. “She’s leaving early.”

“Right…” Juniper sat up and blinked at me. “Don’t forget us.”

I chuckled nervously. “I won’t.”

“Why are you all acting like she’s never coming back?” Nari rolled over and groaned, “Can someone tell her to bring back tea on the way? And more Macarons”

Laughter broke softly between us, and it was the perfect kind of goodbye.

By 7:25 AM, I was out of the room and heading down the stairwell.

The air outside was still fresh. I stood just outside, hugging my backpack against my chest, and waited.

And then I heard it — a low purr of a car engine, distinct and smooth. My eyes followed the black vehicle pulling up to the curb.

It was him.

I didn’t dare meet his eyes, not after that.

He didn’t say a word, but I saw his lips part slightly. He let out a slow, deep sigh and returned his gaze to the road.

My face burned. Not with embarrassment alone—no, this was a slow-cooking, full-body shame.

And the worst part? I wasn’t even that hungry.

I had junks in my shelf. I’d just forgotten to eat something light before leaving. That was all.

Why now, stomach? Why in his presence?

I shifted in my seat, hugging my bag closer, and spent the next ten minutes trying to pretend I didn’t exist.

So when the car suddenly pulled into a turn and rolled into the lot of a modest roadside restaurant, I blinked.

I looked up, confused, just in time to see him easing the vehicle into a space near the entrance.

He parked the car, turned off the engine, and then, without even looking at me, said, “Are you not getting out?”

I blinked again. Wait… did he just—?

I scrambled to unbuckle my seatbelt. “Yes. I-I am.”

Outside the car, the morning air smelled faintly of coffee and butter and something grilled.

It wasn’t a fancy place—just a cozy buffet spot tucked neatly under a flowering tree—but it felt like a surprise.

We stepped inside together. The warmth from the open kitchen greeted us first, followed by the scent of eggs, syrup, and freshly baked bread.

Zenon walked ahead and paid at the counter. I trailed behind, unsure whether to speak or thank him.