Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209: Journey Back

Hailee’s POV

Callum looked at us for a long moment before finally saying, "Can we wait until the afternoon to leave?"

I frowned a little. "Why?"

He sighed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. "An urgent meeting just came up," he explained. "One I can’t avoid. If you wait until after it, I can drive you all myself."

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to agree, but another part of me knew better. If Callum came with us, he and Nathan would see each other—and that would only cause trouble. I couldn’t risk that, not after everything that had already happened.

"There’s no need for that," I said softly but firmly. "Your driver can take us."

He frowned. "Hailee—"

"It’s fine," I cut in gently. "Really. We should go now."

He looked at me for a long moment, searching my face like he wanted to say something more. But when he realized I wasn’t going to change my mind, he nodded slowly, his jaw tightening. "Alright," he said quietly. "If that’s what you want."

"It is," I whispered.

He turned to the boys then, trying to keep his voice steady. "Come here," he said, crouching slightly.

Oscar went first, hugging him tightly. "Thank you for everything, Alpha Callum," he said, smiling a little.

"Anytime, champ," Callum said, patting his back.

Ozzy hugged him next. "Will you come visit?" he asked quietly.

Callum gave a small smile. "If your mom says it’s okay."

Then he turned to Oliver.

For a second, neither of them moved. Oliver just stared at him, his expression serious—too serious for a ten-year-old. Then Callum pulled him into a firm hug, holding him close.

"You did good, Oliver," he said quietly, his voice low so only Oliver could hear. "You’re strong—just like your mother. Take care of your brothers, alright?"

Oliver nodded, his small arms wrapping around Callum. "I will."

When they finally pulled apart, Callum stood up straight, his eyes meeting mine once more. There was so much tension between us. But we said nothing. He walked us to the front yard, where the car was already waiting. The driver stood by, ready, while another black SUV with three guards waited behind.

Callum placed a hand on the car door and looked at me. "I told them to drive carefully," he said softly.

"Thank you," I replied.

The boys climbed in first, having a conversation among themselves. I paused before getting in, glancing at him one last time. For a heartbeat, it felt like the world slowed—like both of us knew this goodbye carried more weight than words could hold.

Then I nodded slightly. "Goodbye, Callum."

He smiled faintly, though it didn’t reach his eyes. "Goodbye, Hailee. I’ll call you."

I got into the car, the door closing softly behind me.

As the car started moving, I looked through the window—and saw him still standing there, watching until we turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

The hum of the car filled the silence. For a while, no one said anything. The boys sat quietly, each lost in his own thoughts, while the road stretched endlessly ahead. The morning sun filtered through the trees, spilling soft light into the car. I leaned my head against the window, trying not to think about Callum or anything at all.

But peace never lasted long with my boys.

"Mom?" Oliver’s voice broke the silence.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I replied, keeping my eyes on the passing trees.

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