Chapter 7: You're Mine

*Gaea*

Cheating?

My eyes widened in disbelief at his words. I never expected that the person Cybell knew… would be Russu.

“I—I just need to talk to him,” I stammered, unable to hide the nervousness in my voice—especially under the weight of Clyden’s piercing gaze. “Wait for me.”

I was about to walk toward Russu when Clyden suddenly placed his hand on top of my head and pressed down, stopping me in place.

I shot him an annoyed look. People inside the café were already staring at us.

“What are you doing, Clyden?!” I snapped.

He only smirked and leaned closer—too close—until his lips brushed lightly against my jaw, near my ear.

I froze.

“I hate it,” he murmured.

My brows furrowed. “Hate what?”

“I hate it when someone looks at my girl like they want to devour her.”

A small gasp escaped me when he suddenly pulled me closer by the waist.

“Because she’s mine,” he continued, his voice low and possessive. “Mine to look at… mine to touch… and mine to devour.”

“I’m not yours, Clyden. Let go of me,” I said firmly, pushing against his chest.

Truthfully… I used to see him as nothing more than a character.

Someone I would have written into my stories.

Someone I would have fallen for—because he was exactly my type.

But last night, I realized something I couldn’t ignore.

I wasn’t drawn to him just because he resembled my characters.

I liked him.

“Gaea.”

We both turned at the sound of my name.

Russu was already standing in front of us—I hadn’t even noticed him approach.

“Cybell told me you needed something—”

“What does she need from you when I’m right here?” Clyden cut in sharply.

I immediately stepped forward and pinched his side.

“Ms. Montessori,” he said through clenched teeth, shooting me a warning look.

“You’re being rude,” I whispered. “He’s talking to me properly.”

Then I glanced at him. “Can you wait outside, Clyden? I just need to talk to Russu.”

The corner of his lips lifted slightly, though the tension in his eyes remained. He let out a deep breath, glanced between me and Russu… then finally walked out.

I took Russu’s hand and led him back to his seat.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” I said softly. “I didn’t know you were the one Cybell was referring to.”

I couldn’t even look him in the eye.

Back then… when we were still together, I never asked him for money.

“I’ll go now. I’m really sorry for the trouble.”

I was about to stand when he gently pulled my hand back and placed an envelope in it.

My eyes widened.

“I know you need it right now,” he said.

I swallowed, about to refuse, but he tapped my shoulder lightly.

“I’m still your friend, Gaea. And you’ll pay it back anyway.”

I nodded slowly, slipping the envelope into my pocket.

I did need it.

And once I got paid, I’d return it immediately.

“I should go now, Rus—”

I stopped when he held my hand again.

“What is it?” I asked softly.

“Let me walk you out,” he said with a smile.

I bit my lip, about to pull my hand away—but instead, he gently guided me outside.

And then—

We both stopped.

Clyden.

Standing right in front of us.

Blocking the way.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, his brows drawn together as his gaze dropped to our intertwined hands.

I tried to pull away, but Russu tightened his grip.

“Russu,” I called softly.

“Gaea Montessori,” Clyden said coldly, “you walk over here… or I carry you to the car.”

My lips parted in shock.

The car wasn’t even nearby.

“One…”

I tried to pull my hand free from Russu, but his grip was firm—unyielding.

“And who are you to order her around?” Russu shot back. Their eyes locked—both filled with intensity. “She came here for me. I’ll be the one taking her home—”

“I’m her boyfriend,” Clyden cut in, his voice sharp and final. “And let me make this clear—you have no business involving yourself with my girlfriend.”

Before I could react, he stepped closer and leaned down.

I thought he was going to carry me like he said—

But instead, he simply stared at me.

Too close.

Dangerously close.

“Ms. Montessori,” he said softly, smiling faintly, “shall we go home?”

My fingers clenched the fabric of my clothes as I stared back at him.

Somehow… his calmness made me even more nervous.

Then suddenly—

He wrapped his arms around me.

Tightly.

“I think you need to take this back,” he added.

I pushed him away slightly, only to see—

The envelope.

In his hand.

My eyes widened. “Were you a thief in your past life?!” I snapped, reaching for it.

He only shrugged and ruffled my hair.

“Clyden, give that back—”

“Why go to someone else,” he said seriously, “when I can give you everything you need, Ms. Montessori?”

I fell silent.

Unable to meet his eyes.

“Take this and leave,” he told Russu coldly. “I can provide for my girlfriend.”

Before I could say anything—

He lifted me.

“Clyden! What are you doing?!” I protested, hitting his back as he carried me. People were staring. “You’re making a scene!”

He ignored me completely until we reached his car.

He placed me in the passenger seat and shut the door.

I rolled my eyes in frustration, glaring at him when he got inside.

“You’re acting like some possessive boyfriend—and I hate it—”

My words were cut off when he suddenly leaned over, trapping me between the seat and his body.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice unsteady.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he kissed me.

Quick.

Sharp.

And then he pulled away.

“I wouldn’t act like this if he wasn’t your ex-boyfriend,” he said firmly.

I shook my head and lightly smacked his forehead.

“You’re becoming a sadist, Ms. Montessori. Should I add another rule?”

I raised a brow, crossing my arms.

“What exactly do you do for a living?”

He looked at me, confused by the sudden question.

“Chief Executive Officer of Lee Empire. Problem?”

I smirked and pinched his ear.

“I thought you became a writer,” I said dryly. “You seem to know more about drama than I do.”

He laughed sarcastically and pinched my cheek in return. I slapped his hand away, wincing slightly.

He only smirked—

and started driving.