Chapter 5

KEYLA

I was stunned, staring blankly at him like I had seen a ghost or something. How was this possible? He called me his mate, but we weren't even mates.

He was caressing my face gently, staring into my eyes. I noticed he had a striking resemblance with Chase but I wasn't quick to jump into assumptions.

“W–Who are you?” I asked, my voice stuttering.

He smiled, revealing his dimples that caused me to feel some type of way I'm my stomach. “My name is Hunter.”

I was still confused, or maybe this was just an hallucination and the alcohol was just getting to me. I didn't know what to think. I wanted to know more than I had already been told.

I was about to ask more questions when a well built man arrived in black suit and a ear piece attached to his right ear. I was guessing he was a security. And for this mysterious handsome stranger to have a security, means he's someone of importance.

“Sorry to interrupt, sir,” he apologized. “Devante is here and we've gotten a clue of his where about. We have to leave before he disappears again.”

Judging by the expression on Hunter's face, I could tell that he was very disappointed but didn't say anything to his bodyguard.

He turned to me and said, “Sorry, honey. But duty calls.” He caressed my cheeks gently, and left with his body guard.

This is crazy. A stranger arrived, claiming I'm his mate sbd just left without any other information. How can he be my mate though? Chase is my mate and I couldn't help but notice that he resembled Chase.

Okay, I'm going crazy.

“What are you doing here?” Oakley's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

She had a worrisome expression on her face, I got up to look at her, trying to create a neutral expression on my face. The last thing I wanted was to get her worried for no reason.

“Um…I got lost and couldn't find my way back,” I lied to her.

She heaved a deep sigh, her expression softened. “You can't scare me like that anymore. I panicked and thought something happened to you or something.”

“Sorry about that, Oakley,” I apologized. “Can we go home? I'm kind of having a terrible headache right now.”

She nodded in response and helped me up. “Let's go. I'd call a cab, you wait outside for me and don't think of disappearing.”

I nodded, chuckling softly at her statement.

Once we arrived home, I couldn't help but think about that handsome stranger. How can I get to know more about him? Are we actually mates? How can I get to see him again?

He didn't give me any form of contact and I wasn't sure how to find him. Should I go back to the bar or something?

I thought of telling Chase about it, but I knew the jerk couldn't give a shit about me anyways and probably would be relieved I have a mate so he'd be able to enjoy his life with his model like boyfriend.

******

I showed up at work the next day feeling more drained than usual. I went through the motions like I always did—grabbed a coffee for myself, and one for Chase, black with two sugars. I balanced both cups carefully as I walked toward his office, trying not to spill anything even though my hands felt shaky.

I knocked once before stepping inside. Chase didn’t even look up. Typical.

I placed his coffee down gently on his desk, waiting a moment, hoping maybe today would be different. Maybe he’d look at me. Maybe he’d say thank you. Something. Anything.

But he didn’t. He just kept typing, his eyes glued to the screen like I was invisible.

"Morning," I said softly, even though I already knew he wasn’t going to answer.

Nothing. Not even a grunt.

I stood there like an idiot for another second before finally turning to leave. I almost laughed at myself. Why did I still care? Why did I still hope?

As I reached the door, his voice caught me off guard.

"We have a business party tonight," he said, not even bothering to look up. "You're coming with me."

I froze, my hand still on the doorknob.

"I—what?" I stammered, turning halfway back toward him.

He finally lifted his eyes, meeting mine just for a brief moment. It was quick—barely anything—but it still made my heart flip like it had no self-control.

"It’s important," he said. "Be ready by seven. I’ll send a car."

And just like that, he went right back to his computer, like the conversation was over.

I just stood there for a beat, feeling completely thrown off. Was I supposed to be happy? Confused? Angry? I didn’t even know anymore. Chase was a constant push and pull—cold one second, then dragging me into his world the next without any warning.

I swallowed down the million questions rising in my throat and gave a small nod, even though he wasn’t even looking anymore.

"Okay," I said quietly.

I slipped out of the office, closing the door behind me as softly as I could.

Walking back to my desk, my mind raced. I thought about the random guy I’d met at the bar last night—the one who actually saw me. The one who smiled like he meant it. For a second, I had wanted to tell Chase about it. Maybe make him jealous. Maybe remind him I wasn’t just some... assistant sitting around waiting for his scraps.

But I knew better. Chase didn’t care who I met. And if he did... he’d never admit it.

Still, tonight? Tonight felt different.

I hated how a small part of me—the part that still stupidly hoped for more—was already wondering what it would be like. Being by his side. Not just as his assistant... but something else.

I told myself not to overthink it. It was just work.

Just work.

But my heart wasn’t listening.