All Chapters of The Alpha's Rejection : Chapter 81

Zaiden POV“You’re at work,” I said quietly.“Yeah,” she replied. “Lunch rush. I stepped outside when I saw your name.”I could picture it perfectly — her standing in the alley behind the restaurant, apron still tied around her waist, hair pulled back, phone pressed to her ear like it mattered.“How are you?” I asked.There was a small pause.“I’m okay,” she said, but her voice softened. “How are you?”“I’m fine.”She didn’t respond immediately.“You don’t sound fine.”I leaned back against the wall, closing my eyes. “Mission’s over.”“Is everyone okay?”“Yeah.”Another pause.“And you?” she asked gently.I hesitated.“I’m still here.”She exhaled slowly, and I could hear the relief in it. “Don’t do that.”“Do what?”“Talk like you’re replaceable.”My jaw tightened slightly.“I just missed you,” I admitted, my voice lower now.Silence.Then, softer than before, “I missed you too.”Goddess.Those words hit harder than they should have.“I kept checking my phone,” she continued. “Every