Chapter 437: Pretended to Be My Mate
Hayley’s POV:
Lifting my gaze, I immediately caught sight of Christopher. His piercing, wolf-like eyes locked onto the guy pestering us, a dangerous glint making the Beta’s aura feel even more imposing. Clearly unnerved, the man stammered an apology before retreating hastily, as if Christopher’s very presence had burned him.
Christine darted a glance his way before lowering her voice. “Christopher, what exactly are you doing here?”
Pulling the brim of his baseball cap lower, Christopher’s face was mostly shadowed, leaving only his sharp eyes visible. “I’m in town for work and thought I’d check in on you two.”
Christine’s expression soured. “And that’s why you pretended to be my mate?”
“I was just trying to help,” he said casually, though his voice softened slightly. “You should be thanking me instead of getting mad.”
“I didn’t ask for your help,” she shot back, her tone firm and unapologetic. “That was your decision, not mine.”
“Maybe so,” he admitted, a slight grumble in his voice. “But if I hadn’t stepped in, that creep would still be bothering you.”
“Ugh, you’re exaggerating!”
As their back-and-forth continued, I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. Watching them squabble was strangely endearing, like a couple caught in a playful tiff.
“Alright, you two,” I cut in, still chuckling. “Take a break, will you?”
Christine huffed dramatically, turning her back on Christopher, while he straightened up and fixed his gaze on me. His demeanor shifted, growing serious. “Actually, Hayley, I came here to talk to you,” he said, his tone calm but purposeful.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Me? What about?”
He hesitated briefly, then continued. “Since I found out you’re Harmony, I’ve been wanting to thank you properly. Your help with that song is the reason my latest release has been such a success.”
His voice turned more earnest as he went on. “You have an incredible talent for songwriting and composing. And with the following you’ve built as Harmony, it seems like such a waste to let that go unused.”
Then, leaning in slightly, he asked with quiet intensity, “Have you ever thought about returning to the entertainment world? Coming back as Harmony?”
Christine turned to me, her eyes wide with admiration. “Hayley, you should totally do it! If you came back, I’d finally have a reason to fangirl again. Things would be so much more exciting with you around.”
I gave them a small, wistful smile. “Isn’t this enough? Honestly, I haven’t considered going back.”
Chapter 437: Pretended to Be My Mate
The world they spoke of wasn’t as glamorous as people believed. Behind the bright lights and loud applause hid a darker, less forgiving reality.
“Why not?” Christopher pressed, unwilling to give up. “You still have a loyal fanbase. Even after all this time, people are waiting for you. If you made a comeback, they’d buy your music without hesitation. Talent like yours belongs in the industry.”
Instead of answering, I asked, “And why do you think I want to go back?”
He paused, then answered honestly, “I just don’t want to see someone like you, with so much potential, fade into the background. But it’s your choice. I’m not here to pressure you. I just wanted to hear what you think. If it’s not something you want, I won’t push it.”
I nodded quietly, offering no further explanation.
Seeing my reluctance, Christopher sighed, his shoulders relaxing in defeat. “Alright, I get it. I won’t bring it up again. Anyway, congratulations on starting college today. It’s a big step.” He gave me a genuine smile. “Thanks,” I replied, mirroring his smile.
After a bit more small talk, I said my goodbyes and headed back toward my dorm.
Walking down the campus paths alone, I found his words echoing in my mind. Memories of my time as Harmony resurfaced—days filled with music, creativity, and a freedom I hadn’t felt in a long time. Those were the days I had left behind.
As I approached the dorm building, Hera, my inner wolf, suddenly stirred. Her restlessness was unmistakable—she only reacted this way when she caught a scent that excited her.
A flicker of hope ignited within me, and I spun around instinctively. Not far away, I spotted Benjamin. He stood there, a large bag in hand.