Chapter 783 Keep You Close Forever

Hayley’s POV:

“No need. I’m wrapping things up here. Let’s just meet afterward. Benjamin turned me down.”

“Alright, go on then,” I said, trying not to sound disappointed, even though I kind of was.

Out of nowhere, I thought about Truman and all his playboy acts. I immediately warned Benjamin seriously, “Don’t go flirting with other girls behind my back. Got it?”

Benjamin laughed and joked, “Fine, I’ll have Tyrone make a sign that says ‘Belongs to Hayley’ and hang it on my neck. I’ll wear it everywhere.”

That made me laugh. “So, you’re my dog now? Only dogs wear name tags.”

“I’m not a dog, but I’m yours,” he replied earnestly.

“That tag will make it clear to everyone. Any girl thinking of hitting on me will know I already have a mate I love more than anything, and that we’re meant to be together.”

His sweet and playful words made my heart flutter, so I teased him back, “Then I’ll go buy a leash and keep you close forever.”

Benjamin replied gently, “If that’s true, I’d love that.” He paused, then added, “Hayz, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I pursed my lips, feeling my heart skip a beat. But right in the middle of that touching moment, Truman’s playboy face popped into my mind again.

Damn it! Why was I thinking about that jerk while I was on the phone with Benjamin? It made me feel terrible. I pinched my arm hard to snap myself out of it, trying to focus on the conversation. Still, I couldn’t shake Truman from my thoughts.

Helpless, I ended the call. Even after the line went dead, I just sat there, staring into space. How did I truly feel about Truman?

I’d always been loyal. Benjamin was the one the Moon Goddess had chosen for me. I’d never betray him. So why did Truman keep creeping into my mind so easily?

I didn’t love him, but I couldn’t pretend I didn’t care at all. What was going on with me?

Distracted, I wandered back into my room. One glance at the clock made me jump. “Crap, it’s already eleven?!”

It was the last day of the rock betting auction, and I hadn’t picked even one raw stone yet. If I didn’t get moving, I’d miss my shot.

It was all Truman’s fault. He kept me up late last night. If I ran into him again, I’d seriously let Hera out and have her teach him a lesson!

By the time I got to the venue, it was already 11:30 am. The entrance was packed. As soon as people spotted me, the gossiping started up. Even from pretty far away, I could hear them loud and clear.

“Look who finally made it!”

“Hey guys, check it out! The Omega beauty is here!”

“Wow, it’s truly her! I thought she’d be too embarrassed to show up after yesterday. Preston killed it with those top-grade emeralds.”

“Come on, give her some credit. She knew she might lose, but she still came. That’s gutsy. Who here would’ve done the same?”

“Not me! Even if I wanted to try, I’d need her looks and curves first! Haha!”

Their mocking and snide comments came in waves. Hera was fuming inside me, ready to lash out like always, but I forced her to chill.

I didn’t even glance at them. I was about to walk past and head in when Humbert rushed toward me.

He ran up like he’d just found hope and said excitedly, “Ms. Carson, you finally made it! I was starting to think you gave up!”

I casually waved him off and said, “I was exhausted and caught up with stuff. I just overslept a little. We’ve still got time. Let’s check out the raw stones.”

Right as we stepped inside, someone inside let out a loud, excited yell.