Chapter 2

Yaria's POV ... My eyes slowly peeled open. The pristine ceiling came into view, along with the smell of antiseptic. Scrunching up my nose, I propped my upper body to rest against the headboard. On my left wrist was an IV drip attached.

Last night, when Frander, our gatekeeper, drove me to the hospital, I didn't wait for him to open the door for me. I hopped out of the vehicle and hared into the hospital. I was trying to explain to the receptionist nurse when I felt my vision blurring and my knees becoming like jelly. I held on to the counter, not wanting to keel over. I guess I failed in the end. But fortunately, my body seemed to have calmed down now.

Just as I exhaled a relieved sigh, the door opened and in came my aunt. "You're awake," she exclaimed, eyes misty, but she was undeniably excited. She hurried over and sat on the bed. "How are you feeling now?" I smilingly responded, "I feel much better Aunt." My aunt nodded sagely. "That's great. Thank the goddess."

Her words made me remember the unpleasant surprise of last night. Was the goddess blind or what? How dare she match me to the person I hate the most? After what he and his disgusting family did to me? Thinking about it made my insides start simmering. "Is anything the matter?" My aunt asked. Probably she saw my expression on the verge of turning ugly. I quickly gave her a bright smile, "No, Aunt, I'm doing great. I'm worried, though. Last night's documents... "

"This is not the time to think about that, sweetie. Just focus on recovering first," she admonished. "I'm pretty much recovered now," I said, an impatient look on my face. "I know how much the company means to you, dear. But you matter to me more. At least stay here for one more day, let the doctor observe you," I sighed in defeat. "Okay, Aunt, you win," "Oh right, I brought you your favourite..."

°°° 3 Days Later.

I was at the office, seated behind my fancy wooden desk in a thigh-length gown that really highlighted my figure. As usual, I didn't wear any makeup, I didn't have a need for it. I flipped through the pages of the report an employee had handed to me not too long ago. But I couldn't really focus. It was weird. Although my body temperature was normal, my heart wasn't.

Expectedly, my wolf and I haven't talked since I rejected Drake, but I believed she would come around later. However, for some reason, my heart seemed to be pining for something, and I didn't know what it was. But it was really affecting my quality of life.

I put down the document and rose from my seat. Maybe I should head down to the cafe outside. I could perhaps clear my head. Stepping out of my office, I met up with Vivian, my secretary. After giving some instructions, I headed towards the company's exit, my steps poised and purposeful.

Eventually, I was seated at the cafe's corner, slowly relishing my ordered cappuccino. My eyes flitted across the venue. There were people at other tables, mostly lovers, chatting and giggling foolishly. They made my mood sour. My phone vibrated in my gown's hidden pocket, and I fished it out.

It was my aunt who was calling. I answered, and she told me about meeting with the CEO of Coltex Empire to sign the deal in her place because an issue had come up on her end. I agreed without hesitation. We'd worked so hard for that deal, nothing should make us lose it. I guzzled the rest of my coffee and footed the bill before heading back to the office. ... Coltex company HQ.

It was worthy of being a top-listed company. The place was grand. The parking space should be more than half of my company as a whole. I internally wondered if my company could reach this height one day. Coltex's branches were scattered across the nation and even in foreign countries. Many smaller businesses wanted to share a piece of the pie, but not everyone was as lucky.

I headed to the receptionist, a beautiful and sweet-voiced blonde. After introducing myself and stating my purpose of coming, she smiled warmly at me. "The CEO is currently hosting a big shot. You may have to wait for a long time," She told me. "That's not a problem, I'll wait," "Alright then. Please take a seat, Miss Elwood," she offered, pointing to the waiting seats behind me. "Thank you," I smilingly said before pivoting and making my way to sit down.

Despite my calm demeanour, inside I was a bundle of nerves. I even had a foreboding feeling inexplicably rising in the depths of my gut, but I did my best to dismiss it.

After almost an hour, I saw the only elevator that led straight to the CEO's office open. I quickly got to my feet, my breath bated while I put on a friendly smile. An almost bald, portly man in a navy blue suit stepped out along with... Drake?!

Why was he here? Or was he the big shot the receptionist had mentioned? Amidst my bewilderment, I was suddenly hit by the scent of that night. It was even stronger than before. And my wolf, who had angrily gone into a slumber, stirred to yell excitedly, "Mate! Mate!"

I was stunned. It seemed he was as well. Who wouldn't be? How come we were mated to each other again? What sort of sick joke was this?