Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Wild One Night Stand

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Chapter 200

~Tempest’s POV~

After Kaid’s dramatic interruption, the ballroom had been filled with tension. I was restless, the unresolved emotions from Zara’s ordeal lingering in the back of my mind.

I had slipped away to the bar, needing a drink to settle myself.

The amber liquid burned as I sipped it, my gaze scanning the room. Deep down, I had hoped someone—anyone—might notice my absence. But the one person I secretly wished would come never did.

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard a familiar voice.

"Didn’t think I’d find you here."

I turned to see Koda standing nearby, his expression unsure, as if he was debating whether to stay or leave.

"If you’re thinking of running away, go ahead," I said, my voice tinged with bitterness. "Like everyone else, you probably should."

His brows furrowed, and he hesitated before stepping closer. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

I huffed, swirling the liquid in my glass. "Nothing. Just me being dramatic."

But he didn’t leave. Instead, he pulled out the stool beside me and sat down.

"No one’s ever accused me of running away," he said after a pause. "But maybe I should, considering the mood you’re in."

I smirked, but there was no humour in it. "You wouldn’t be the first."

For a moment, there was silence between us. Then, to my surprise, Koda spoke again.

"Why do you think everyone leaves?"

His question caught me off guard, and I turned to look at him. There was no mockery in his eyes, only genuine curiosity.

"Because they do," I said simply. "No one stays. Not for me anyways."

He frowned, his gaze intense. "That’s not true."

I laughed bitterly. "Isn’t it? Look around, Koda. Aira’s got Zade. Zara’s got Snow. Even Kaid showed up staking claims. And me? I’m just here, watching it all unfold."

Koda leaned forward, his elbows resting on the bar. "You ever think maybe it’s not about you, but about them? Maybe the people who leave don’t see what’s in front of them."

I blinked, his words sinking in. "What are you saying?"

"Perhaps you feel that way but you do not realise that they trust you and your decisions. When they look at you, no one sees a girl who is alone but a strong, fierce woman."

I shook my head. "It doesn’t matter." He frowned and I straightened my back, ready to explain.

"I’m saying you’re worth staying for," he said, his voice low but steady.

I scoffed at his words. Too sad he wasn’t following his advice, or was he just a part of the stupid ones?

"Didn’t you leave? Aren’t you hung up on my sister?"

The air between us shifted, the weight of his words hanging heavily. My chest tightened as I met his gaze, the vulnerability in his eyes catching me off guard.

"I did. I was but Aira... she won’t love me. No." He shook his head. "She can’t love me. But you, everyone wants you."

"I don’t know if I believe that," I whispered.

"Then maybe someone needs to show you," he replied, his voice almost a whisper.

The tension between us grew, and I felt an undeniable pull—a magnetic force that seemed impossible to resist. Before I could think, before I could stop myself, I leaned in.