99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 187

I walked toward my office, the priceless pink diamond necklace around my neck drawing envious stares from every woman in sight.

With Queenie gone, my Seere identity revealed, and my most recent award triumph, I had become an unquestionable figure at Moonves seemingly overnight. A stark contrast of how they looked at or treated me when I first walked into the building all those months ago.

Stepping inside, I took a deep breath and forced myself to push aside all distractions and shift into work mode.Time flew by, and before I knew it, lunchtime had arrived. Just as I stood up to refill my coffee, my phone erupted with Liyah’s name flashing across the screen.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Claire-bear!” Liyah sang. “Hot dang! You go, girl!” Liyah’s voice skyrocketed with excitement. “When did things with Lucien heat up this fast? The whole social scene is losing it over those roses and him bringing you to work this morning.”

I blinked, my mind suddenly overwhelmed. I had glanced at the roses sitting in the vase on my desk with a gentle smile, but how had rumors already spread so wildly? It felt like the worst possible scenario—too much pressure, too soon. I wasn’t ready for this pace, not with Lucien.

“Uh, yeah,” I managed to say weakly.

Liyah’s tone dripped with smug satisfaction.

“I called this ages ago,” she declared. “Lucien’s been scheming forever. I swear on the goddess, I have a theory. His whole no-women policy all these years? It was because he was waiting for you. He’s always treated you differently, even back when we were kids. Even when he pretended to hate you, he never acted like it around you. I think Lucien’s been in love with you all along but couldn’t say it because of that Clown you got stuck with first.”

I shook my head, instinctively denying it. “That’s ridiculous. Impossible.” But my heart betrayed me, pounding wildly at the suggestion.

“Spill the details,” Liyah demanded. “That over-the-top romantic display this morning means something happened last night. You chasing Liam at highway speeds must have triggered his protective instincts. The man saw his chance and took it. Classic move to stake his claim.”

Suddenly, everything clicked into place.

Damn it. It actually made sense.

Had Lucien truly been harboring feelings for me all these years? Why else would he always appear like a knight in shining armor during my bond with Liam, especially when I hit rock bottom? How else to explain him quietly removing every obstacle after the rejection was finalized, all while maintaining his calm exterior?

I pushed the thought away immediately.

Who was I kidding? If I couldn’t even make my own mate bond work, ending up bruised and broken, how could the city’s most infamous bachelor have been pining for me all this time?

The idea sent a chill through me—not disgust, but an unsettling feeling that I’d missed the signs for far too long.

“Liyah,” I gasped, my chest tightening with a mix of anxiety and relief, desperate to unload. “Are you free for lunch? It’s on me.”

“Always,” she replied, dragging the word out teasingly. “But I pick the place. That new Thai spot I’ve been dying to try.”

“Deal,” I said without hesitation.

Fifteen minutes later, we met at the restaurant. The moment Liyah caught sight of my necklace, her eyes widened with awe.

“Holy s**t,” she whispered, covering her mouth but leaning in closer, voice trembling with excitement. “Claire, is that the Tears of the Cosmos pink diamond? They say it’s one-of-a-kind and worth millions. Tell me Lucien gave you this.”

Her outburst drew curious glances from nearby diners. I nearly jumped out of my seat, quickly placing a hand over Liyah’s mouth.

“You know how it is,” I said, massaging my temples as words tumbled out in a rush. “We were like parallel lines—never meant to cross. And me? Romance wasn’t even on my radar, especially after the disaster with Liam. But last night, that kiss… it was mind-blowing. We’re not mates, but my whole body tingled, alive with sparks.”

“Then this morning, he cooked you breakfast, and there were more kisses… Damn it. At this rate, my walls are going to come crashing down. But Liyah, I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship right now.”

My voice trailed off into anxious mumbling.

Suddenly, Liyah’s palm hit the table with understanding.

“Got it,” she said. “You can’t get enough of his skills, you wouldn’t say no to a repeat, but you’re terrified he’ll drop some big love confession next. So basically, you want the fun without the strings. Right?”

I nearly choked on my water. When I recovered, I gave her an impressed thumbs-up.

“Damn. The Love Doctor nails it again, right on the money. So,” I leaned in, our noses almost touching as I whispered, “What should I do? I really like Lucien, but I’m not in the right headspace for commitment or titles.”

Liyah hooked a sly finger at me. I leaned closer, catching her conspiratorial whisper.

“Want to know the playbook of players?”

I held my breath. “What’s that?”