The Alpha's Chubby Obsession. novel Chapter 120

Chapter 113

“Because they never cared,” I started, my chest rising and falling unevenly. “No one ever did. No one ever showed me what genuine love looked like. You still want to know more?”

My voice cracked on the last word, and I realized I wasn’t holding back anymore. Everything I’d

buried under the facade of strength was clawing its way out.

Her eyes lingered on me, quiet, patient-too patient. “And you,” I said, my jaw tightening, “you’ve

been looking at me the same way they all do. Like you want to run away.”

Clair

There was a strange ache spreading in my chest, sharp and unfamiliar. This-this was exactly why V didn’t talk about it. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this. Vulnerable. Exposed. Because this is all I’ve ever known, keeping it in, pretending it didn’t hurt.

But then, slowly, her hand reached up, her fingers brushing against my face with a touch so soft it

almost hurt.

“It’s a good reason not to like them,” she murmured. “But hate, Maurice… that’s a heavy word. I understand you, I really do.”

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The way she said my name, so calm, so sure, made something

inside me twist. I wanted to turn around and leave before I completely fell apart in front of her.

Her voice stayed soft, patient, like she could sense every thought running through my head. My eyes were already shut, because if I looked at her, even for a second, I knew I’d lose whatever

control I had left.

“But first,” she whispered, “you need to forgive yourself. It’s not your fault you were born. I’m not

saying you have to forget what they did, it’s not that easy, but you can let them go. Release them.

Only then can you find peace. Only then can you be happy.”

I swallowed hard, her words sinking deep, cutting through years of silence and bitterness. I nodded, though I couldn’t trust myself to speak.

And then, before I could stop it, something warm slipped down my cheek-a tear. The first I’d let fall

in years.

I opened my eyes slowly, my chest still heavy. She’d seen it now, the side of me I’d fought so hard to keep hidden, the part that slipped through no matter how tightly I held it down.

“What about you?” I asked quietly, my voice rough. “You don’t like me. No one does. And you hate Bella, yet you’re telling me about forgiveness.”

Her eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. “No, I don’t,” she said quickly, her tone

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soft but defensive. “I’m just… scared of her.”

Despite myself, a small smile tugged at my lips-unexpected, almost reluctant. “Ah,” I exhaled,

turning away to wipe at my face, trying to hide it.

Clair

“And I don’t hate you either,” she added after a moment, her voice gentler now. “I don’t remember ever saying I did. I was just afraid.”

There was a pause, a quiet breath between us, before she murmured, almost too softly for me to

catch, “Not anymore, though.”

I turned back to face her, catching the words she’d tried to slip under her breath.

“Why?” I asked, my voice low. “Because you pity me?”

Her brows drew together instantly. “No, that’s not it,” she said firmly. “Why do you always twist

people’s words? You have serious trust issues, Maurice.”

I gave a small shrug, a dry laugh escaping before I could stop it. “Well, can you blame me?”

She sighed softly, but there was no frustration in it, just quiet patience. “If I were still scared of you, I wouldn’t have suggested this date. I wouldn’t have followed you here.”

Her eyes searched mine, steady and sincere. “And I wasn’t lying when I said I want to get to know you. I meant it.”

“So, you’re not going to run away anymore?” I asked, watching her closely, waiting for her answer.

“Only if you do something I don’t like,” she said with a teasing glint in her

A smirk tugged at my lips. “Oh? Then can I mark you?” I shot back.

eye.

Her eyes widened, and she immediately stepped back, shaking her head fast. “No! You have to

meet my parents first, and you’ll mark me at the mating ceremony,” she said matter-of-factly, like it

was already set in stone.

I tilted my head, pretending to think, a slow grin spreading across my face. “So someone’s already

planning a mating ceremony, huh?” I asked as I stepped closer while she retreated.

Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and she pointed at me sharply. “Stay back, you creep!” she said, half-laughing, half-scolding.

I couldn’t help the low chuckle that left my chest. Ah, so she truly wasn’t afraid anymore. I could see it in her eyes, the fear had turned into something else entirely.

I reached out and caught her arm, gently but firmly pulling her closer until she was pressed against my chest. Her breath hitched, a soft gasp escaping as her eyes lifted to meet mine.

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Clair

For a moment, neither of us moved. Her lips parted slightly, soft and inviting, and my gaze lingered

there. I wanted to kiss her badly. To know what her mouth felt like against mine. But I wasn’t going

to force it. Not anymore. I’ve promised myself I wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want.

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