The Alpha's Chubby Obsession. novel Chapter 175

Side Story 22-2

His eyes lit up at that. “Oh, well, there are several around. I can take you to go look at them,” he

offered.

Clair

My eyes widened. “That would be great,” I said, relief softening my tone. He smiled at me in the

mirror, and for a moment, it felt like someone actually cared.

Then, almost on impulse, I added, “And… today is my birthday.” as if wanting someone to actually

wish me a happy birthday.

He looked at me again through the mirror, and this time his expression softened, warmth in his

eyes.

“Happy birthday,” he said quietly.

Hearing that, something hit me deep in my chest. I nodded slightly, the sting at the corner of my

eyes betraying me. I had promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but here I was, breaking.

“Thank you,” I managed to whisper, as a single tear slipped down my cheek.

I quickly wiped the tear away when he spoke again.

“Or you can spend your birthday at my place,” he offered.

I glanced at him, not wanting to impose. “Oh no, I’m alright,” I said, but he only smiled.

“Well, my daughter just got married, and her room is vacant. You can spend the day at my place- consider it my birthday gift to you,” he said.

Well, if he was offering, I should probably accept, shouldn’t I?

He added, “It’s getting late, though, so tomorrow you can look for a proper place to stay.”

I nodded, swallowing my pride. “Okay… thank you so much, Mr. Edgar,” I said, and he chuckled

lightly.

“Oh, I’ll be shifting today too,” I shared.

“Oh, that’s great! I’m honored you’ll be doing it at my place,” he replied, and I chuckled for the first

time that day, feeling a little lighter than before.

While we were still driving, he called his wife to tell her they’d be expecting a visitor. I just hoped she wouldn’t get upset.

When we arrived, I grabbed my bag and looked around his place.

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< Side Story 22-2

“This way,” he said, smiling at me, and I followed, bowing slightly in respect.

As we entered, his wife came to greet him, and when she saw me, her face lit up.

Clair

“Oh, Clara is the someone?” she asked playfully, tapping him lightly. He laughed, and I couldn’t help

but laugh too.

“Come here,” she said, pulling me into a warm hug.

“Oh, it’s her birthday too,” Mr. Edgar added, and Mrs. Edgar’s eyes widened.

“Oh, really? Happy birthday!” she exclaimed, making it the second time today someone had wished

me well.

I smiled wholeheartedly as I told her it was my sixteenth as well. Even if it was just for today, their warmth made me feel like I was part of a family, even if only for a moment.

I settled into what had once been their daughter’s room and glanced around. Soon, I would shift for the first time. I should be happy, yet a heaviness lingered in my chest.

Nothing was falling into place the way I had imagined, and maybe that was why I felt this way. All I had with me were my bags of old clothes and the cash in my hand. No cell phone. No one to call. No one at all… except Eve. My best friend. How could I forget her?

Of course, I wasn’t completely alone. Eve was there. The people who greeted me as I walked past →they were there. The ones who smiled when they saw me-they were there too. And just like Mr. Edgar and his wife, there were people who cared in their own way. So thinking I had nothing or no one was wrong. I had something: myself, my friend, and everyone who greeted me with genuine.

warmth.

I should be happy. I shouldn’t be sad. I should celebrate my birthday, shift, and push away thoughts

of the rejection that awaited me.

In fact, once I shifted, I would go straight to the Alpha’s mansion myself-let him reject me and get

it over with, once and for all.

With that newfound determination, I stepped out of the room and headed for the stairs. But when I reached the living room, my breath caught. Edgar and his wife were bowed respectfully, and when

I turned my head to the others standing there, my eyes widened. Both Alpha Abel and Randy were

there.

“Hi, we meet again,” Beta Randy greeted, his voice smooth. My gaze snapped to Alpha Abel. He

hadn’t even waited-he came here to handle it, to be done with it once I shifted.

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