The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Laila’s POV

William’s face fell. “I don’t understand,” he said. “Do you think I’m not a good match?”

“It’s not that…”

“Then what is it?” he asked. “We are good friends, and we’ve pretending a long time. I deserve an explanation, don’t I?”

He was right of course, he did deserve one, but that didn’t mean that I had one to give to him. By all accounts, I should have been into him. He was a good man. He had been there for me when I needed him. Ava liked him. Really, I had no reason not to want to marry him.

But the simple, undisputed fact of the matter was that I just didn’t. I had no feelings for him beyond that of friendship. The thought of kissing him, or holding him in a romantic way did not elicit any desire within me. There was no spark, no flame.

He was steady as a rock for me, and I admired him greatly. But he was not who I wanted to marry, and I didn’t think that would

change.

But there was no good reason for this. Feelings, sometimes, didn’t make much sense.

“I’m sorry, William. I don’t have an explanation…”

“I’m ready to make this real,” he told me, his voice calm even with my rejection. “But I understand if you need time.” He licked his lips. “Would it be alright if I kept thinking of you in this way? I think someday you might change your mind, and I want to

wait.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from waiting,” he said. “My heart is set on you.”

I wished I could convince him otherwise. I tried to think of a lie that would help. But I didn’t want to lie to him. William was my friend, and he would know the truth. He’d be able to tell that I was being untruthful.

“I need more time to think about things…” I said.

I had to think of something else. Or I just had to wait him out. Eventually, surely, he would realize this desire to marry me was futile and he would change his mind. Maybe he would meet someone else.

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with this new response. “I’ll wait. No matter what. I’d wait forever for you.”

I didn’t feel like eating anymore.

“I’m sorry, William. I think I’m going to go.”

“Let me pay and I’ll drive you.” He started to stand up.

“No,” I said. “Stay. I want to be alone. I’ll walk home.”

He seemed unsure, but I insisted.

“I need some time,” I said.

r

That seemed to convince him and he sat back down. “If you decide on a ride, just call me. I will come pick you up, wherever you wander off to.”

“I’m sure that won’t be necessary, but thank you.”

With that, I left the restaurant, needing to be alone with my thoughts for a while.

I walked for a while, wandering up and down the streets near the restaurant. I was careful to stay in the well–lit commercial

Chopter be

+25 Bonus

districts of the town, never placing myself in any danger or the like. I just needed space to walk and think, to consider what might happen now.

William was determined to make me his wife. I had no good reason to deny him that

Again and again, I fell into a loop. I should accept, but I just didn’t want to. That wasn’t a good reason. William was a friend. He deserved better than that. Why couldn’t I give him something better? 1

What was even really holding me back?

Before long, I found myself standing outside what appeared a popular bar. Through the window, I noticed that most of the clientele was to one side, listening to a man play the guitar. Sitting alone on the far side with several empty glasses in front of him, sat a lone man.

I nearly did a double take as I realized it was Jason sitting there.

I should keep walking and pretend I didn’t see anything. I had no real reason to go inside and engage with Jason, who was clearly drunk.

Chapte 21

Chapter 91