Chapter 42 Heartache
{Warren’s POV}
“How dare she walk in here and create a scene,” Layla muttered, glaring at the door as I pulled my hand out of hers and walked back to my chair.
I sank into it heavily, brushing my hand over my forehead. My head felt tight, clouded, like too many thoughts were fighting for space at once. The incident that had happened not long ago replayed in my mind without mercy. My gaze drifted to the envelope Diana had dropped on the table, lying there like it was accusing me.
“My love, let's continue from where we stopped,” Layla said softly as she walked over to me. She sat on my lap, leaning in to kiss me, but I didn’t respond. My body felt stiff and distant. “She doesn’t deserve to be your personal assistant after all.”
“Layla, I’m not in the mood right now,” I muttered, my voice low. “Can you leave me alone for a while?”
She blinked, clearly taken aback, her lips parting as if she wanted to argue, but I spoke again before she could. “I just want to be left alone for now. Can you do that for me?”
She studied my face for a moment, then nodded slowly, forcing a small, pitiful smile. “Okay, honey. Let me leave you to work.”
The door closed behind her.
The moment it did, I felt like I could finally breathe.
I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds before my eyes drifted back to the envelope. My chest tightened again. Slowly, I reached out and picked it up, my fingers brushing over the handwritten words on the front.
Resignation letter.
The sight of it made my stomach twist.
“What’s wrong with you, Warren?” I muttered to myself.
I rubbed my jaw, my wolf stirring restlessly inside me. I didn’t like this feeling. I didn’t like how easily Layla’s words had guided my actions earlier, how I had let her talk me into giving Diana job to her, and then how I had stood there doing nothing when things went wrong.
My heart ached in a way I couldn’t explain.
Without thinking too much, I grabbed my phone and dialed Diana’s number. It rang once. Twice. Then went to voicemail. I frowned and tried again. The same thing happened. By the third try, frustration and worry tangled together in my chest.
I dropped the phone onto the desk and leaned forward, elbows resting on the wood. I needed to see her. Needed to clear things up before it was too late.
I turned to my computer, typing quickly as I pulled up Diana’s employee information. Her name appeared on the screen, followed by basic details. My eyes scanned down until I saw her address.
I stared at it for a long moment, then stood up abruptly, pushing my chair back.
I didn’t bother grabbing my jacket.
As I walked down the lobby, my steps quick and firm, Jane rushed over to me, concern written all over her face. “Alpha, is everything okay?”
“I need to step out,” I said. “You’ll be in charge while I’m gone.”
“Should I come with—”
“No,” I cut in gently. “I need to do this alone.”
She nodded, stepping aside.
Outside, I got into my car and drove off, my grip tight on the steering wheel. My mind refused to stay quiet. Images of Diana flooded my thoughts, the first day she had walked into my company, nervous and clumsy, spilling coffee all over my shirt.
I remembered how she had looked at me then, eyes wide, apologizing too much. I remembered how something inside me had stirred that day, something my wolf hadn’t stopped reacting to since.
I had felt drawn to her.
I still did.
I pulled up in front of the house listed on her information and parked. The place looked quiet, unfamiliar. My heart pounded as I got out of the car and walked to the door. I knocked twice.
The door creaked open, and a middle-aged woman appeared, her brows knitting together as she looked at me.
“Good evening,” I said politely. “I’m looking for Diana Nightclaw.”
She shook her head slowly. “I don’t know anyone by that name. We just moved in recently.”
The words hit harder than I expected.
“I see,” I replied, forcing a small smile. “Thank you.”
I turned and walked back to my car, my steps slower now. As I sat behind the wheel, guilt settled deep in my chest. Had she given a fake address? Or had something happened that forced her to leave?
The thought made my wolf growl softly inside me.
I stayed there for a while, staring ahead, before finally starting the car and driving back to the company.
When I arrived, I didn’t go back to my office. Instead, my feet carried me down the hall until I stopped in front of Cora’s desk. She was seated, focused on her work, but looked up immediately when she saw me.
“Alpha Warren,” she greeted, standing up quickly.
“Cora,” I said. “I need to ask you something.”
She nodded. “Of course.”
“Where does Diana stay?” I asked carefully. “I know you two are friends. I thought you might know.”
Her expression shifted slightly, and she shook her head. “I don’t,” she admitted. “Diana is… secretive. She doesn’t like sharing her personal information.”
Something tightened in my chest.
After a brief pause, she added quietly, “Though I heard she was chased out of her place by the house owner.”
The words felt like a blow.
I clenched my fists, anger and regret mixing together inside me. “I see,” I said softly.
Cora hesitated. “Is everything okay, Alpha?”
I didn’t answer. Instead, I nodded once and turned away, heading back toward my office.
As the door closed behind me, I leaned against it for a moment, my head dropping forward.
My heart throbbed painfully. Somewhere out there, Diana was hurting, alone, and I had played a part in it.
And no matter how hard I tried to ignore it, my wolf wouldn’t let me forget her scent, her presence, or the pull that refused to fade.
Something had already broken, and I wasn’t sure how to fix it.