Chapter 119

Chapter 119
Riley’s P.O.V
The day after he came back to me.
I’d barely slept.
Not because I was restless or worried—but because I was too happy. Too full. My heart felt like it had grown wings, and every time I thought about Rhys, it fluttered wildly inside my chest like it might take off altogether.
He accepted me.
Rhys.
My mate.
I replayed last night over and over again, each time clutching my pillow to my chest and biting back a squeal. The way he looked at me, the way his voice dropped when he told me he couldn’t stay away, that he’d known I was his mate for a long time… it made me feel seen. Chosen. Loved.
I never thought something so painful—his rejection—could lead to something so beautiful.
He left shortly after we hugged. We’d stood there in the hallway for a long time, holding each other like the world might end if we let go. But eventually, he pulled back, pressed a kiss to my forehead, and whispered that he’d see me tomorrow. And just like that, he was gone.
But the warmth he left behind? That stayed.
I was still hugging myself and smiling like a lovesick idiot when my mom’s voice broke the moment.
“So, tell me,” she said from behind me, “who is he?”
I turned to her, grinning like I couldn’t help it. “My mate, Mom.”
Her brows shot up. “What?” She walked closer, eyes narrowing as if she hadn’t heard me right. “He’s your mate?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m so happy.”
Something flickered in her expression. Surprise? Concern? She crossed her arms slowly, leaning her weight onto one hip. “Do you know who his parents are? Because I can’t shake the feeling I’ve seen him somewhere before.”
I blinked. “You suspect everyone, Mom. Rhys doesn’t have any family. He’s… he’s an orphan.”
Her lips tightened at that. “Why do you always mingle with orphans, Riley?”
The words hit me like a slap.
I frowned. “Come on, Mom. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”
Her eyes softened a little. “I’m just worried, my dear. That’s all.”
“Don’t be,” I said firmly. “I’ll be fine.”
She didn’t press it further. But even as I walked away, I could feel her gaze lingering on me, heavy and filled with unspoken questions.
The next morning, I shot out of bed like lightning, adrenaline and anticipation zipping through me. I practically danced through my shower, hummed while brushing my hair, and couldn’t stop smiling as I picked out my outfit. Nothing seemed good enough, though. I must’ve changed at least four times before settling on my soft denim skirt and a white top that hugged me in all the right places. Casual but cute. Relaxed but hopeful. Mate-worthy.
I grabbed my bag, stuffed a granola bar in my mouth, and ran downstairs, barely giving Mom a wave before dashing out the door. She called something after me—I didn’t hear it. My heart was already in the clouds.
Dad’s driver was waiting as usual, and I nearly bounced in the seat the entire ride to school.
Rhys was mine.
I couldn’t wait to tell Zoey.
The moment I walked into class, I spotted her—already seated near the window, scrolling on her phone. She looked up the second I stepped in and did a double take.
“You look excited,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Any news?”
I practically skipped over to her seat. “Well, guess what?”
She leaned forward, intrigued. “What?”
I grinned. “I found my mate.”
Zoey gasped dramatically, grabbing my arm. “No way! Who? Tell me right now.”
I beamed. “It’s none other than Rhys.”
The second his name left my mouth, everything changed.
Zoey froze.
Then, like a switch had been flipped, she sprang to her feet.
“What?” she shouted, loud enough that a few heads turned.
I blinked at her, taken aback. “Is there a problem, Zoey?”
Her mouth opened and closed a few times, like she was trying to find the right words. But none came.
“No! That can’t be!” she blurted instead, her voice rising with every word.
Now everyone was staring.
She looked like she was on the verge of a breakdown—eyes wide, hands trembling slightly, chest rising and falling with erratic breaths. And then, without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the classroom.
I just stood there, stunned.
What the hell was that?
I sat down slowly, trying to process it. My heart thudded dully in my chest, confused and a little hurt. Zoey was my best friend. She should be happy for me. Excited, even. Not… whatever that was.
I waited all day, hoping she’d come back.
She didn’t.
Not during lunch. Not for any of the other classes. By the time the final bell rang, I hadn’t heard a single word from her.
I stepped outside, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the school courtyard. My father’s car was already waiting at the curb, but I hesitated before getting in. My thoughts were tangled, heavy now in a way they hadn’t been this morning.
Why did she react like that?
I tried to think of a reason. Maybe she didn’t like Rhys. Maybe she was just surprised. Maybe she—
Could she have feelings for him?
The thought whispered through my mind like a breeze, and it chilled me to the bone.
I replayed every interaction between Zoey and Rhys in my memory—every glance, every comment. Nothing ever stood out before, but now… now I wasn’t sure. Had I missed something?
Was that why she was always dragging me out to parties, urging me to meet him?
Was I just a pawn in her plan?
I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thought. Zoey wasn’t like that. She wouldn’t—
But then why run?
Why look so horrified?
Unless…
Unless she knew something I didn’t.
That possibility rooted itself deep inside me, impossible to shake.
By the time I got into the car and shut the door behind me, the excitement I’d woken up with had dimmed. Not gone completely—but flickering.
I looked out the window as the driver pulled away, the school disappearing behind us. My mind was no longer on Rhys’s arms or his whispered promises. It was on Zoey.
And the terrifying question that wouldn’t leave me alone:
What is she hiding from me?
Or worse—
What does she know about Rhys that I don’t?