REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 9

_Lyla's POV_

Aaron led me upstairs, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. The hallways stretched out in all directions, like an endless maze. The floors were polished wood, gleaming under the soft golden lights that hung from the ceilings. Every turn revealed new doors, paintings, and tall windows draped with rich, velvet curtains. The walls were decorated with elegant art—portraits, landscapes, and even a few abstract pieces that looked expensive without trying too hard.

I tried to memorize the path we were taking, but it felt impossible. The mansion was like a labyrinth. If Aaron left me alone, I was sure that I would get lost.

After what felt like forever, we finally stopped in front of a large door. Aaron opened it with ease, and I found myself staring into a room that looked like it belonged in a magazine.

The room was massive. The walls were painted a soft, calming gray with white accents. There were floor-to-ceiling windows covered with sheer white curtains that let in just enough light to make the room feel warm. A large bed sat in the center, with dark wooden frames and plush white bedding that looked softer than clouds. It had so many pillows—big, small, fluffy—that I wondered if anyone actually used them all.

Across from the bed was a fireplace with a sleek black mantle. Above it hung a large painting of a wolf howling under a full moon. There was a sitting area with a soft gray couch and a glass coffee table, neatly arranged like no one had ever touched them.

Aaron turned to me with a soft smile. “This is our room now,” he said casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world. “You’ll stay here with me since we are mates.”

Our room? My heart skipped a beat.

He walked over to a large closet and opened the door, revealing shelves and rows of neatly hung clothes—his clothes. Expensive-looking jackets, crisp shirts, tailored pants, and polished shoes. Everything was organized perfectly, like something out of a fashion catalog.

“There is plenty of space for your clothes too,” Aaron added, glancing over his shoulder. “If you ever need anything, just tell one of the maids. They’ll be happy to help.”

I stood there, frozen. My heart was racing, but not in the good way. The room was beautiful, but it wasn’t mine. None of this was mine. I felt out of place, like I didn’t belong.

“Aaron…” I finally found my voice. “Can I have a different room, please? I—I don’t feel comfortable staying here… with you.”

His brows furrowed slightly, but then he softened, walking back toward me. “Lyla, I know we haven’t had much time to get to know each other. But with time, we’ll be comfortable. I promise.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but he gently placed his hand on my shoulder. His touch was warm, grounding me even though my heart felt like it was floating away.

“I’m going to take a shower,” he said softly, giving me a reassuring smile. “You can settle in while I am gone.”

I nodded, though my chest felt tight. Once he disappeared into the bathroom, I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers gripping the handles of my small bag. After a moment, I stood up and pulled out the few clothes I had—worn, faded shirts and threadbare pants. My hands trembled slightly as I walked over to the closet.

I stared at the luxurious items hanging neatly—Aaron’s tailored suits, soft sweaters, and expensive shoes lined up perfectly below. My fingers brushed over one of his jackets. The fabric was smooth and rich.

Then I looked at my own clothes—so old, so plain. A wave of shame washed over me. How could I hang my worn-out clothes beside his? They didn’t belong here. I didn’t belong here.

My throat felt tight as I carefully folded my clothes and put them back in my bag. How would I ever adjust to so much luxury?

I sat back on the bed, clutching my bag like it was the only thing anchoring me to reality.

The bathroom door opened, and Aaron stepped out, fresh from the shower. His hair was damp, falling slightly over his forehead. He wore a simple gray T-shirt and black sweatpants, but somehow, he still looked like he belonged in a magazine.

He glanced at me, his smile fading slightly when he saw my face. “What’s wrong?”

I quickly shook my head. “Nothing.”

But his eyes narrowed slightly, like he could see right through me. “Lyla…”

I didn’t respond. I just held onto my bag tighter.

He walked over, sitting beside me on the bed. His eyes softened. “If you need more clothes, we could go shopping tomorrow.”

I shook my head again. “No, there’s no need.”

He tilted his head slightly, studying me. Then he chuckled softly, his smile returning. “You know, we are joined by the mate bond. We haven’t marked each other yet, but I can sense some of your emotions.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“You feel sad because you don’t have enough clothes,” he continued gently. “And I can’t allow my mate to feel like this. We’ll go together and buy whatever you want.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words got stuck in my throat.

“I’m serious,” he added, his voice softer now. “You deserve to have nice things, Lyla.”

“But you’re the Alpha,” I blurted out. “You’re busy. You have so many responsibilities.”

He laughed—a soft, warm sound that made my chest ache in a way I couldn’t explain.

“I’ll never be too busy for my mate,” he said, his eyes locking with mine.

His words made my heart flutter, but it also scared me. How could he be so kind to someone like me?

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Besides, I need to make sure you don’t run away. You seem like the type who would get lost in the hallways just trying to escape.”

I blinked, then let out a small laugh despite myself. “You’re not wrong. This place is like a maze.”

He grinned, clearly pleased that he had made me laugh. “See? Another reason you need me around.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart felt a little lighter.

Then his smile softened again. “Lyla, I know this is a lot. But you’re not alone anymore. You’re part of my life now. And I want you to be happy.”

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I was drowning.

Maybe… just maybe… I could learn to breathe again.