23

Caleb's POV

I had a plan. And it was working. I was to act like I was really falling for her just to get her where I wanted. I was a pro manipulator for a reason.

As the days turned into weeks, I found myself growing even more enchanted by Elyssa’s warmth and kindness. She took on the role of caretaker effortlessly, making sure I had everything I needed and more. I couldn't help but feel grateful for her generosity.

But amidst the comfort and care she offered, a heavy burden rested on my shoulders. I couldn't afford to become emotionally attached to Elyssa as my mate, no matter how much I longed for it. It wasn't that she wasn't beautiful or kind enough; it was simply a matter of timing. Now was not the right time in my life to have a mate. I had a lot of things I needed to do before a woman tied me down.

However, I knew that if I were to share these thoughts with Elyssa, she wouldn't understand. I was afraid that revealing the truth would push her away, leaving her hurt and confused. It was inevitable but before that happened, I had to use her to my advantage, reaping the benefits of her attention and affection before letting her go. Yes I was that selfish.

Despite the internal struggle, I couldn't deny the connection that had formed between us. One evening, as Elyssa and I sat in front of the crackling fireplace, I decided I needed to talk to her about our situation.

"Elyssa," I began, my voice hesitant. "There's something I need to tell you."

Her warm eyes met mine, concern etched on her features. "What is it, Caleb? You know you can tell me anything."

I took a deep breath, hoping to find the right words. "I need you to understand that the feelings I have for you are genuine. But right now, in this moment, it's just not the right time in my life to have a mate."

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face, and I could sense her confusion. "But Caleb, why? We've been getting along so well, and I thought... I thought we had something special. We are mates fir crying out loud. So what? You want to reject me? You want to prove me to be worthless once again?" She asked with so much hurt in her eyes and her words really stung me but I had to stay firm in my decision. This was not what I wanted in my life right now. At this stage in my life, I just wanted to be free. Free to do everything that I wanted nit settling down and being tied to one person as their mate.

"Elyssa, it's not because of you. It's because of the circumstances in my life. There are responsibilities I have to prioritize, and having a mate right now would complicate things further."

Tears welled up in Elyssa's eyes, and I could see the pain in her expression. "So, what are you saying? That we can't be together?"

I reached out and gently took her hand, my heart aching at the sight of her sadness. She was a good person and I didn't want to break her heart but it was inevitable at this point

"I don't want to say that, Elyssa. I care about you deeply, and I cherish the time we've spent together. You are a very beautiful and kind woman. But I can't offer you the commitment and stability that you deserve, not at this moment."

She pulled her hand away, her voice trembling. "But why didn't you tell me this before? Why did you let things progress if you knew it couldn't work?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of my decision press down on me. "Because, Elyssa, I hoped that maybe I could find a way to make it work. I didn't expect to feel this way about you, and I wanted to believe that I could find a solution. But the truth is, I can't." At this point I knew I was just saying things that I did not even mean just so she would not be so upset as to kick me out that instant bit I knew what I wanted and I was going to get it no matter what. It was just a matter of time.

Elyssa wiped away her tears, her voice filled with a mix of sorrow and understanding. "I appreciate your honesty, Caleb, even though it hurts. I wish you had been upfront with me from the beginning, but I understand your reasons. I hope one day you find the peace and stability you're searching for."

"I'm truly sorry, Elyssa," I whispered, my heart aching at the pain I had caused her. "If there was another way, I would take it. But for now, I think it's best if I leave." Of course I didn't plan on leaving, it was just a manipulative technique that I had learned throughout my years being a playboy.

She shook her head from side to side silently, unable to meet my gaze.

"Of course not. You're not going to leave just because we cannot work out romantically. You have no where to go and I'm not just going to allow you walk out of my home into potential danger so you are going to stay here, at least until you sort out yourself or change your mind about this whole thing" she said as she busied herself arranging the books on her shelf although they weren't scattered in the first place.

I could see what she was trying to do. She was trying not to o show me that she was hurt but I could already see that and I would ha e felt some remorse if my heart was not of stone, "Thank you for everything, Elyssa. You have shown me so much kindness that I have never gotten from anyone before, and I will never forget that."

Her eyes filled with tears once more, but this time, there was a glimmer of strength behind them.

"Yeah, but you don't appreciate me enough to accept our mate bond" she didn't wait for me to answer. She just turned towards the kitchen

"You should come eat some, you have not eaten today" she said as she walked away from the living room and I smiled a cheeky smile, her kindness will really make it easy for me to get her right where I want her and that was beneath me.