Bound to the Alpha

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Jhune's POV

"Something came up, so I had to leave earlier," I apologized to Cain over the phone. "I'll call Manager Ysa later to apologize"

[It's alright, she's here, and says it's fine,] I heard him sigh. [We were just worried. We're glad you're okay.]

I bit my lower lip, feeling guilty about what I did.

"I'm fine," I exhaled deeply. "Sorry for making you guys worry."

[It's okay,] Cain replied.

After the call ended, I slumped down onto the sofa in the living room. I felt bad, but that's how it is.

Good thing I had nice colleagues. Cain also told me that even though our boss didn't win the competition, she still secured third place. She did a great job.

On the other hand, I was relieved that everything went well. I was glad that the misunderstanding between Zack and me was cleared.

I glanced around at the entirety of the living room.

Damn. I don't know why I'm still surprised. What did I even expect? He's rich.

Everything about this place screamed Zack's taste-from the exterior to the choice of furniture. You could tell a man like him owned this.

I didn't know that, aside from his condo, he also had a house like this outside the city. And I was sure he owned more properties than I could imagine.

But one thing I always noticed-and that puzzled me-was that aside from paintings, I couldn't see any framed photos of Zack or his family.

It's the same in his condo-even in his bedroom. There wasn't a single picture of his family. Aside from his older brother, whom I met a few months ago, I had no idea about his family.

Zack hadn't told me anything yet, and I respected that. Maybe there was a reason he didn't talk much about his family, and I felt it wasn't right to pry into his personal affairs.

"What are you thinking about?"

I nearly jumped at the sound of Zack's voice behind me. My lips parted as I turned to him harshly.

"Would you stop doing that!" I complained. "What are you sneaking around for!?" I glared at him, but the rascal just smiled.

He handed me a cup of hot chocolate, which I took reluctantly.

He chuckled. "I wasn't sneaking. You're just not paying attention." After sitting beside me, he turned to me.

"Now, tell me, what's got you so occupied that you're ignoring me? Hmm?" He stared at me intently.

I avoided his gaze. He was staring so deeply that I felt embarrassed. "I-I wasn't ignoring you." I swallowed hard. "It's nothing, just random thoughts." I hoped that would convince him.

Thankfully, he nodded and leaned back into the couch. I lowered my gaze to the hot chocolate in my hands and grimaced slightly. Sweet things weren't my thing-but I'd drink it anyway since he made it for me.

I glanced out the window. It's raining cats and dogs out there.

Earlier, after the sun had set, it suddenly started raining. Since the city was a bit far, Zack decided to head to his bachelor pad for the night instead, knowing it wasn't safe for us to drive on the slick, rain-soaked roads.

I took a sip from my cup and winced slightly at the sweet aftertaste before placing it on the table. Then, I turned to Zack.

His eyes were closed, and his breathing was heavy. Was he asleep? As I looked at him intently, I noticed the bags under his eyes were so clear.