The Alpha's Fated Outcast: Rise Of The Moonsinger by Ejiofor Dorcas

163 Marrying Clarissa.

Nathan

“Clarissa,” I began firmly. The kiss you’re referring to was the Truth and Dare Festival, which was like years ago. It was a game. I gave you a peck on the forehead, nothing more. Lyla was there

too.

told me you

“But you liked me?” She cried.

“What?” I laughed. “Yes, I like you. We grew up together, it’s a normal expression isn’t it. Or would you rather I hate you?”

Her expression darkened. “You don’t understand. I refused my mate because of you. My feelings for you are stronger than anything I’ve ever felt.as

My chest tightened. I opened my mouth to respond, but Clarissa came closer and reached for me before I could.

“I love you,” she burst out. “I’ve always loved you. I’ve waited for you all these years, Nathan; I want to be with you. Lyla doesn’t deserve you; you should be with me and not her.

“Can you calm down for a second?” I stepped back, feeling suddenly hemmed in with her in my office. “Just go to the couch, and we can resolve everything amicably without tension rising”

My father was right. How had I missed this? How could I not have seen the signs leading to this moment? As I tried to find the correct response, something kind but obvious, Clarissa a again covered the distance between us.

She reached for me again, standing on her toes, putting her hands around my neck, and tugging me toward her. Before I could react, she tried pressing her lips to mine. I jerked back instantly, my hands coming up gently but firmly to push her away.

“Please,” I begged. “Stop this. This isn’t right.”

She broke into tears as she clutched at my shirt. “I’m the right one for you, Nathan,” she insisted, her voice breaking. “What does Lyla have that I don’t? What do you see in her? I’ve been here all along, Nathan. I’m supporting you through everything… we were good before Lyla showed up. Why can’t you see me? I am standing right here… please look at me… for once, please,” she was crying profusely now.

I was at a loss, struggling to find the right words to lighten the situation without causing more harm. Also, if someone should walk into my office now, they might read a different meaning into the situation, especially since she was this close to me.

“Clarissa, please…” I tried again. I wanted to pry her hands away from my shirt, but I didn’t want to hurt her. “Can you just let me go for a minute? Let’s talk about it.”

Before she could reply, there was a brief knock at the door. Before it was pushed open, my father entered. He stood at the doorway for a minute, taking in the scene.

“I can come back later, he said, but I cut him short.

is fine!” I said quickly. “Clarissa was just

163 Marrying Clarissa

finally let go of my shirt, quickly wiping her

she hurried out of the room, leaving in her wake an uncomfortable silence. My

a slight change to the logistics for the Harvest Moon

not what you think?” I interrupted him. “She just came in here

fine, Nathan!” my father stopped me with a deep sigh. “I want to say I warned you so badly, but what good will that do?”

feelings for me. I

in his eyes. “And what are you doing to do about it?

want Lyla… I’ve always did for the longest time. You think

slowly, the smirk on his lips deepening. “They’re sisters, and you shouldn’t come

teenager; I’m sure she’ll have a change of mind in the near future. I’m

my dad chuckled. “Okay, I

I don’t want to make it worse, but I can’t encourage this. I love Lyla…she’s the one I want, and I want her to be

mate

confessed my feelings about Lyla and told him about my plans to make her

vehement refusal, he hadn’t said anything

since you prefer the other sister,

this to fester.

words hitting home. “You’re right. I’ll talk to her again, but this time, I’ll

no room for

father said, clapping me on the shoulder. “Now, can we go back to reviewing this?” he waved the

sat back down, trying to think of the easiest ways to deal with Clarissa. I picked up my phone and dialled Lyla’s number, needing to hear her voice to remind myself of what truly

washed over

just wanted

163 Marrying Clarissa.

laughed. “Rough

against it. It might be difficult to

idea, I murmured, closing my

I wanted to solve whatever misunderstanding Clarissa

without being on my toes, but standing here now, I felt that my carefully thought–out rejection

to go, the front door opened, and Luna Vanessa loomed