Chapter 3

　　Mira's POV

　　Elias's voice rose. "Why aren't you answering? What exactly is this man to you?"

　　I looked at him coldly. "A friend. Is that a problem?"

　　"A friend?"

　　Elias scolded me. "How do you even know someone this dangerous? Do you have any idea why he was shot? Listen to me. Go home. Cut ties with him. Don't get yourself dragged into trouble."

　　Just then, the surgeon stepped out of the operating room.

　　"Who is the patient's family member? We need someone to settle the payment and complete the admission paperwork."

　　I raised my hand. "I'm his family member. I'll take care of it."

　　The moment I turned toward the ward, Elias finally lost his temper.

　　He grabbed my wrist. "Mira, did you hear me? I told you to go home. In case you've forgotten, I'm your boyfriend. Why are you going out of your way to take care of another man?"

　　I yanked my hand free and gave him a careless smile.

　　"Then consider this your official notice. You're not my boyfriend anymore."

　　I turned and walked straight toward the ward without looking back.

　　Elias let out a cold scoff.

　　He clearly didn't believe I'd actually break up with him. I'd been the one chasing him all these years. He was convinced I'd come crawling back and apologize before the night was over.

　　I'd only been reborn for a few hours, and already I had to deal with this mess.

　　The injured man hadn't given the hospital his real identity, so they'd admitted him under a false name and put him in a regular room without even a guest bed.

　　I was exhausted. The moment I sat down beside his bed, I fell asleep with my head resting against the edge of the mattress.

　　By the time his anesthesia wore off, the sky was already beginning to lighten.

　　Half-asleep, I felt a faint weight against my leg. But I was too drowsy to react, my body heavy as though I'd sunk into deep water.

　　Then a man's voice cut through the silence.

　　"Your Majesty, we found you."

　　I jolted awake and lifted my head.

　　The man on the bed was awake now, his brows drawn together in obvious displeasure. A young man stood respectfully by the door, as though he'd come specifically to find him, but he hesitated before entering.

　　I had no idea when I'd fallen asleep. Realizing I probably looked like a mess, I quickly tucked the loose strands of hair behind my ear.

　　"You're awake. Good. I'll go freshen up."

　　I practically fled the room.

　　The moment I met his dark, unreadable gaze, memories of what had happened in the car last night came rushing back.

　　I hurried into the restroom and splashed water over my face, trying to cool my burning cheeks and clear my head.

　　But as the water ran down my jaw, I remembered the feel of his lips again.

　　I shook my head hard and forced the thought away.

　　After composing myself, I headed back to the room.

　　But just as I reached the door, I heard his voice from inside.

　　"Look into that woman's identity."

　　"Your Majesty, isn't she your friend?"

　　"You've been with me long enough. Do you really believe everything she says? She appeared out of nowhere. I have to be cautious."

　　"Understood."

　　I stood outside the door, anger surging through me.

　　I'd risked my life to save him last night. I hadn't even held it against him when he'd crossed the line and kissed me.

　　And the moment he opened his eyes, his first instinct was to investigate me.

　　Men were all the same.

　　Ungrateful.

　　I shoved the door open and faced them coldly.

　　"No need to investigate. Because I don't think we'll be seeing each other again. And you certainly don't need to worry about me having any designs on you."

　　The man on the bed paused for a moment before speaking.

　　"You're so sure we won't meet again? You saved me. I haven't repaid that debt."

　　"Your idea of repaying a debt is to suspect me and dig into my background?"

　　I was furious.

　　It was a shame a face that handsome belonged to a man with such a terrible attitude.

　　He turned to the young man.

　　"Give her my number."

　　"I don't need it."

　　I refused flatly and turned to leave.

　　But the young man hurried after me.

　　"My name is Ryan. I'm his assistant. He doesn't usually give his personal number to people. You should take it. Trust me, you never know when it might come in handy."

　　He sounded so certain that I couldn't help hesitating.

　　In the end, I took the piece of paper he held out.

　　His number was scribbled on a blank sheet of paper.

　　I stared at it speechlessly.

　　He didn't even have a business card?

　　Still irritated, but curious because of what had happened in my previous life, I paused.

　　"By the way, what's his name?"

　　Ryan hesitated.

　　"Cale. He's from Silvercrest Pack."

　　"Okay."

　　I couldn't help adding, "Why does you call him ‘Your Majesty’? Does he think he's a prince?"

　　With that, I stuffed the piece of paper into my bag.

　　I figured I probably wouldn't cross paths with this Mr. Cale again.

　　What I didn't know was that the conversation in the room continued after I left.

　　Ryan returned to the bedside.

　　"Your Majesty, why didn't you tell her your real identity?"

　　The man on the bed slowly turned the silver ring on his index finger, its cold gleam catching the morning light.

　　A faint smile curved his lips.

　　Instead of answering, he asked, "With my reputation and two dead Mates, what woman wouldn't be afraid of me?"