Chapter 256 - 14: Confession and rejection
Kayden’s words echoed in the cool morning air, seemingly breaking through the noise of the city and reaching Shawn alone. For a moment, Shawn was stunned, the weight of Kayden’s confession overwhelmed him.
Shawn’s heart pounded in his chest, and he felt a swell of conflicting emotions—disbelief, astonishment, and confusion. He knew what he had to say, and yet he hesitated. He looked down, trying to form the right words. He doesn’t believe in love at first sight or whatever, but he didn’t want to come off as someone disregarding the doctor’s confession as insincere with his words.
He looked down, then finally met Kayden’s gaze, forcing himself to be honest.
"I’m giving it back then," Shawn said, his voice was soft but firm. He saw the flicker of disappointment in Kayden’s eyes, but there was no other way to begin. "I can’t reciprocate your feelings. I’m already committed to someone."
Kayden swallowed, holding the omega’s gaze. "I know that already," he replied, his voice was laced with a quiet resignation. He hesitated, then continued, "You’re committed to doing what your father wants, even if it’s against your will. Are you really going to marry Athan Horace?"
Shock rippled through Shawn, and he felt himself stiffen. His brow furrowed as suspicion crept into his voice. "How do you know about that?"
Kayden averted his eyes. He spouted it without thinking, but if Shawn learned that he had him investigated, then he might scare him away. "I’m... acquainted with Knox. When I saw you together, I asked him about you, and he might have seen through me so he mentioned you’re already with his brother." He ended up saying.
Shawn blinked, thinking it over. What did Knox say? The explanation sounded plausible enough, but a strange feeling lingered. He pushed it aside for now, refocusing on the person in front of him.
Kayden’s voice softened and his tone was carrying an earnestness that Shawn hadn’t seen before. "I also know it’s an arranged engagement," he continued. "And I know that as long as you don’t have feelings for Athan, then maybe—just maybe—there’s still hope for me."