Page 79 of Secretly Married To My Monster Alien Boss
“For?”
“Deruzians’ veins glow golden on a single occasion. When they find their true fated mate. And it seems I have found mine.”
It was a good thing Alissia wore this long robe or otherwise Rynar would have seen her knees shaking. “Mates? Fated?”
“It means the universe has created us as the perfect half for each other. We are destined to unite and live together as one to find true happiness.”
Was this real? Did she dare ask? Yes, she dared. She’d found her courage now. “For…for how long?”
“As long as you allow me to live by your side.”
“But…we just got married, the clock’s started.” She took a deep breath, as if readying herself for what came next. “Our contract ends in a month.”
“It doesn’t have to.”
“What–what are you saying?”
Rynar gently cupped the sides of her face, staring deep into her eyes. She loved what she saw there–hope. God help her, she was hopeful, too. “I’m saying I have found true happiness by your side and an existence without you would be empty and desolate. Because you are the reason for my existence. I was born to be your mate and you were born to be mine. I…I lo–”
“I need to tell you something,” Alissia almost shouted. She couldn’t–wouldn’t–let him tell her what he was probably about to without knowing all the facts.
Rynar stilled. “I’m listening.”
This was the moment that could make or break them. Alissia hadn’t been fearful about it until now. Now she had something to lose.
“Part of the reason why I accepted your marriage proposal was to help you. And maybe a part of me, small as it was, was flattered that you only thought of me for your proposal.” She bit her lower lip, gaze falling down. “But there was another reason. I needed the money to pay for Damian’s college tuition.”
Rynar said nothing, so she went on, even as her chest constricted with each word.
“That day you asked me, I’d just found out he wasn’t getting a scholarship. I was desperate.” Her voice became higher and thinner, as if breathing was suddenly impossible. “And I don’t regret it. Not one bit. Because that wasn’t the main reason I said yes. When I saw you with Zinny in your arms and you looked so protective and caring, I just…I had to say yes. It was you, not your money. But I wanted you to know.”
“I regret it,” he said.
Alissia’s gaze snapped up to his, ready to have her soul shattered. But instead, he was smiling at her.
“Because you didn’t tell me before. I would have given you the money as a friend. I would have helped you regardless of your answer if you would have told me,” he said gently.
And Alissia believed him. Because, damn it, Rynar was a decent guy. No. He was an amazing guy.
The kind who protected those he cared about. The guy who’d made her feel confident and cared for. The one who adopted a stray cat and treated it like a child.
He was wonderful. And he was holding on to her shoulders and staring into her eyes like he never wanted to look away.
“Thank you for understanding,” she said. The lump in her throat was ready to burst into tears.
“There is nothing to understand. And I don’t mean to criticize, but if you were truly after my finances, you should have asked for a lot more money. And jewels. And houses. I still haven’t given you that ring I want you to wear.”
“I don’t need the ring. Or houses. Or jewels.” Alissia laughed past the tears stinging the corners of her eyes. “Are you calling me a bad gold digger?”
Rynar frowned. “Why would you dig for gold? I told you I would have given you everything you wanted.”
This guy. This perfect guy she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
“Anything else you want to tell me?” he asked. “Because I very much want to tell you something.”
“One more thing. Damian asked me if I’m in love with you,” she said.
Rynar’s face drifted closer to hers. “And?”
