"Then, if you had a company, would you hire me?" I ask, the question innocent on the surface, but the humor bubbling inside me makes it hard to keep a straight face. I know full well that he does have a company-a secret one, working on world-ending zombie viruses. And whether he likes it or not, I'm getting into that company, with or without his permission.
Wilde's eyes flick to mine, his expression unreadable as he studies me. The air between us feels heavy again, but this time it's different. There's something in the way he's looking at me that makes my heart race, but not from fear or attraction. It's something else, something darker, something I need to be careful of.
For now, though, I keep my smile firmly in place, playing my part.
He nods, pausing for a moment to assess whether I've somehow uncovered his secrets.
His approval prompts me to continue with my playful, almost mindless act. "You're so good to me, baby," I say, leaning in to plant a loud kiss on his cheek just as the professor steps into the classroom. Though he tries to mask it, I catch the faintest hint of warmth on his face.
As the lecture drones on, I discreetly check my phone to see if Assistant Uno has responded. Unsurprisingly, the assistant I painstakingly sought out like a rare pearl in the ocean did not disappoint.
Assistant Uno: Boss, there's been movement on the second son of the Timewell family's side. He's proposed an engagement-cum-business deal to his father concerning you. According to my sources, Mr. Timewell has already discussed it with your father.
World's Best: Got it.
Caden. So that explains Wilde's odd behavior this morning. He must have known about this already.
I have so many thoughts on this matter. First, why is Caden suddenly playing the role of a villain? It leaves me torn between laughing and crying. Second, why on earth would I, in my right mind, even entertain this out-of-nowhere proposal? Third, why do Caden, Mr. Timewell, or even the original Faye's father assume I would accept an arrangement that offers me no benefit whatsoever? And finally, why is this proposal making Wilde so agitated?
So many questions, all unanswered.
Still, it changes nothing. My priority remains the same: reform Wilde into a law-abiding citizen and infiltrate his lab to destroy the virus.
That said, Caden's absence yesterday now makes more sense. But really? Is he so possessive over something that willingly left him-emphasis on willingly-that he'd go as far as to arrange a marriage to reclaim it? Does he have no self-respect? It makes me question whether he ever truly loved Sara in the original timeline, or if his obsession was simply about taking whatever belonged to Wilde. I guess we'll never know. One thing's for certain, though-I won't belong to him, not even in his wildest dreams.
Now, the only missing piece is Sara. She was also absent yesterday, but it makes absolutely no sense for her to have been with Caden while he proposed a marriage deal concerning me. I need to get Assistant Uno on this again.
The day passes surprisingly smoothly, with Wilde by my side more than usual. Caden's continued absence doesn't go unnoticed, and neither does Sara's. School feels a bit lighter without their usual tension, almost as if Wilde and I are in our own little world. He doesn't say much, but his presence is steady-constantly watching, always analyzing.
During lunch, Wilde and I share a table, though our conversation is minimal. He occasionally glances at his phone, but otherwise, his attention seems fixed on me, as if he's silently trying to figure out my next move. I catch him frowning once or twice, probably because of whatever mess is brewing in the background. But for now, we pretend like none of it matters, at least not in this moment.
Since Wilde and I came together in his car this morning, it only makes sense that we'd head home the same way. The entire day has felt like a strange balancing act, with Wilde sticking closer than usual, though saying almost nothing. It's like he's trying to decode me, which is both amusing and a little unnerving.
Just when I'm considering how to break the tension, we reach the parking lot-and I freeze.
There, parked right at the entrance, is my dad's car. And he's leaning against it, waiting. I can almost hear the theme music for an ambush playing in my head.
Wilde's eyes narrow, his jaw tightening as he takes in the scene. My father-its weird even calling him my father, I'll stick with Mr Lozero-isn't here just to give me a ride home, that's for sure. He's probably here to discuss that ridiculous marriage proposal from the Timewell family. Wilde doesn't know I'm already in on this little scheme, and the shift in his demeanor makes me bite back a grin.
"Well, look at that," I say with a teasing lilt, nudging Wilde playfully. "Daddy's here to pick me up. How sweet."
Wilde's not amused. His eyes darken as he glances from my dad to me, the tension practically rolling off him. "You're leaving with him?" His voice is low, laced with irritation.
I blink innocently, though I can't resist the coy smile tugging at my lips. "Of course. He's my dad, after all."
I catch the flicker of emotion in Wilde's eyes-something raw, conflicted-before it vanishes, replaced by his usual icy mask. That cold, detached look he wears so well. It's almost impressive how quickly he shuts it down.
I decide to break the silence first. "Let my driver take you home, baby, and text me when you reach home safely, okay?" My voice is syrupy sweet, dripping with faux concern. I work hard to keep the amusement from spilling over into a full grin. Shouldn't it be his job to say those words to me?
Wilde doesn't even flinch, but I can feel the tension radiating off him, his jaw tightening just enough to let me know I've hit a nerve.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Ah well, I suppose I'll have to take on the mommy role for now. Someone has to be in control, and it sure isn't him at the moment. Anything to keep the peace long enough to survive this world and get back to my own.
His eyes narrow, still glued to me, calculating, like he's trying to decide whether to push back or let it slide. It's a delicate dance we've mastered-a constant back and forth of power, where neither of us ever fully gives in.
Finally, with a curt nod, he steps back, giving me room to head toward my father, who's still waiting by his car, completely oblivious to the silent battle Wilde and I are waging.
As I walk away, I feel Wilde's gaze boring into my back, but I don't turn around. Not today.