Chapter 406

**Chapter 406**

Nan sat on the couch in the far side of the room. Chester’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Do ladies really have a couch in their bathroom?” he asked, amazed. He closed the door behind him.

Nan locked the door so they wouldn’t be disturbed. She didn’t respond; instead, she looked at her hands, relieved that her tears had finally stopped. She hoped Chester wouldn’t see how hurt she was about everything that had happened. Little did she know, he was already aware of her pain.

He stepped closer to her, wanting to give her space but also feeling a strong urge to close the gap between them. It was a desperate feeling he couldn’t quite understand.

“Nan…” he finally said, his voice soft and filled with compassion.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for any of that to happen. She won’t be a problem for you anymore; you have my word.”

Nan looked up at him, and his heart sank when he saw the sadness in her eyes.

Chester looked at her with red eyes, holding back tears.

“She knew so much about you, Chester. You love her—”

“NO!” he interrupted, stepping closer to her. “I’ve known her for a long time, that’s why she knows so much about me.”

“I don’t love her. I never have,” he said firmly. She was speaking her truth, but it didn’t match how he felt.

“She’s never going to leave you alone…” Nan whispered, her voice filled with sadness as tears began to form in her eyes.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. He sat down on the couch next to her and gently held her face in his hands. Using his thumbs, he wiped away her tears.

“You have my word, Nan,” he said softly. “She won’t be a problem anymore. I’m so sorry.”

“Our first date was ruined. I’m really sorry this happened. I promise you it won’t happen again. Please don’t hate me…”

There was a sense of desperation in his voice. She could feel his sincerity pulling her in. She closed her eyes, trying to process her feelings.

Tears streamed down her face as he gently wiped them away with his thumbs.

“Why does this have to be so hard?” she whispered. “I thought it would be easy once I found my mate…”

He let out a soft chuckle.

“Yeah, I don’t think there’s anything easy about mating,” he said softly. “But I really want to give this a chance… a real chance. Please, don’t shut the door on us just yet.”

She sniffled and nodded in response.

“Okay,” she whispered. “I won’t close the door.”

He felt a wave of relief wash over him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his chest. She was surprised by the sudden gesture, but as soon as her head rested against him, she felt comforted.

She touched his chest and melted into him, finally feeling at ease for the first time in her life. He felt the same way, loving the warmth of her in his arms.

“Can we go somewhere else?” she asked.

He asked, “Maybe a walk? I’m done with this place.”

She nodded, even though she wanted to stay in his arms a little longer. He also wanted to keep holding her. So, they stayed like that for a while.

They held on to each other tightly, as if their lives depended on it.

Soon, he began to let her go, but he quickly took her hand again to keep her close.

When he opened the bathroom door, Judy was standing on the other side with her arms outstretched.

Judy stood with her arms crossed over her chest. She looked up at Chester and then at Nan, her eyes narrowing as if to silently ask Nan if it was okay for her to leave with him.

Nan nodded, understanding Judy’s unspoken question. Judy’s expression relaxed, and she stepped aside.

**BONUS**

**Chapter 406**

Chester led Nan out of the restaurant, paying no attention to the curious gazes of everyone inside.

As they walked through the city, hand in hand, they engaged in deep conversation. Chester shared stories about his family, including the sad memory of how his mother had passed away.

A few years ago, Chester talked about his Alpha father. Chester’s father didn’t want to take over the pack. Instead, he let his brother train for the position. This way, Chester could follow his dream of becoming a chef, something his father fully supported.

Gavin’s father never approved of his choices. He often talked about how Gavin had opened up his pack to Chester, allowing him to follow his dreams. This decision helped Gavin connect with the Landry family. He even shared stories about how he met Harper and explained why she was important to him.

Chester was really worried about how Nan would react. He knew it was tough for her to hear about his relationship with Harper. But he felt it was important to talk about it and clear the air. Chester wanted Nan to trust him and to feel comfortable opening up to him.

After Chester had the conversation, he hoped that things would become easier between them. He wanted to make sure Nan understood how much he cared for her and that he was there for her no matter what.

After finishing his life story, they sat together in the local park. His arms were wrapped around her shoulders, and she leaned into him. They enjoyed a comfortable silence until Nan broke the stillness.

“I go to school with…”

“Judy, when I’m not working,” she said softly, “I’m in the culinary program.”

His eyes widened as he looked down at her.

“Oh, that’s how you know so much about food and their seasonings…” he replied, amazed.

She took a deep breath; it was a statement, not a question.

She nodded. “I want to be a chef one day…”

Hearing her soft voice and those hopeful words made his heart melt. He smiled down at her, feeling warmth and happiness as he thought about her dreams.

His friend wanted to become a chef, just like him. She seemed a bit shy about it, biting her lip as she spoke. He gently held her face in his hands and made sure she looked into his eyes.

“I can help you make your dream come true,” he said.

“Nan, dreams can become reality… but I need you to start trusting me. Do you think you can do that?”