My husband's best friend is my mate.

Chapter6-Rejected and messed up.

Chapter 6

Clyde’s POV

The room was dimly lit, bathed in the soft, bluish glow of my laptop screen. The faint hum of the computer was the only sound breaking the silence, and the air was thick with the scent of stale coffee and frustration.

The search for the girl I had a one night stand with- Amelia had become a part of my nightly routine for the past two years. I had gotten frustrated to a certain point but then again I just couldn't give up.

Every lead, every potential clue, I had chased them all, but she remained elusive. The night we shared haunted me, and the bond we formed was something I couldn’t let go of. She was my mate and for some reason known to only her she left even before I could wake up. And goodness, how annoying that realization was. No lady has ever left me, instead I was the one who always left them instead.

The thought of her vanishing without a trace made my blood boil. How could she leave, knowing she was my mate? The need for her gnawed at my insides, a constant, aching void that nothing could fill. If only I had realized sooner, maybe I could have stopped her.

My phone buzzed on the desk, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the caller ID—Sebastian. My best friend.

“Hey, Seb,” I answered, my voice a little rough from lack of sleep. “What’s up?”

“Clyde! Long time, man. How are you holding up?” His voice was as cheerful as ever, a stark contrast to my own terrible mood. Simply words and opposite.

I forced a chuckle. “You know, the usual. Just getting by.”

“I’m hosting a get-together tonight, just some friends and family. I want you to come,” he said, his tone leaving little room for argument.

“I don’t know, Seb. I’m not really in the mood for socializing,” I admitted, rubbing my temples. All I wanted was my mate.

“Come on, man. It’s been ages since we hung out. Besides, I’ve got someone special I want you to meet,” he coaxed.

Lucky him.

Something in his voice piqued my curiosity. “Someone special?”

“You’ll see,” he said cryptically. “Just be there, alright?”

I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t relent until I agreed. “Alright, fine. I’ll be there.”

“Great! See you soon, buddy,” he said before hanging up.

I took a deep breath, closing my laptop and pushing thoughts of Amelia to the back of my mind. I needed to be there for Seb, even if it meant facing the crowd. And I couldn't help but wonder who his special person was. But the fact that he had someone he could call special made me see him as lucky, damn all I wished for was to see her.

—

Arriving at Sebastian’s place, the hum of conversation and bursts of laughter spilled out into the night air, amplifying my anxiety. My stomach twisted with every step, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

The house was buzzing with activity, and I felt a pang of anxiety, being in places like this reminded me so much about her. Heaving a deep breath, I tried to suppress my feelings as I scanned the room, searching for Seb.

Suddenly, a familiar, intoxicating scent hit me like a punch to the gut, sending my senses into overdrive. It was her—the scent of my mate. My heart raced, and every nerve in my body seemed to come alive, guiding me toward the source.

Goodness , she was right here! My heart pounded as I followed the trail, a thousand and ten thoughts going through my head. Was she going to love me in return? Did she hate me, hence why she left? Would she be happy to see me? What would her reaction be like?. Redirecting my focus, I weaved through the throngs of people, barely aware of my surroundings. The scent grew stronger as I approached the restroom.

Pushing the door open, my breath caught in my throat. There she was, washing her hands, her back to me. My heart ached at the sight of her, as beautiful as ever. f**k, I finally get to see her again after all these while.

“Amelia,” I breathed, my voice barely a whisper. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of awe and desperation.

She turned, her eyes widening in shock. “Clyde…” she whispered, her voice trembling.

I took a step closer, the need to touch her overwhelming. “You’re my mate,” I said, my words raw with emotion as the words tumbled out even before I could even stop them. “I’ve been searching for you for the past two years.”

Her expression shifted from shock to something more guarded. “Clyde, I…”

Before she could finish, the restroom door opened, and a couple of guests entered, oblivious to the tension between us. I took a step back, realizing the need to be discreet.

“Not here,” she whispered, glancing nervously at the newcomers. “Meet me outside in 5 minutes.”

With my heart in my throat, I turned and left the restroom, each step feeling heavier than the last. I made my way to a quiet corner of the garden, the cool night air doing little to calm the storm raging inside me.

Minutes later, Amelia appeared, her eyes scanning the area before she spotted me. She walked over, her expression conflicted.

“Clyde, I didn’t know I’d see you here,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ve been searching for you ever since that night,” I said, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. “Why did you leave?”

Tears welled up in her eyes. “I didn’t have a choice. It was too overwhelming, and then life just… happened.”

“And now you’re engaged?” I asked, my voice breaking. “To Sebastian?”

She nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. “He’s been so good to me, Clyde. He’s everything I thought I wanted.”

“But you can’t deny the bond we share,” I insisted, stepping closer. “We’re meant to be together.”

She shook her head, more tears falling. “I can’t just throw everything away, Clyde. Seb is my fiancé. I can’t hurt him like that.”

“Amelia, please…” I reached out, but she stepped back, shaking her head.

“I had to leave, Clyde,” she said, her voice trembling. “Moreover, it was just a one-night stand. It didn’t mean anything.”

“It wasn’t just a one-night stand!” I said, my voice filled with frustration and desperation. “You’re my mate, Amelia. You mean everything to me.”

She looked away, her tears falling freely now. “I’m sorry, Clyde. I truly am,” she whispered, her voice filled with sorrow. “But I can’t do this.”

“But,”

Before I could say anything else, she turned and walked back inside, leaving me standing there, shattered.

Fuck! This wasn't nice, she didn't love me. She didn't want to be with me, she literally rejected me and as if it wasn't enough of all people to be with, it had to be my best friend.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and followed went back into the house. I found Seb talking with a group of guests, his face lighting up when he saw me.

“There you are, Clyde!” he called out, waving me over. “I want you to meet my fiancée, Amelia.”

I walked over, my heart heavy. Amelia stood beside him, her face a mask of calm as if nothing has just happened.

Nice to meet you, Amelia,” I said, forcing a smile that felt like it would c***k my face. Inside, my heart was breaking all over again.

“Nice to meet you too, Clyde,” she replied, her voice steady.

We shook hands, and the world seemed to tilt on its axis. The woman I had searched for, the woman I loved, was now engaged to my best friend.

And I had to pretend like it didn’t tear me apart inside.