A Mate To Three Alpha Heirs Chapter 78: Why In His Presence?

{Elira}

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I woke up before the sun.

Not because of the alarm on my smartwatch, or the chis of morning announcents. I just... couldn’t sleep anymore.

My body knew it was Sunday. And sothing in my chest knew it was the day I’d be leaving ESA—if only for a night.

The dorm room was still quiet. I sat up slowly, pushing the duvet down to my lap, and listened.

The soft rhythm of Cambria’s breathing from the bunk above . Juniper’s occasional turn in bed. Even Nari’s light snore in the distance.

Everyone was still lost in sleep.

I stood and tiptoed across the room, grabbing my towel and outfit for the day.

I chose a simple cream blouse and a long black pleated skirt — nothing fancy, but it made feel neat, proper and prepared.

I showered quickly. The water was warm, but the tile beneath my feet was cold, and it reminded I was awake.

By the ti I ca out, a faint golden hue had started to filter through the curtains.

Back in the room, I packed a few items into my backpack—my student ID, the red envelope for so reason, a notebook, a textbook, a comb, and Rennon’s clean macaron box.

I had washed it after eating the last of the delicious pastry.

I wasn’t sure if I’d be returning with anything new, but sothing told to leave space.

As I was zipping up my bag, Cambria stirred on her bunk and leaned over the edge to look at .

"You’re leaving now?"

I nodded.

Her eyes were still puffy with sleep, but her voice was clear. "Be safe, Elira."

"I will try," I said, offering a small smile. I ant that as a joke, by the way.

She jumped down from her bunk and walked over to without another word. Then, she hugged .

"Don’t let anyone talk down to you," she said softly. "I will miss you."

I closed my eyes, holding on a second longer. "Thank you."

Juniper stirred next, mumbling, "Is it already seven?"

Cambria answered for . "She’s leaving early."

"Right..." Juniper sat up and blinked at . "Don’t forget us."

I chuckled nervously. "I won’t."

"Why are you all acting like she’s never coming back?" Nari rolled over and groaned, "Can soone tell her to bring back tea on the way? And more Macarons"

Laughter broke softly between us, and it was the perfect kind of goodbye.

By 7:25 AM, I was out of the room and heading down the stairwell.

The air outside was still fresh. I stood just outside, hugging my backpack against my chest, and waited.

And then I heard it — a low purr of a car engine, distinct and smooth. My eyes followed the black vehicle pulling up to the curb.

It was him.

His presence, even in the early light, had the gravity of thunder held in a single breath.

"Good morning, Sir," I said quickly, trying not to show how fast my heart was beating.

"Get in," he said simply after rolling down the window.

I climbed into the passenger seat. The interior slled of leather and his familiar oud and black pepper scent.

I missed it.

We didn’t speak as we left the school gates.

He didn’t ask if I’d slept well, and I didn’t ask what was waiting for when we arrived.

The silence inside the car was beginning to press into like a second skin.

It wasn’t tense—at least, not outwardly. But being alone in the car with Zenon, had a way of making even silence feel... sharp.

The hum of the engine, the rhythm of tires brushing over asphalt, the occasional click of the indicator—all of it filled the air instead of conversation.

I stole a glance at him. He looked perfectly composed, one hand resting lightly on the steering wheel, the other shifting gears with fluid ease.

His expression was as unreadable as ever. Calm. Focused. Slightly broody, maybe.

I pressed my lips together and looked out the window again.

Then it happened. A loud growl rumbled from my stomach, the kind that echoed.

My eyes widened in horror. ’No. Please, no.’

Zenon turned slightly, his eyes flicking away from the road just long enough to glance at my face—and then lower to my stomach.

I did what anyone would do. I imdiately slapped both hands over the traitor below my ribs like I could sohow hide the sound that had already happened.

I didn’t dare et his eyes, not after that.

He didn’t say a word, but I saw his lips part slightly. He let out a slow, deep sigh and returned his gaze to the road.

My face burned. Not with embarrassnt alone—no, this was a slow-cooking, full-body sha.

And the worst part? I wasn’t even that hungry.

I had junks in my shelf. I’d just forgotten to eat sothing light before leaving. That was all.

Why now, stomach? Why in his presence?

I shifted in my seat, hugging my bag closer, and spent the next ten minutes trying to pretend I didn’t exist.

So when the car suddenly pulled into a turn and rolled into the lot of a modest roadside restaurant, I blinked.

I looked up, confused, just in ti to see him easing the vehicle into a space near the entrance.

He parked the car, turned off the engine, and then, without even looking at , said, "Are you not getting out?"

I blinked again. Wait... did he just—?

I scrambled to unbuckle my seatbelt. "Yes. I-I am."

Outside the car, the morning air slled faintly of coffee and butter and sothing grilled.

It wasn’t a fancy place—just a cozy buffet spot tucked neatly under a flowering tree—but it felt like a surprise.

We stepped inside together. The warmth from the open kitchen greeted us first, followed by the scent of eggs, syrup, and freshly baked bread.

Zenon walked ahead and paid at the counter. I trailed behind, unsure whether to speak or thank him.