Chapter 96: Chapter 96

“Rex."

Upon hearing the familiar voice, I froze in shock; it felt as if my whole being was struck by lightning.

My mouth turned dry, my lips turned chapped, and my heartbeat began to race chaotically. A trace of chill suddenly engulfed my whole system, making me shiver.

I couldn't help but gulp due to fear, nervousness, and the variety of emotions that began to overwhelm me.

The knowledge of Rex's arrival and what was about to happen sent fear, worry, and anxiety spiraling through my system.

Rex is here. What am I going to do? How do I face him? What should I do? I bit my lower lips and grabbed a fist of my hair in anxiety. I couldn't help but pace due to nervousness.

Although I knew Rex would soon know about Wyatt and I’s relationship, I never expected it to be this fast. I haven't even prepared myself. Not at all! What am I going to do now?

My breath began to appear in waves, and panic began to build in me.

Worriedly, I ran my hands through my hair and facepalmed myself.

What will Rex think of me now? That I'm just like his parents and all those people who tried to get to him just to make use of him? That the only reason I agreed to him was to get together with Wyatt?

The more I pondered, the more my stomach churned, and the more weak I felt inside. At one point, I could hardly stand without gripping something for support.

Sad tears pooled in my eyes. I had to look up at the sky and blink repeatedly to send the tears back.

Although I had no guts to see Rex, I knew that there was no use letting my thoughts wander. No matter what, I'll still have to meet Rex. I might as well prepare myself for the incoming situation.

I took a deep breath in a bid to calm my nerves, but I guess it failed due to my shaky hands and trembling body.

I threw my backpack toward Arya, and she swiftly grabbed it expertly.

"Arya, can you please take it to the hostel? I have an important thing to do. Thank you.” I implored Arya, trying to compose my voice and make it as steady as possible, but I guess I failed because my voice ended up brittle and thin.

Seeming to notice that something was wrong with me, Arya's brows furrowed, and her lips parted as if to ask me a question.

However, in the next minute, Arya closed her lips and casually nodded in reply. She left for the hostel immediately.

I ruffled my hair and squeezed my eyes shut, dreading what was to come, but I knew I had no choice, so I could only make my way to meet Rex.

I lowered my head and began to trudge toward the forest, but somehow my legs felt heavy.

No matter how much I tried to increase my pace, I couldn't; it felt as if my legs were made of lead. And it made me want to break down into tears.

Even though I didn't want to admit it. I knew that perhaps there was bound to be a separation between Rex and me now, right?

After all, I've chosen Wyatt and the werewolf clan rather than Rex and our initial agreement.

My feet slowly came to a stop upon seeing Wyatt waiting patiently in front of the forest. My neck tilted in confusion.

Wyatt? What's he doing here? How did he know Rex was here? Why was he here?

However, I won't deny that seeing Wyatt here somehow warms my heart and calms it a bit.

"Wyatt." Although I tried to call Wyatt in a calm voice, my voice couldn't help but appear thin and brittle due to the chaotic emotions that were currently swirling in my heart.

“Babe,” Wyatt called gently. He strode toward me in a long stride and engulfed me in a hug. He pecked my forehead and caressed my cheeks gently. "It's fine, babe. Let's meet him together, okay?" Wyatt reassured me and patted my head gently.

I find myself calming down after receiving support from Wyatt. I couldn't help but feel warm inside at the thought that Wyatt cared enough to wait for me to meet with Rex. He cared to pay attention to every little detail about me.

After a few seconds, I separated from Wyatt and nodded. There's no need to run from this; even if I'm hurt by how some things ended, I still needed to clarify this to Rex.

Moreover, even if I wanted to run, would Rex give me the chance to? Even my conscience won't.

However, I paused in my steps and eyed Wyatt worriedly.

The news that Wyatt and I are together is already a big blow to Rex. If Wyatt decides to show up with me, that may trigger Rex. And Rex being triggered is the last thing I'll ever want to give a chance to.

I couldn't help but take a deriding laugh at myself. After hearing the news of Wyatt and I being together, there's no way Rex won't be triggered.

This isn't the time for me to act like I care about Rex the most. I was the closest to Rex, yet I was the one who hurt him the most.

I've always believed that I was a good person, but thinking about it, how am I different from the one who hurt Rex in the past? I'm such a selfish betrayer! Clearly, I was worse than the ones Rex had met with in the past!

If I really cared about Rex, like I said, I…

‘Filippa, enough!’ Maia scolded unhappily. ‘I won't give you the chance to continue sinking into this!’ Maia reproached me strictly, jolting me out of my blame.

I trembled and looked down at my feet to hide the tears that threatened to spill past my eyes. I exhaled shakily and twisted my fingers nervously. 'I. I'm just worried and afraid.' I'm afraid that Rex won't be able to take it. I'm afraid of Rex's reaction. I'm afraid that things will go wrong a lot.

Maia exhaled deeply, vividly worried. 'I also hope it'll be fine.' she coaxed, but in an unsure tone. Clearly, we both knew things wouldn't be.

Wyatt suddenly raised my chin and lowered his head to kiss my tears away. “It'll be fine.” He comforted me and caressed my cheeks softly.

I nodded my head, but upon thinking of something, I parted from Wyatt and snatched my hand away from his. "Rex will be annoyed and seeing Wyatt…" I'm afraid that Rex might direct his anger at Wyatt; I should go alone.

Wyatt smiled and shook his head in refusal. "I don't need my woman to protect me. Rather, it's conversely. I expected this from the start." Wyatt seriously declared and grabbed my hand again.

Without giving me the chance to reject or reply, Wyatt began to lead me into the forest.

The more we walk closer to the forest, the faster my heart races. My legs turned weak, and I found it difficult to take each step.

Somehow, the forest, which I regularly visited to train with Rex, felt familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Somehow, this place, which once held dear memories of Rex and me, seems to be closing in on me, making me have the impulse to flee.

Upon stepping into the forest, a suffocating feeling overwhelmed my whole being. I could feel my chest heaving. It felt as if everything was closing on me.

Rex was facing our direction when Wyatt and I stepped into the familiar training site. He was standing straight, and I had the premonition that he hadn't just arrived.

There were dark circles around Rex's eyes; his face was pale, his red eyes redder, his features prominent, and his whole figure frail. Vividly tired, it was as if Rex could be blown away by a light breeze.

Rex's expression was originally deadpanned and his eyes glazed, but upon seeing Wyatt and me, a cold expression overlapped his face. His eyes fell toward mine and Wyatt's interlocked hand, and his pupils dilated.

Without hesitation, Rex strode toward us in a large stride.

Before I could process, Rex threw a fierce punch at Wyatt, his red eyes spewing with fire. "Still have the guts to come over? Still dare to show off, you bastard?" Rex bellowed angrily, his eyes filled with cold light and killing intent.

I jumped slightly due to shock. My lips parted in a gasp, my hands and body trembling.

Am I a maleficent star? Why does it seem that ever since Wyatt and I joined together, things have become troublesome for Wyatt?

First, it was Oswald and Wyatt. Now it was Rex and Wyatt.

What should I do? Because of me. Because of my relationship with Wyatt, it seems many relationships will be lost. Did I make the right decision? I'm the reason Wyatt is hurting. Perhaps I shouldn't have...

I took a step forward and tried to interfere between the two. "Rex, Wyatt..."

"Stay out of it, Maia." Wyatt calmly yet strictly interrupted. His cold yet strict gaze fell on me warningly, making me freeze and unable to say a word.

How could I watch him get beaten up? How did he expect me to? I can't!

I shook my head and parted my lips to tell him no, but he gave me a domineering warning look that I had no choice but to comply with.

Wyatt straightened his back and wiped his bruised cheeks with a cold smile. “You lose, Rex. Back off; she is mine now.” Wyatt declared calmly.

“Lose?” Rex's red eyes turned cold, and he angrily grabbed Wyatt's collar. “You cheated, you bastard!” He scowled.

My brows knitted in confusion, wondering what Rex meant by Wyatt cheating. Did the both of them reach a sort of agreement because of me? What was it?

Wyatt shrugged nonchalantly and removed Rex's hand, which was clinging to his collar. “There's no rule that disallows cheating. Those who accomplished great things did not bother with trifles," he calmly conveyed, unbothered about Rex's claim about him cheating in whatever sort of agreement they both made.

"You bastard!" Rex seethed with a pain-filled tone and punched Wyatt again, repeatedly, without having the intention to stop soon.

However, Wyatt stayed still and steady, his hands placed next to him, clearly having no intention to fight back.

Upon watching Wyatt get assaulted with repeated punches, my face paled, my lips quivered, and my body trembled repeatedly.

Even though I badly wanted to say a word or interfere between the two, I couldn't because I'd been warned by Wyatt.

Whenever I tried to take a step forward or interfere between the two, Wyatt's strict gaze would fall on my face, making me at a loss for what to do.

After the umpteenth punch, Rex pushed Wyatt away and kicked Wyatt's leg angrily. He pointed toward the steady Wyatt and sneered coldly.

"You werewolves are despicable!" He bellowed and brushed a glance at me before glaring at Wyatt coldly. He raked his hand through his hair and smiled deprecatingly.

"I should have expected that you were the real trouble. It wasn't Oswald, that bastard. Oswald also fell for your tricks.” Rex sneered and disparaged coldly.