Page 5 of His Arranged Plus-Size Mate

I’d thought of getting my own place, but I didn’t make a lot of money. The center was only part-time, and I agreed because I felt like I belonged. I had only worked a few shifts at the bar when I felt like it. So, I couldn’t exactly afford my own place. And I doubted I would find a nice one since everyone was watching me.

That and I didn’t want to be completely alone.

“Can I tell you something without you telling her?”

He paused for a split second. “That depends on what you say.”

“I love my sister, but I think I’m ready to move out from under her wing.”

He leaned forward a little, resting on his elbows. “There is nothing wrong with that.”

“She’s been protecting my entire life. Always pushing herself to better our lives together. Even this. She made us a package deal for your wedding.” I tapped my fingers lightly on the table. “I think I need to find my own way. I’ve been letting her take care of everything, but she can’t fix this. She can’t help me figure out who I am.”

He gave me a nod, and I swallowed, feeling like a hand went over my body. It was a relief to admit that I needed space to figure out my life. “Do you think she’s going to understand?”

He cringed. “It might take her time.”

I chewed on my cheek, staring blankly into my coffee. I didn’t know how, but I knew this was the right direction to go. And as Brandon said, it was just for now. Asher and I didn’t have to stay together forever.

Westley squeezed my shoulder after he finished his coffee, leaving me alone. I sat and stewed over my decision, relaxing in the chair. I hadn’t even heard Gabriella coming into the room until she sat where Westley had been with a cup of orange juice. “Morning,” she chirped, giving me her bright smile.

“Morning.”

“How did you sleep?” she asked, setting her glass down. I could see that worry in her eyes. I knew she was waiting for me to tell her I was fine and doing a little better. But I couldn’t say those words today. They were far from the truth.

“I’m considering Brandon’s proposal.”

Her hand froze, and her eyebrows went up. I could see so many emotions flicker across her face before she landed on sadness. “Hazel, you don’t have to do that. Brandon was overstepping, even saying that. You are….”

“I need to move out.” It was honestly that simple. I needed space away from this.

Gabriella looked at me, hurt, and she shook her head slightly. “I…Hazel...you really don’t have to.”

“I do. I need to be me. I need to figure out my life and not figure out how I fit into yours.”

Her frown deepened. “I didn’t realize I made your life so hard.”

“That’s not what I’m saying…” I sighed and leaned forward. “You have handled everything for me. My entire life, you’ve handled any issues that have come up. But you can’t handle this. This mess….is mine. I have to figure this out.”

“But I want to help.”

“You can’t. I honestly just need space to let my mind figure out how it feels. Because I feel so many things. I feel angry still. I feel heartbroken. I feel like my mind is the destruction that is left after a tornado, and I can’t see through it all.”

“Is this all because of you being taken? We can get you a therapist.”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “It just made everything clearer. How do I know who I am without you? I don’t know what I want, what future I would like. Don’t you think about that? What do you and Westley want next?”

She licked her lips. I knew they had possibly talked about it, but they weren’t planning anything. She was so focused on me that she was putting her life on pause. I didn’t want that.

“So, I’m going to accept the offer.”

“Are you sure?” she whispered. “You don’t have to. We could just figure out something else. I can give you space here if you want.”

The thought of being alone scared me. I wanted time to myself to de-jumble my mind, but I also didn’t want to come home to an empty house.

“Yeah,” I said, nodding my head. “I am. I need this.”

I took a quick shower and headed to the healing center. It was the only space that I felt like I belonged in a way. The atmosphere was calming, and all of the witches were nothing but caring.