Daniel's Pov

　　"Can we talk for a moment in private?" Emma asks in a low, almost restrained voice, and I eagerly agree, sensing the urgency in her words.

　　"Of course. I'd love to, Queen Emma!" I inform enthusiastically, placing my hand on her waist to guide her to a quieter hallway.

　　The hallway is decorated with paintings of landscapes and hunting scenes, and the sconce lights create a cozier atmosphere.

　　As soon as the voices from the conference room fade around us, Emma takes a few more steps forward, facing me. Her presence makes my heart beat faster, and every movement of hers is a dance I don't want to miss for a second.

　　"I'm very grateful for your support today. Truly, Dan!" Emma declares with a sweet smile on her lips, melting my heart with joy.

　　"It was nothing, Emma. I'd do anything for you. You know that, don't you?" I respond sincerely, stepping a little closer to her, hoping Emma feels the truth in my words.

　　Emma, for her part, takes a few steps back, and her smile fades slightly. The light, lively atmosphere shifts to something more tense, and I feel anxiety growing within me.

　　"Daniel, I, well... I wanted to talk to you about the other day. At the hotel," she begins shyly, and I feel my heart speed up.

　　"Yes?" I encourage her anxiously. My mind racing with possibilities and hopes. Has she finally realized she doesn't want to marry Matthew?

　　"I've thought a lot about what you told me. And I like you very much, Daniel. Truly. You make me laugh like no one else, I love your sense of humor and how you can brighten up a room," Emma declares kindly, and I know where this speech is going. Emma's voice is gentle, but her words carry a weight that starts to settle in my chest.

　　"But you're not in love with me, are you?" I interrupt with a downcast voice. I feel sadness grow within me. The reality of this moment is a knife cutting deep into my heart.

　　Emma's gaze towards me is one of embarrassment. She bites her lower lip and, for a moment, looks down, as if ashamed of the fact. The silence between us is dense, laden with unspoken yet clearly felt emotions.

　　"If you give me a chance, Emma. I'm sure I can make you fall in love with me," I declare sincerely, hope still shining in my eyes.

　　One chance is all I need from her.

　　Emma looks back at me, and there's a different light in her eyes. Something that shows that even if I spent my entire life trying, it wouldn't happen. The compassion in her gaze is almost unbearable.

　　"Daniel, I love Matthew. He's my mate, and even if he weren't, I already had deep and overwhelming feelings for him. I appreciate your affection and really want to remain your friend," Emma responds softly, her eyes filled with compassion. "But that's all I can be for you. Nothing more. Just your friend."

　　I sigh with a heavy heart, feeling the weight of rejection those words bring within me. I still look at Emma with affection, but I can't deny the reality before me. The corridor now seems darker, as if the lights have lost some of their brightness.

　　"Your friendship is already enough for me, Emma. I wish you all the happiness in the world, truly!" I say with a broken voice, trying to keep my emotions inside. Every word is an effort to hide the pain I'm feeling.

　　Emma smiles warmly at me, and I return the smile despite the pain.

　　"I'm sure, Daniel, that your destined mate is just around the corner. You just need to wait a little longer," Emma declares with a voice full of tenderness. She opens her arms, and I gladly accept, hugging her with strength and affection.

　　"I hope you're right, Emma," I confess with sadness in my voice. I feel a tear threatening to fall.

　　"I got my second chance at love when I thought it would never happen again. You'll have your first, and it will be forever, I'm sure of it!"

　　Her words are a consolation, the promise of a better future, and for a few moments, I allow myself to believe in them.

　　"Emma, I was looking for you!" a female voice declares behind me.

　　Emma and I separate from our embrace, and when I realize it, the bittersweet, peculiar, and intoxicating scent returns like an unstoppable wave. I turn towards the owner of the voice and see a beautiful woman.

　　"Our mate!" Remus declares with a roar within that almost leaves me dizzy.

　　"Ah, yes, Faylen, I'm coming. Just a minute," Emma says.

　　I feel the world stop for a moment as my eyes focus on the woman before me. Her scent, the wonderful and perfect scent, is hers. The bittersweet scent, of belonging.

　　"Scent of our true mate!" Remus announces excitedly.

　　"No, it's not possible. I, I still" I stammer within myself to Remus. Unable to assimilate what's happening before me.

　　Faylen, her name is Faylen, and the only thing I can say at this very moment is.

　　"Would you like to have a drink with me?" I ask catatonically towards the woman with short, bleached hair.

　　She arches an eyebrow in confusion, and I clear my throat, trying to maintain my composure.

　　"Well, I mean. Is it okay with you, Emma? Can I steal your Faylen for a bit?"

　　Emma looks at me and then at Faylen, letting out a short laugh.

　　"I don't think it'll hurt. There's a bar just around the corner here in the hallway," Emma announces with a voice full of humor, and I swallow hard. "Of course, if Faylen wants to go. We're not leaving anytime soon anyway."

　　I look expectantly at Faylen, who is stunning before me, her face both skeptical and beautiful.

　　"Er... okay, I guess. We can, yes, have a drink. Are you the guy who fought a bear naked?" she asks as she walks towards me.

　　I laugh at the question and nod, "Did Emma tell you that story?"