Rosaline's POV: I had finally managed to coax Caden out of his jealous mood, but instead of things getting easier, my headaches only got worse these past couple of days—and it's all because of Joel. Ever since that incident at the Golden Crane Hotel, he's been on a mission to compete with Caden. He's practically made a daily habit of showing up at Starplay Entertainment just to corner me. This young wolf prince from Fostrau has been camping out in my office like it's his second home. No matter how I try to reason with him, he refuses to leave. He keeps asking me out—to amusement parks, to movies—pulling out every classic move in the "how to win a girl" playbook. At this point, I'm trying to avoid him like the plague. Just the sight of Joel makes me sigh in exhaustion. "Joel, we need to talk." I finally couldn't take it anymore. During our lunch break, I looked at the big guy sprawled on the couch, tapping away on his phone playing a game. My tone was full of helplessness—with a touch of amusement I couldn't hide. Joel instantly dropped his phone, eyes lighting up. "Rosaline! What is it? Don't tell me you finally want to go out with me?" "No ... " I barely had the energy to speak at this point. I honestly couldn't figure out why Joel was so fixated on me when I was clearly on the verge of getting engaged. "I just want to understand why you're chasing after me so relentlessly. I'm about to get engaged to Caden—like, in just a few days. And you? You're a noble from Fostrau. You could have any woman you want. I think we're just not right for each other. Besides, you're younger than me. I'm not into the whole older woman/younger man dynamic. So please, go back home." I was trying to be as gentle as possible with him. I'd already run out of ways to deal with this childish, stubborn prince, and this was the least emotionally exhausting approach I could take. I genuinely hoped Joel would get it. But instead, he just looked confused. He didn't seem to understand why I was saying any of this. And then, he just said it plainly: "I like you. You're beautiful, smart, and well-spoken. You're the most gorgeous werewolf I've ever seen. I liked you from the moment we danced together. And I want you to give me a chance. Rosaline, I'm not going back to Fostrau until I win you over." "Besides," he added with a charming little smile tugging at his lips, "if you're not willing to come live with me in Fostrau, I'll just move here to be with you. It's no big deal." I was speechless.I had no idea how to make Joel understand where I was coming from. I stared at him, half amused and half frustrated, and after a long pause, I finally managed to squeeze out a sentence. "Listen to me. I honestly don't think we're right for each other. I'm telling you to go back to Fostrau for your good. And more importantly, I'm never going to leave Caden. What you're feeling for me—it might just be infatuation. One day, when you meet your destined mate, you'll understand exactly how I feel right now." Joel went quiet. He furrowed his brows and didn't say a word for a long while, like he was trying to process everything I'd just said. I let out a breath of relief, thinking maybe—just maybe—I'd finally gotten through to him. But then he suddenly spoke again. "Forget it. I think you're just not used to the idea yet. Oh, by the way—my birthday's in three days. How about you take me somewhere fun around here to celebrate?" Yeah. He still didn't get it. I turned my head and let out a long sigh. I was completely out of options. Joel's eyes were full of that sad, puppy-dog look—but no matter how pitiful he seemed, I had to be firm. Because I couldn't deal with Caden's jealousy for the hundredth time. "No. I have a meeting that day. I won't have time to show you around. And really, you should take my advice and go back to Fostrau." "No way!" Joel suddenly perked up, sounding indignant. "I helped you and Caden out at the hotel, remember? You said you owed me a favor. You can't go back on your word!" I froze for a second, not sure how to respond. Because yeah, he wasn't wrong. I did say that. And now I had no excuse left to say no. "Fine." After a long pause, I finally gave in. "Three days from now. I'll meet you outside your hotel at nine in the morning. I'll take you out for the day—but that's it. No backing out. But for now, I have to get back to work. Your hanging around here is a distraction, and people might start getting the wrong idea. So ... Can you go for now?" I gave him the kindest smile I could manage, though deep down, I was nothing but drained and frustrated. I had no idea when Joel would finally give up and go back to Fostrau. Joel, on the other hand, was thrilled. He nodded eagerly and waved at me as he reached the door. "Deal! Don't forget! I'll be waiting!"