The Mate I Can't Have

NIYLAH's POV.

In the deep woods, gasping for breath and drenched in sweat, a humanoid figure, neither human nor creature, pursued me relentlessly. I couldn't understand why the demon was chasing me or how to describe its terrifying presence. It walked while I ran, but no matter how fast I sprinted, the distance between us remained the same.

Suddenly, my legs became entangled, causing me to stumble and fall to the ground. In that moment, the demon seized the opportunity to confront me. Its face was partially concealed, but I could see its gray hair. It gripped my neck tightly, causing my eyes to turn red.

"Grun-grun-grun!" The alarm jolted me awake, and I sat up in bed, clutching my chest as hot sweat poured from my body. I glanced at the small portable clock beside me and realized I was three minutes late. I had set the alarm for 6 am, but my lengthy dream caused me to oversleep.

I got up, not paying much attention to the dream I just had. After all, it's not the first time I've dreamt about it. Since I turned 18, I've been having this dream at least three days a week. The dream never changes, always starting and ending the same way. I've tried to see the face of the demon chasing me, but I can't. I stopped keeping track after I had the dream for the 150th time.

I don't want to burden my parent, so I've kept it to myself, not talking about it.

Today should have been the happiest day of my life. Getting admission to the most popular school in New York is a blessing. I was thrilled when they sent me the message, and I've been counting down the days until the start of classes. But then my dad shared some bad news with me.

I know being an omega is tough. If only we were rich, the suffering would be less. Our family is treated as outcasts in the neighborhood. We face unwarranted mistreatment from those around us. They throw insults at us and act like nothing happened.

A week ago, the school administration spoke to my dad about me. I thought they wanted to discuss something positive, but when my dad came back, he shared the most painful news with me.

the school administration granted me admission, but with a twist. They want me to be a maid for one of the richest girls in the city. Not just any maid, but someone to assist with cooking, laundry, and more. My dad told me I could back out if I'm not interested, but I'm determined to give it a shot. After all, I attained for admission to my dream school, and now that I've been accepted, I don't want to give up.

On top of that, I've been playing the piano since I was 9, and I still love it. One of the reasons I was excited about FCY International College is that they're known for showcasing the best pianist of the year. If they recommend me, I could become quite popular. My goal is to lift my family out of poverty and become one of the most popular pianists in all of New York.

Today is the day I start at school, and I'm feeling ready. I walked out of my room and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. It took me about 30 minutes, but I finally finished

I walk to my room, taking out the last cloth in my luggage. I'm not the kind that have many cloth, and the one I have, I've loaded it in my luggage after coming back from the market yesterday. My parent have urge me to resume school yesterday in other to search for my hostel, but I refused. Since today is Monday and lecture will start by 12pm, I can resume today and find my hostel before noon.

I get dressed in my white gown that hugged ny body, bringing out my E shapes. The nature of god shouldn't be deny, we are not rich but I have perfect shaped then a rich girl.

I parked my hair in ponytail style in supportive of my blue hairband. The band was gifted to me from my younger sister last year. We are not rich but a year can never seized without us celebrating our birthday but I guess this year will be different.

My birthday is in three days and here I am going to my school. I won't be able to celebrate it with my family, but I wish by then I have a friend that will wish me a happy birthday, even tho I know it's totally a dream but I wish.

Right from my childhood, I'm not the type the moon goddess gifted a friend. Throughout my school, I've lived a lonely live, being alone. Some students take advantages of me and bully me. Sometimes I will want to stand for my self, but I know nothing good will come from it.

On the first day I decided to stand up for myself at school, I ended up being falsely accused of stealing a phone I had never even seen before. It was a tough situation, and I ended up getting suspended for a whole term. That's why my progress in school seems a bit slow right now.

As I dragged my luggage out, I couldn't help but wonder how my new school would be. I made a promise to myself to stay quiet and endure whatever challenges come my way, if that's what it takes to graduate with flying colors.

My little sister Nina has always been my rock, my only supportive friend since childhood. She gave me a goodbye hug, wrapping herself tightly around me with laughter in her eyes.

"I'm going to miss you, big sister," she pouted her lips, and I couldn't help but smile, gently rubbing her hair like a baby.

We let go of the hug, and at that moment, Mom and Dad emerged from the house. They looked at me in a way that made my heart ache.

Ever since I first learned the difference between left and right, this would be the first time I'm leaving the comfort of our family home. Without a doubt, I will miss them.

I walked up to them and pulled them into a tight hug. They returned the hug, and I flashed them a smile.

To make sure I had enough time, I let go of the hug and waved goodbye to Nina. She walked towards her school while I headed to where I could catch a taxi.

Once inside the cab, the driver kindly helped me put my luggage in the trunk while I settled into the back seat.

My stomach felt unsettled, like I could have a cramp at any moment. I really didn't want to embarrass myself on my first day at school.

The driver stopped in front of the school, and as I looked at the campus, the words "Oh my gawd" escaped from my mouth. It was absolutely massive and beautiful. Words alone couldn't do justice to describe it. Different classes in different buildings, each with its own unique design.

I walked over to the administration block to inquire about my hostel. I was familiar with the admin block because I had been there before to register for my scholarship aid.

The administrative staff gave me directions to my hostel, and I made my way there. Thankfully, it wasn't too far. I found out my room number was 106. I just hope I'll be paired with some nice roommates.

On my way, I spotted the girl I never want to see again in my life. Alpine, the most troublesome girl I've encountered, has made my school life a nightmare, accusing me of stealing her phone.

She's the daughter of a powerful alpha in the nearby city, which only adds to her ego.

I quickly changed my direction and headed straight to my hostel, making sure she didn't notice me. When I finally arrived, a wave of relief washed over me, and I entered the building, scanning the room numbers. And there it was, room 106.

I knocked on the door a couple of times, but there was no response. So, I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Inside, I found two girls sitting on one bed, while another girl was on her own, each with a pack of cigarettes. They gave me annoyed looks, but I couldn't care less.

The room had four beds, each placed in a different corner, and it was surprisingly spacious and beautifully decorated. It definitely didn't look like those cramped hostel rooms you see in movies. It was big and fancy, with each bed having its own closet.

I walked over to the seemingly empty bed and placed my luggage on it. And that's when I heard laughter coming from my back. It was quite strange, to say the least. I wonder what could be causing it.

I turned back to see what they were laughing at, and I noticed their eyes fixed on my body. Panic surged through me as I rushed to the side mirror to get a glimpse of myself, only to realize that I was covered in blood.

"My period," I murmured quietly, my voice barely audible. I hurriedly made my way to my bed to grab another dress, but the girl who had been sitting alone stopped me.

"Did your mother teach you how to greet at all?" she asked, tapping my head with her index fingers, causing me to fall back onto the bed.

Just as I was trying to regain my composure, one of the two girls who were together approached me. "Let go, there's a meeting in the hall," she said, introducing herself as Hilda and offering a handshake. I stared at her for a moment before finally reciprocating the gesture.

Hilda pulled me up from the bed and started dragging me outside the hostel. I pleaded with her to let me go so I could change into a different outfit, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. I tried to break free, but her grip was tight.

"Don't worry about your stained dress. There's no bully in our school, and no one will notice," Hilda reassured me as we exited the room. The other two girls followed closely behind. I felt humiliated, but I couldn't help but wonder how Hilda knew the lecturer's name and their personalities.

As we walked out of the hostel, I could feel dozens of eyes on me, their faces filled with giggles. I knew they were all laughing at me. Their murmurs echoed in my ears, causing me to nervously bite my nails. I wished I could just run away, but I knew it would only make me look more awkward.

As I took a step into the hall, the girl who had been holding me let go and started clapping, drawing everyone's attention towards her. I didn't know what she was up to, but I could sense that it was all just to humiliate me.

"Here's my new friend," she announced, dragging me towards the other students, who burst into laughter. Tears streamed down my face, and I felt the overwhelming urge to disappear into the floor. Why did my first day at school have to be so embarrassing?

"Please, stop it," I managed to say, yanking her hand away and stepping back. The murmurs around me grew louder, but I couldn't care less. This wasn't the first time I had heard whispers about me, although this time it felt particularly heavy.

Out of nowhere, I felt a cloth being wrapped around my waist from behind. I couldn't see who it was, but the hand that tied the knot felt like a man's hand.

"Why would you come to a place like this with a stained cloth?" a deep voice boomed in my head. I turned around to meet his gaze, and my mouth fell open in surprise. My heart started racing as I locked eyes with the guy who had come to my rescue. But who was he? Why did he show me kindness when others were trying to humiliate me?

NIYLA's POV.

"Don't you know people will mock you?" he added again, but this time his side dimple was showing, revealing his handsome face.

"Umm," I stammered, trying to find the right words to say. It feels like everyone in this world is against me. The girl who pushed me here was a total stranger. I have no idea why she suddenly developed such hatred towards me.

"Just go home and change," he said, and I nodded in understanding. At that moment, another guy walked onto the scene. I can't lie, his face was incredibly handsome. I'm not the type to go crazy over a guy, but the one in front of me was hard to resist. I could tell he would be popular because as soon as he arrived, the girls around me started fixing their hair, trying to show off their pretty faces. Even Hilda who dragged me here was captivated by him. Surprisingly, the boy's eyes were only on the guy who had helped me tie a cloth around my waist.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, focusing his attention on the guy. I couldn't help but admire his voice, he seemed perfect in everything.

"Hi, Henry," Hilda said to the guy, extending a handshake. But he just glared at her hatefully, refusing to accept her handshake.

"The last time I checked, we're not that close," he said, slapping her hand away. Then his gaze shifted to me and quickly looked away. "Let go," he said, dragging the boy who had helped me away.

"My name is Liam, make sure you find me and return the cloth!" he screamed as Henry dragged him away.

"Liam, Henry," I said with a frown, my brows furrowing.

"Don't think he's trying to get close to you, he only rendered your help," one of the girls standing nearby said. Without saying a word, I glared at Hilda before walking out of the hall. I thought she would try to stop me, but she never touched me until I walked out, which showed that she only brought me to the hall to humiliate me.

I walked out of the hall without looking back. It's only my first day and already I have a nickname. Maybe someone took a video and uploaded it because as I walked, whispers from people passing by turned into "red cloth." Their words hit me hard, but I had no choice but to play deaf.

I walked faster and reached my hostel. I checked my wristwatch and it was already past 10 am. I had a lecture at noon and I didn't want to miss it.

I stormed into my hostel and walked to my bed. I opened my luggage, messing up my clothes on the bed, and took out my pad and new pants. Then I headed towards the bathroom.

I took off the hoodie that the guy had tied around my waist. It was black and smelled nice. Without much thought, the hoodie looked expensive. I brought it closer to my nose and took a loud sniff.

I hung it on the hangar and started to undress to take a bath.

Soon, I was done and walked back to my room. I just hoped the girls wouldn't come back until I was done.

I started getting dressed, putting on a black jean skirt and one of my worn-out T-shirts. It may not be the best, but I don't have any other choice.

I let my hair fall on my butt and applied some light makeup on my face before grabbing my handbag. I only have one handbag, and that's why I need to find a part-time job to save up for a new one.

Suddenly, my phone rang loudly and I pulled it out. It's an old phone, but it's all I can afford. The call was from my dad, and I answered with a smile on my face.

"Are you at school now?" His voice echoed in my ear, and I nodded my head even though he couldn't see me.

"Yes, Dad, I'm at school. I'm ready to go to class now," I replied through the speaker, and I heard my dad let out a sigh.

"Take care, daughter. Don't let everything become too difficult for you. If you feel overwhelmed, you can always come back home," he said, referring to the situation the school administration put me in. No parent would want their daughter to work as a servant for their peers, but I guess my circumstances are different because I don't have any other choice.

"Okay, Dad, I will. Thanks," I replied, and then the door swung open, revealing my three roommates. The looks they gave me made it clear they were up to something. "Bye," I said into the speaker, ending the call and putting my phone back in my bag.

"Are you planning to leave your clothes scattered on the bed and go to class?" one of my roommates asked, and my gaze shifted to the clothes on the bed.

"I'll clean it up when I come back from school," I replied, turning my attention back to the front.

The girl who had approached me when I first arrived walked over and extended her hand for a handshake. "My name is Nova, nice to meet you," she said, smiling in a way that could melt a heart. If she hadn't shown me her ruthless side when I first got here, I might have fallen for her smile.

"My name is Niylah," I replied, accepting her handshake. I knew nothing good would come out of it. I knew that for her to offer me a handshake, she must have a plan in mind. Her grip tightened around my fingers, and I tried to pull away, but she held on tight. What was I expecting? This school is full of alphas. It's not a school for a weak person like me, and I know that once they find out I'm a weak omega, the torment will only get worse. But I'll do my best to keep it a secret, even though I know it'll be hard.

She finally let go of my hand and turned to the girls causing havoc in the back. "This is Hilda, the only daughter of Alpha Leo. Her dad holds half of the assets this school owns," she pointed to the second girl, "Her name is Ivory, the second and last daughter of Alpha Jacob, the owner of the KISCT industry. You know that industry, right?" My eyes refused to close as she continued, "And my name is Nova, the first daughter of my family, and my dad is the governor of the state we're in."

I couldn't believe it. How could the administration pair me with these people? Did they plan to make my life a living hell? The first one is Hilda, her dad owns half the assets of this school. And the second one, Ivory, her dad owns the biggest company in our country, I can't believe I will meet the daughter of Alpha Jacob in this school, I've always dream to get sign by Alpha Jacob since they are known for producing best Pianist in every years, any pianist they sign withing a year would surely Collect an Award within a short period of time, I just wish I and Helana will not be in bad side of each other. And now, Nova, whose dad is the governor of the state. The three really hold important Role. I don't want to offend them.

But Why would they put such influential people with me? Plus, they're rich enough to have their own private houses. Why stay here with me, a mere poor Omega?

"I guess your dad explained why you're here? You're my maid," Nova said, walking towards her bed. Her statement took my breath away.

"Nova!! The one the admin wants me to be a maid too," I murmured, and she smirked as if she heard me right.

"These are my friends, and they're also your bosses. Respect them the way you respect me. They're kind," she said, and I nodded. "I'm not too cruel, and I have my reasons for staying in the hostel. So I'll urge you to behave yourself. I heard you're a good pianist. If you behave, I might be able to help you with your career," she said, arranging her books inside her bag. Her statement brought a smile to my face. At least she promised to help with my career.

"Arrange the room before coming to class," she said, directing her attention to Hilda and Helena. "Girls, let's go to class," she commanded, and the two girls walked to where their bags were and carried them.

"Take care," Nova said before walking out of the room, and the girls followed. As soon as they stormed out, I jumped to my feet. I'm happy that no matter what they do to me, she will help me with my career.

I walked to my bed and opened my closet, feeling a sense of happiness as I started arranging my clothes inside my bag. I couldn't wait for her to start fulfilling her promise.

It took me a few minutes to finish arranging my clothes and neatly place the bedsheet. I did the same with the pillowcase, organizing all the scattered clothes in the closet.

Releasing a loud breath, I walked out of the room and locked it. The door could be locked and unlocked with a pin. The admins had shared the password with me, making it easier for me to secure the room.

I checked my wristwatch and realized it was almost midnight. I quickly took off, silently praying that the lecturer wouldn't be in class until I arrived.

I ran to my destination, and when I reached the classroom, the lecture was already there. I gathered my courage and took a step inside the hall. I respectfully greeted the lecturer, and he replied with a nod as I finally made my way in.

All eyes were on me, and I knew exactly why they were staring. It was a surprise to see Nova and the others sitting together. I couldn't believe we were in the same class. beside them was Henry and the guy who had helped me earlier. I don't know why, but the two names stuck to my head.

"Henry, Liam" I muttered As I changed my direction, I came across the most shocking thing of my life. Alpine, the person I had tried my best to ignore all these years, the one who made my secondary school life unbearable, was in the same department and at the same level as me. How was this possible? She graduate before me so why is she here? Is this some sort of plan to torment me for years?

"Henry, Liam" I muttered As I changed my direction, I came across the most shocking thing of my life. Alpine, the person I had tried my best to ignore all these years, the one who made my secondary school life unbearable, was in the same department and at the same level as me. How was this possible? She graduate before me so why is she here? Is this some sort of plan to torment me for years?

~~

I swiftly turned my head to the other side, hoping she wouldn't notice me, but it seemed she already saw me because I could hear her scoff from where I stood.

In the midst of not knowing where to sit, it felt like the whole class was against me.

"Niylah, come sit here," Nova's voice called out, and I shifted to her side. She gestured to the seat beside her, and I nodded before walking over to sit beside her.

"So, your name is Niyla," Liam remarked as I passed by him. I nodded before taking my seat beside Nova.

I placed my notes on the table, feeling the heat seeping out of my body as the lecturer began the class. The topic felt oddly familiar to me; I had been researching my department's work ever since I got admission to this school. As a business student, studying felt like second nature to me. If they gave me an exam today, I'm sure I wouldn't fail.

I listened carefully to the lecturer, absorbing every bit of knowledge. Learning never ends, right?

As the class ended, students started leaving one by one, each person with their gossip friend.

My eyes shifted to the Alpine side, and I was surprised to catch her staring at me. I knew I couldn't escape her; I just hoped her torment wouldn't be too much.

I stood up from my seat, ready to leave, when I heard Nova's voice from behind.

"I haven't given you permission to stand up," she said, and I froze in place. Did I really need permission from her to do anything?

"Sit down," Hilda's voice followed, and I quietly took my seat again.

I hadn't heard Ivory's voice yet. Maybe it was just her nature to stay quiet, or perhaps she was pretending.

They told me to sit down while they kept talking among themselves. I wondered if this was another way of navigating through life.

I couldn't believe my ears hearing them discuss how to have sex with a man. They were shameless. I just hoped their conversation wouldn't influence me.

"Hey Niylah, you can get going," a voice I didn't recognize said. I turned back to see Ivory's eyes on me. Did she just speak to me?

"I said you can get going," she repeated. Hilda and Nova could only stare at her without saying a word. I wondered if she was the one controlling them.

I stood up, ready to leave, but Alpine's eyes were still on me. If I stepped outside now, there was no way she wouldn't come after me. The only thing holding her back was sitting close to a rich girl she might know. What if I left them alone and headed back home and Alpine come for me?

No, I'd rather stay than face humiliation from Alpine. My eyes landed on the floor, and I flashed Ivory an awkward smile. "I'll wait till you guys are done," I said, and she gave me a questioning look.

"Are you saying no to my command?" she asked, and I shook my head in denial.

"No, I'm not," I replied.

"Then stand up and get out of here!" Hilda screamed, and I stood up, walking away instantly.

I held my bag tightly to my chest, praying inwardly for Alpine not to follow me.

The moment I stepped out of the hall, I felt a hand on my back, and I froze. "Alpine!" my mind screamed as I turned back, but it was someone different.

It was Liam next to him was Henry, whose gaze was intense. I wondered why his eyes were always on his forehead. Did he ever smile?

"What about the cloth I gave you earlier?" he asked, releasing his hand from my shoulder.

"At home. I'll wash it and bring it for you tomorrow," I said, seeing Henry eyes widen in surprise.

Liam and Hendy exchanged a glance, and Henry walked away without looking back.

"As you can see, the cloth belongs to him," Liam said awkwardly, and my mouth formed an "O."

"I have no idea," I said, and he nodded understandingly.

"My name is Liam," he said, gesturing for a handshake. I stared at him for a moment, wondering about his intentions. He didn't seem like a poor guy, and his stance suggested he might be a billionaire's son, so why was he acting so nice?

I felt his hand reaching out, and we shook hands. "Nice meeting you," he said, and I nodded.

"Same here," I replied as he let go of my hand.

"See you around," he said, walking away, and my eyes followed him.

I couldn't believe a guy like him had just shaken my hand; it still felt like a dream.

In that moment, my mind went blank, and my vision blurred. I grabbed onto the nearby pole, resting my hand on it.

"What's happening to me?" I wondered, tears welling up. I felt a hint of a headache, but suddenly my body felt okay again. I stood up straight, my eyes filled with questions.

"What is that," I questioned myself.