Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince

"Dad, I don't like Sage," Katelyn said bluntly.

Raidan looked up from his papers, truly surprised. He removed his glasses and set them on the desk, then gestured for her to sit. "You met him?"

Katelyn pulled out the chair and eased into it. "Yes, I did. Could you please ask him to stop bothering me?"

Raidan's brows furrowed. His tone shifted, more serious now. "How exactly is he bothering you?"

"He has my number," she replied, folding her arms. "Mom gave it to him and told him to contact me directly. He's been messaging a lot. I... I don't like him, and I don't want to be mated with him."

There was a brief pause.

"Hm," Raidan murmured, thoughtful. "Sage did mention to your mother and me that he was going to reach out. We thought chatting would be a harmless way for you two to get to know each other."

He sighed, leaning back in his chair.

"I only wanted you to have a secure future, Katelyn, that's why your mother and I thought Sage Nightshade would be a good match. He comes from a strong, respected family. But if you're uncomfortable, I'll speak to him. There's no point in forcing something that your heart doesn't agree with."

Katelyn's shoulders relaxed. A genuine smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Dad. You really are the best."

"Anything for you, my daughter," Raidan said. "I want you to start working. It's good to get the exposure to the outside world too. Since you're already here, just go through this job profile."

"But Dad, I'm Princess. Why do I need to work?" Katelyn murmured.

"As I said to get the exposure. You never know what life throws at you. A life of comfort isn't good for a long time," Raidan explained in brief words before pulling out a dark blue file from the stacks present on one side of the desk.

Forwarding it to Katelyn, he continued, "Check it. Also, you can't refuse it."

Katelyn picked up the file with a half-hearted gaze and opened it. Her eyes twinkled seeing the job location. "It's in San Ravendale, Dad. I'm going to work there," she pronounced, not checking what her position was or where she would work.

"Don't live at Gabriel's and Amelie's place. Just rent an apartment. Also, did you like the job profile? Keep in mind to give your entire dedication to this work. It's an important step for you to learn many things for the future," Raidan asserted.

"I love it, Dad. You're going to be proud of your daughter when you hear her praises every day," Katelyn said, smiling and imagining her future already.

Raidan laughed to hear her words. "That's what I wanted to hear from you. Your joining is after two days. Make sure you prepare everything before that," he advised.

"Of course, Dad. I'll start my packing right away. I won't bother Amelie and Brother Gabriel either. But when I feel like seeing them, I won't stop myself from going to their place. Amelie would be happy to see me," Katelyn pronounced. She rose to her feet and ran to her father's side.

Giving him a firm hug, Katelyn said, "You're the best father in this world. I love you so much."

Staying outside the palace felt like freedom. She would be free from the constant scrutiny. At least here, her mother wouldn't meddle in every decision she made. And as for Karmen… this was her chance to show him just how much she had grown.

'He turned me down because he thought I was naive,' she thought. 'But once he sees me working, holding a key role in the company, proving myself… he'll be impressed. He'll have no choice but to see me differently.'

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice Raidan stepping closer until his hand gently landed on her head, patting it with a soft, fatherly affection.

~~~~~

"I heard Flora came to see you," Gabriel said as he unbuttoned his shirt cuffs, his tone casual but observant.

Amelie stood nearby, his blazer draped over her forearm. "Yes. She had an interview today, she's trying to start fresh." She paused, then added more softly, "Gabriel, I still think she's struggling. There's this heaviness in her eyes… like she hasn't fully let go of the idea of ending her life. So, I try to be patient and understanding."

Gabriel nodded slowly. "I know," he said. "It's just… her being around you worries me sometimes. But if you believe she's making progress, and you want to support her, then I won't stand in your way."

He stepped closer as his hands reached out to gently hold her arms.

"All I care about is whether you're happy or not." He planted a soft kiss on her forehead before hugging her.

Pulling away slightly, Gabriel let his fingers linger as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Amelie looked up at him. "Gabriel… every day has become beautiful with you. It's still ordinary, the same routines, the same sky, the same hours passing by, but there's something magical now, woven into all of it. I hope you understand what I mean."

Gabriel's gaze held hers as if trying to memorize the emotion in her eyes.

"I do," he whispered. "Because I feel it too."

"Tomorrow is the full moon. We will receive the charms. Also, in a few days, we will find everything about the marks. Carlos' grandmother is looking into them," Amelie stated.

"Yeah. Now, the only thing we have to wait for is how my father arranges Carlos' meeting with my father," Gabriel said. "Well, what I know is that our love will win, Amelie. That's why we got together even in this life. You're not only my past, but present and future too."

Amelie nodded her head while smiling. "I also have a faith in our love." She moved closer, hugging him once more, this time her grip on his back was firm.