Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince

Zilia gently pushed open the door to Casaio's study, balancing a tray with a steaming mug of coffee. Sensing her presence, Casaio glanced up briefly, then returned his focus to the file in his hands.

She walked over and placed the mug carefully on his desk. "Your coffee," she said softly.

"Mhm," he murmured, barely acknowledging her.

Zilia's gaze swept across the cluttered desk, noting the towering stack of documents. "Do you need help with anything?" she asked.

"No," he replied curtly, his eyes still fixed on the page.

Undeterred, she continued, "It looks like you have a lot on your plate. Since Estelle is resting, maybe I could fill in for her? I could handle some of the work for you."

That struck a nerve.

Casaio's jaw tensed. "What are you trying to do?" he asked sharply, still not looking at her. "This is official work concerning all the packs. It's not something I can, or should, share with just anyone."

Zilia lowered her head slightly, his words hitting a familiar nerve. Though he hadn't said it outright, it felt like another reminder of her past that she was still being seen as a spy.

Across the desk, Casaio stiffened. He realized his tone had been too sharp. A part of him wanted to apologize, but the words caught in his throat. His pride kept him silent.

Breaking the silence between them, Zilia asked, "What would you like to have for dinner?"

Casaio glanced at her, surprised by the question. "Why?" he muttered. "Are you going to cook it?"

"Yes," she said. "A good meal can lift anyone's mood… even yours."

His gaze lingered on her for a beat longer than usual, as if trying to read the sincerity behind her offer.

"Prepare whatever you like," he finally replied, focusing back on the file in his hand.

She nodded silently and walked out of the room, holding the tray close to her chest. Casaio lifted the mug and took a slow sip of the warm coffee, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

'I should try to be gentler with her…' he mused. 'But if I do, how will I ever know how strong her feelings truly are?'

He took another sip, thinking of the way he could bring the same love between them.

~~~~~

In the kitchen, Zilia busied herself with dinner preparations. The maids assisted her with quiet efficiency, and amidst the bustle, she held an earbud in her ear, listening intently to Idris.

He was recounting his first day at the academy.

"That's wonderful, Idris," Zilia replied, her eyes lighting up with joy as she stirred a pot. "You already made friends. I'm so happy for you!"

"Sis, everyone's so nice to me," Idris said excitedly over the line. "I thought they might bully me, like in those academy dramas I used to watch… but it didn't happen. Some seniors act all arrogant and cocky, but my classmates are really cool."

Zilia smiled as she stirred the pot gently. "Then don't get involved with the seniors. Just stay with the ones who bring out the best in you."

"Yes, Sis," he said with a laugh. Then, after a brief pause, his voice softened curiously, "How's my brother-in-law? Are you two getting along well?"

Zilia hesitated, her hand pausing over the ladle. "Yes," she replied.

"You shouldn't lie, Sis." Idris's voice turned serious for a moment. "Why don't you try harder to win Prince Casaio's heart? He really does love you."

Zilia exhaled slowly and glanced away, signaling a nearby maid to take over the rest of the preparations. "I know," she said gently. "Now, you should get some rest. Don't you have morning running classes tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Idris groaned. "We're supposed to run a whole mile. Some of the others already awakened their wolves, so they're faster than me."

"That's okay," Zilia reassured him, stepping out of the kitchen with the earbud still in her ear. "Everyone moves at their own pace. You'll awaken your wolf too, when the time is right."

"I hope so," Idris murmured. "I should go to bed now. Good night, Sis."

The call ended, and Zilia slowly pulled the earbud out, tucking it into her pocket. Just then, she noticed Casaio approaching from the corridor, his usual calm but unreadable expression on his face.

Quickly heading to the kitchen, she saw that the maids had already completed the final touches.

"Let's set the table," she instructed softly. "The prince must be hungry."

The maids nodded and began arranging the dishes while Zilia untied her apron and folded it neatly, leaving it on the counter. She retied her hair into a knot, smoothed the front of her dress, and walked to the dining hall.

Casaio was already seated at the head of the long table, waiting silently.

"You cooked more than I expected," he said as she settled into her chair beside him, his gaze briefly scanning the variety of dishes laid out.

"I wasn't sure what you'd be in the mood for," Zilia replied, keeping her tone light. "So I made a few options."

"Let's eat," Casaio said, picking up his fork. "And after dinner, how about a long drive?"

Zilia glanced at him, surprised. "We could go for a run instead… if you'd like."

Casaio paused for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. That sounds like a good idea too."

A small, almost shy smile tugged at Zilia's lips as she began serving.

"I want to start afresh," Casaio pronounced. "About earlier, I apologize."

Zilia looked at him, feeling lighter and happier.

"Did you talk to Idris? I didn't get time," Casaio said.

"Yes, we talked earlier. He has made friends. His classmates are nice too. Thanks to you he got to see all of this. All these years, I hoped to free him from Luke. But you and your brothers made it happen. I'm forever grateful for that," Zilia stated, smiling.

"Zilia, how did you manage to stay strong in front of me? You never let me see what you were going through," Casaio said, looking into her eyes.