Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One novel Chapter 236

Chapter 236: Not giving up

Hailee’s POV

I stared at him, completely stunned. For a moment, I didn’t even know whether to laugh or be offended.

"Your type of woman?" I repeated slowly. "You hardly know me, Rylan."

He chuckled softly. "I know enough. You’re strong, graceful, and honest to a fault. You don’t pretend to be anyone else, and I like that."

I took a deep breath and shook my head. "You shouldn’t."

That made him pause. His brows furrowed slightly, confusion flickering in his expression. "Why not?"

"Because whatever you think you want from me, Rylan," I said calmly, "you’re looking in the wrong direction."

He tilted his head slightly. "You’re saying no?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "I’m saying no."

He blinked, clearly not used to hearing that word. "May I ask why?"

I sighed and looked him straight in the eyes. "Because I’m not a woman who can be courted. I have a life, a complicated one. Three sons, to be exact."

That made him stiffen slightly, though his gaze didn’t waver.

"Three?" he asked softly.

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Three boys. Each one with a different father. And before you say anything, yes, I love them. They’re my world. So if you came here thinking I’m someone you can win over with pretty flowers and charming words, you’re wasting your time."

Rylan didn’t move. For a long moment, he just looked at me, no arrogance this time, no teasing smile, just quiet surprise.

Finally, he spoke, his voice lower. "You think that changes how I see you?"

"It should," I said, my tone steady but tired. "Because I’m not starting over, Rylan. I’ve had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime. I’m not interested in being anyone’s new beginning."

He stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "I didn’t come here for an easy beginning, Hailee."

I held up a hand. "Stop. Whatever this is, don’t make it harder than it needs to be. You’re a king. You should be focusing on your pack, not on me."

For a second, he looked as if he wanted to argue, but then he just exhaled, giving a small, rueful smile. "You’re even more impossible than I thought."

I smirked faintly. "And you’re even more stubborn than I expected."

He studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well," he said finally. "I’ll respect your answer, for now."

Before I could respond, he turned to leave. At the doorway, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder, that same calm smile tugging at his lips.

"But just so you know, Hailee," he said quietly, "I don’t give up easily."

And with that, he walked out, leaving me surrounded by flowers and silence.

For a long moment, I stood there, still trying to process what had just happened. The scent of roses and lilies clung thickly to the air, sweet and suffocating all at once. It felt strange to be standing there in a palace filled with color and life, and still feel so tired.

A maid came in, nervous and uncertain. "Should we move the flowers, my lady?"

I nodded slowly. "Yes. Please take them out. All of them."

Her eyes widened slightly. "All, my lady?"

"All," I repeated firmly. "Give them to the staff. Or to the gardens. Just not here."

She bowed quickly. "Yes, Your Highness."

As she hurried to gather the bouquets, I turned toward the large window. The morning sun had risen fully now, spilling light across the floor. It warmed my skin, but it couldn’t chase away the heaviness pressing on my chest.

Rylan’s words echoed in my head: I don’t give up easily.

He said it like a promise.

But to me, it sounded like a warning.

I wasn’t ready for another storm. Not again.

I rubbed my temple lightly, forcing the thought away and deciding to focus on what mattered. The boys.

I decided to distract myself with the only thing that still made sense, my boys.

They were the one thing that reminded me who I was beyond all the titles, the chaos, and the endless storms of the past.

When I reached their room, the door was already half open. I could hear them before I even stepped inside. Their voices were raised, sharp, full of anger.

"Stop saying that!" Ozzy shouted, his voice cracking in frustration.

"I’m not lying," Oscar snapped back. "It’s true! My dad could beat yours any day!"

"You wish!" Oliver shot back. "Your dad couldn’t even protect Mom when she was banished!"

My heart dropped.

For a moment, I just stood there, frozen in the doorway. The sound of their words hit harder than any slap ever could.

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