Rejected and Pregnant Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince novel Chapter 329

Chapter 329: To fall in love

Flora stepped out of the taxi, her heels clicking lightly against the pavement as she lifted her gaze to the towering mall in front of her. Adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag, she drew a breath and made her way toward the gleaming glass doors.

Inside, the weekend buzz of shoppers and laughter filled the air, but she headed directly for the renowned restaurant where Zander had promised to meet her.

The usher at the entrance bowed slightly, opening the door with a courteous smile. "Welcome, miss."

"Thank you," Flora replied softly before stepping into the restaurant.

Her eyes scanned the room, and she noticed a hand lifted slightly in the air. Zander.

Flora’s lips curved into a smile as she crossed the room. Zander rose from his chair the moment she reached the table, pulling one out for her with a gentlemanly ease.

"Thanks for coming," he said warmly.

Flora eased into the chair, her bag slipping off her shoulder and onto the one beside her. Zander returned to his seat, raising a hand to signal the waiter. In moments, two menus were placed before them, the waiter lingering politely to give them time.

Flora’s fingers trailed lightly over the edge of the menu before she closed it and glanced at Zander.

"I’ll take grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce" she began.

"The same for me," Zander cut in smoothly, his tone decisive. Then, turning to the waiter, he added, "Just plain water, thank you. No alcohol since I’ll be driving later."

The waiter nodded, collected their menus, and slipped away.

With the small formalities done, Zander’s gaze lingered on Flora, his full attention settling on her as though there was no one else in the room. "You look better than the last time I saw you," he remarked softly. "How’s work?"

Flora forced a polite smile. "It’s good," she said quickly, but he noticed the slight hesitation in her response.

Zander caught it instantly. His eyes narrowed just slightly, not in judgment but in observation. Something was weighing on her, and though she had dressed up well, though she smiled, it was clear to him that all was not as fine as she claimed.

He leaned forward a little, resting his elbows lightly on the table. "Good?" he echoed. "Or... just manageable?"

"Both," Flora replied.

"Have the people around you found out?" Zander pressed, his voice firm but laced with concern. "Don’t lie to me, Flora. You don’t have to."

Her shoulders sagged, the fight in her tone melting away. "They found out. I don’t even know how... maybe they’ve learned my name." A weary sigh escaped her lips. "Honestly, I’m so tired of all this. I admit I made a terrible mistake. But it feels suffocating now. Where do I run? Everyone knows my past, and it hurts."

Zander’s gaze dropped to her trembling hands resting on the table. She was fidgeting with them, her unease was visible. Slowly, he extended his own and covered hers, his touch firm but gentle. Flora froze, her breath hitching, and for a heartbeat she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.

Flora gave a small nod. "Yeah." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Why did you suddenly come to San Ravendale?" Flora finally asked.

Zander’s lips curved faintly. "I had a meeting with a pack. And... my parents think it’s time I choose a Luna."

Flora blinked, clearly surprised and happy. Then she forced a smile. "That’s... wonderful."

"Do you want to give yourself a chance?" Zander asked softly.

Flora tilted her head, brows knitting. "A chance for what?"

"To fall in love," he replied, holding her gaze steadily. "To have a family with your mate."

Flora’s steps slowed until she came to a stop. Zander halted too, turning fully toward her.

Her lips parted, but for a moment no words came. Finally, her voice slipped out. "I... I don’t want to fall in love."

The tremor in her tone gave away more than her words. She drew in a shaky breath, her brows furrowing. "I’ve made blunders, Zander. I’m scared. Alex—" she swallowed hard, as though even saying his name stung. "He almost sent me to die. That kind of betrayal... it leaves scars no one can see."

Her voice further quivered slightly, but she steadied herself, pressing on. "Do you know what it feels like, standing at the altar, believing your mate is the one... only for him to abandon you halfway, as if you’re disposable? That pain, it breaks something inside you. Since that day, marriage, love, even hope... all of it just feels empty to me."