Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince-Chapter 687: Seen with a woman

"Your Highness, you really should have considered returning to the palace for Christmas. What will you do here all by yourself?" Evan asked, finally letting go of the handle of his trolley bag.

"Now that Juniper has left the capital, there is little reason to stay. Besides, with another good news of Princess Zilia expecting a pup, it’s a double celebration this year. Your family expects you."

"If I decide to go, I’ll simply teleport. For now, I have no settled plans," Dominick replied. He looked at his beta, his gaze softening only slightly. "Travel safely and enjoy the time with your family. You didn’t forget the gifts I purchased for them, did you?"

"I have them right here. I wouldn’t dream of leaving them behind," Evan said with a grateful smile. "And don’t worry, Jeniva will be staying here as well. You won’t be entirely alone for the holiday."

"Hmm." Dominick’s response was nonchalant.

Evan offered a final, respectful wave to the Alpha Prince before stepping into the waiting taxi. Dominick stood in the quiet of the driveway, watching as the car pulled away toward the airport.

As Dominick stepped back inside, the scent of fresh coffee greeted him. Jeniva was nestled on the couch, halfway through a croissant.

The moment she spotted the Prince, she scrambled to her feet, instinctively trying to hide her snack and cup behind her back like a guilty child. She offered a quick, formal bow before sinking back into the cushions to resume her breakfast.

Dominick took a seat squarely in the center of the couch. Jeniva immediately frowned at him.

"Your Highness, why didn’t you sit on the other side?" she asked, gesturing to the ample space he was encroaching upon.

"Are we really going to argue about sitting on a sofa?" Dominick chuckled in amusement.

Their banter was cut short as Kavin came rushing into the room, his face pale and eyes wide with urgency. "Your Highness, you need to see this," he said, thrusting a morning newspaper into Dominick’s hands.

"What is it now?" Dominick muttered, his amusement vanishing as he scanned the front page. Jeniva set her cup on the table and abandoned her croissant, her eyes fixed on the Prince’s darkening expression.

"What’s happened?" she finally whispered, unable to bear the silence.

"See for yourself." Dominick handed her the paper.

Jeniva’s eyes widened as she took in the bold, scandalous headline. The color drained from her face. "Who published this? This... This isn’t true! We aren’t dating!" She glanced at Dominick.

"Your face isn’t visible in the shot," Dominick noted, his eyes narrowing as he studied the photograph.

"Yes, thank the heavens for that. Otherwise, I’d be in serious trouble," Jeniva breathed, though her relief was quickly overtaken by a simmering rage. "We have to stop this from circulating any further. I’m going to find the person who took this and kill them myself," she spat, her knuckles whitening as she gripped the edge of the table.

"Kavin, find the source immediately. Once you track them down, summon the news channel operator to my residence," Dominick ordered.

"At once, Your Highness." Kavin bowed and hurried away, already dialing a number on his phone before he had even cleared the room.

Dominick took the newspaper back from Jeniva, who looked increasingly distressed. He stared at the blurred image of them together, the headline screaming of a secret royal romance.

"We cannot go out together anymore," he said. "I forgot, even for a moment, that I don’t have the luxury of being an ordinary citizen. In this position, if I am seen with a woman, the press will inevitably link our names in the most scandalous way possible."

Jeniva glanced at him, her usual spark replaced by a heavy sense of guilt. "It was my fault too. I shouldn’t have insisted you come to the restaurant with me," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It’s fine. I won’t scold you for this," Dominick said, his tone surprisingly gentle as he rose to his feet. He paused for a moment, looking down at her. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Truth be told, I actually enjoyed our random outing that day." He gestured toward the table. "Finish your coffee before it gets cold." With that, he turned and headed upstairs.

Jeniva watched his retreating figure until he disappeared into his room, then slumped back into the cushions and grabbed her cup.

"My senior would have had my head if my face were even slightly recognizable," she whispered to the empty room. "The public is going to spread this gossip like a wildfire. And the worst part is, people actually saw us together."

She shut her eyes tightly, shaking her head in frustration at her own lack of caution.

~~~

Casaio and Zilia returned to the palace after a long morning of medical consultations and tests. As he carefully helped her settle onto the recliner, Casaio’s expression remained concerned.

"The doctor was quite clear, Zilia, you’re underweight," he said. "You need to prioritize healthy, consistent meals from now on. If there is anything weighing on your mind or causing you stress, you must tell me. I want this pregnancy to be as smooth and peaceful as possible for you."

"I’ll keep that in mind," she replied softly, adjusting a cushion behind her back. "When is Idris expected to arrive? And by the way, did you ever get a word from Nick about whether he’s coming for Christmas?"

"Nick refused," Casaio stated, his shoulders dropping slightly. "This will be the first time we’ve ever celebrated without him. It feels wrong."

He lowered himself onto the edge of the recliner beside her, his gaze thoughtful. "But I haven’t given up yet. I’m going to try to convince him one last time. It’s Noah’s very first Christmas, after all. Both of his uncles should be here to see it."

"Nick must be staying away because of Juniper. Every Christmas, she was the one who decorated the main tree in the palace," Zilia said, her voice laced with sympathy. "Everything here is a reminder of her."

"Yeah," Casaio agreed, his head lowering as he stared at the ornate rug. "I just pray that he finds someone better, someone who actually deserves him. But I think he’s scared of love now. I could hear it in his tone. The last time we were face-to-face, he looked so troubled. June’s betrayal is eating at him internally, but he’s far too proud to let anyone see the cracks."

Realizing he was drifting into a somber mood and potentially stressing Zilia, he quickly shifted gears. He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Let’s pause here. I shouldn’t be dwelling on this. Nick is strong; he’ll come out of this phase soon enough."

"I hope so," Zilia replied softly.

Just then, a sharp knock echoed through the chamber doors, breaking the heavy atmosphere.

"Your Highnesses, Idris has arrived!" the servant announced from the hallway.

Zilia’s face brightened instantly.

"Send him in," Casaio said, and the doors opened.

Idris walked in when the two of them left their seats. He hugged his sister tightly, congratulating her. "I’m so happy for you, sis! I’m going to be an uncle soon!"