Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One novel Chapter 240

Chapter 240: Jealous?

Hailee’s POV

"We..." Peter began, his tone far too casual for my liking.

"Don’t," I snapped, glaring at him from across the sitting room.

For the past ten minutes, he’d been teasing me nonstop about the picture — that picture — the one of Rylan and me plastered all over the gossip columns.

He wasn’t even angry. That made it worse.

If he’d yelled, scolded, or lectured me like a brother should, I could’ve handled it. But no, he was smirking, lounging in his chair like this was the funniest thing he’d seen all week.

"You have to admit," Peter said with a grin, holding up the newspaper like it was some kind of trophy, "you two look like a happy couple. Look at this—perfect lighting, perfect posture. You could use this as an engagement photo."

"Peter!" I groaned, throwing a pillow at him. "You’re enjoying this way too much!"

He dodged easily, laughing. "Oh, come on. You can’t deny it—he’s handsome."

I glared harder. "So is a thunderstorm, but that doesn’t mean I want to stand in it!"

He chuckled, setting the paper aside. "Still, the kingdom seems to like the idea. The Southern King and the Western Princess—sounds like a story made for the history books."

I rolled my eyes and stood up, muttering under my breath. "Or the scandal column."

Before he could tease me again, a maid hurried in, bowing slightly. "Your Highness," she said softly, "there’s someone asking to speak with you. On the private line."

My stomach sank. I didn’t even need to ask who.

Nathan.

"Thank you," I said quickly, forcing a calm smile. "I’ll take it in my room."

Peter looked up, curious. "Who is it?"

"None of your business," I said sweetly, and hurried out before he could question me further.

I picked up the receiver in my room, shutting the door behind me. "Hello?"

There was a brief silence, then a voice that still had an effect on me, deep and low.

"Hi," Nathan said.

Something in his tone instantly put me on edge. It wasn’t the usual calm, teasing sound I’d grown used to. It was clipped, dry, cold.

I took a breath, deciding to play it cool. "Well, someone doesn’t sound happy."

He ignored that. "Hailee, I called to ask about what I said earlier. My mother’s birthday—will you be bringing Oscar?"

I hesitated, fiddling with the edge of the table. "I’ve been thinking about it," I said slowly, choosing my words carefully. "I haven’t made up my mind yet. A lot’s been going on. I’ll call you tonight with an answer."

He let out a quiet scoff. "Yes. I’m sure a lot has been going on."

There it was—that sharp edge in his voice.

I frowned. "Nathan—"

"Never mind," he interrupted. "It’s fine. Goodbye."

The line clicked dead.

I blinked, staring at the phone in disbelief. "He did not just hang up on me."

I called back immediately.

He picked up after a few seconds. "Yes?"

"What’s going on with you?" I demanded.

"Nothing."

"Don’t lie to me," I said firmly. "You sound upset."

"I’m not upset."

"Yes, you are."

He sighed, clearly trying to hold himself together. "Hailee, I thought we were finally on good terms again."

"I am not pouting."

"Really?" I said, smiling. "Because it sounds like you are."

He growled lowly, that sound he made when he was irritated but trying to stay in control. "I should hang up before I say something I regret."

"Relax," I said softly. "The news is fake, Nathan. Completely blown out of proportion. I went out with an old friend from childhood, Cira, and she dragged me to a club. I took a little more than I could handle, and Rylan was there. He just helped me out, that’s all."

He didn’t respond at first.

I sighed, softer this time. "There’s nothing between us. I promise."

Another pause, then his voice came back, quieter but still tight. "You shouldn’t have been there."

"Probably not," I admitted. "But I needed a break."

He exhaled sharply, his tone softening just a little. "You scare me sometimes, Hailee."

I frowned. "Why?"

"Because you’re slipping from my hands," he said quietly. "And one day, someone else will catch you."

His words made my heart hurt.

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. I just sat there, holding the phone, feeling the weight of what he said.

"Nathan..." I whispered, but I didn’t know what else to say.

After a few seconds, I finally spoke. "I’ll be fine, Nathan."

He sighed softly. "You always say that," he said. "But every time you do, I still worry."

"My heart softened. "You shouldn’t."

"I don’t know how not to," he admitted.

There was silence between us, the kind that said more than words ever could. Then he said softly, "I’ll hold you to that."