The Beta's Rejected Daughter (Fiona) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Finish

“I am not interested in either the prince or the Lycan king. Or let’s say they haven’t convinced me enoug on who to choose…”

Her eyes twinkled as she beamed. “I love to hear this. They would be speechless to hear that there is someone who isn’t obsessed with them like other girls.”

I burst into laughter. “The only thing I want is to be your mother’s daughter. To join your family and be your sister.”

“Sure.” She squealed, grinning from ear to ear.

Being Raina’s family would be amazing, even though they were royal.

For a moment, I let myself imagine it–belonging to a family that wouldn’t shove me aside. A family whe I wouldn’t always be the forgotten one standing in someone else’s shadow.

In my former home, Lydia had always been the light. The cherished one. The daughter everyone protected.

And I had been… replaceable.

In my past life, I had fought to be loved or at least noticed as a family member, and that had destroyed

1. me.

The word ‘family‘ suddenly no longer warmed my chest, and it felt distant and hollow because of how mine rejected me.

Just then, a tall man in a dark coat that shimmered faintly under the city lights walked past the window of Sky Dining, his step slowed and his gaze wandered and stopped.

Those eyes landed on me.

I was mid–laugh with Raina, my head tilted slightly, wineglass raised, when I felt it–that unmistakable weight of being watched.

It was the Prince standing some distance from our table, and I instinctively switched to my wolf senses, or rather she did it herself because she was curious to hear his voice for reasons best known to her.

“Maurice…. So… she smiles like that.” I heard Daren say

“Daren,” a voice murmured nearby, amused. “What’s wrong? Who are you talking about?”

Maurice leaned closer, following the line of his gaze, then let out a low whistle.

“Well, that’s interesting.”

“Looks like fate,” Maurice added lightly. “Why not go say hello?”

“Not yet,” Daren replied.

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Chapter 34

I lifted my eyes then, met his, and for one suspended second, the world narrowed.

His hazel eyes were deep, sharp, and calm in the way predators were calm before striking.

Finishe

It felt like he could peel me apart layer by layer, drag every secret into the open, and still not be satisfied.

I broke eye contact first.

“Why am I running into familiar faces all day?” I muttered under my breath. “What a terrible day.”

Daren and Maurice took a table nearby–not close enough to intrude, not far enough to miss anything.

Maurice chuckled softly. “I’ve never seen a woman ignore your stare before. She just looked away.”

I was hearing everything, and I doubt they knew.

Daren didn’t respond but sat there, composed in his regal aura. Every eye was on him, admiring and drooling, especially ladies. Even those with their partners were struggling to look away.

He had that irresistible charm which could easily make every woman melt in his presence. Ladies were trying to get his attention, but I pretended he didn’t exist, and that seemed to make him more interested in me.

I still wonder if he doesn’t know Beta’s daughter. Last time he gave me that entry card, then he promised to help me in any court case… Now here he was staring at me.

How did he even know I was here? I really wish he would leave me because the last thing I wanted was to mingle with the royal families, the same people who treated me like a piece of shit. The Alpha, Luna, and my family. Everyone in the royal family trampled on me and gave Lydia my crown.

Why was Prince Daren different from them?

Just then, another familiar voice drifted through Sky Dining.

“Lisa, I finally managed to get us a table. Tonight should be nice.”

My spine stiffened as I recognised that voice clearly.

Daphne.

I didn’t need to turn to know who stood beside her. I have already smelt her scent.

My mother.

Lisa.

“Yeah…” Lisa replied quietly, her tone tired and hesitant.

Daphne linked her arm through Lisa’s, her smile gentle and practised. “You are still sad because Fiona is alive and didn’t bother coming back? Or because of what went on between her and your sons? At least everything’s finally out in the open. She is a lost cause.”

Lisa didn’t answer.

2

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Chapter 34

Finish

“You never really bonded with Fiona anyway, Daphne continued calmly. “You have Lydia now. She fits into the family. Her place is secure,”

My fingers tightened around my glass as I listened to them. Somehow, my wolf had a very high sense of hearing, something I was sure was rare because Raina in front of me wasn’t hearing them. She focused o enjoying the meal and drink, praising how amazing they tasted.

“That’s just fate,” I listened to Daphne as she went on. “You and Fiona were never meant to be family. She alive and had chances to come back. She chose to leave.”

Daphne had always been like this. As Lisa’s closest friend and Prince Daren’s aunt by marriage, she was a woman who knew every Jenson secret and never wanted me near them.

She had told my mother years ago not to see me as a daughter. That I was damaged goods, she’d said.

Not beta material.

She loved Lydia and promised to convince Daren to pick her as his Luna. When I was accused of pushing Lydia down the stairs, she had begged the Alpha to lock me up without any hearing.

“Daphne,” Lisa said softly at last, her voice tight, “no matter what, Fiona is still the daughter I carried for nine months. Now that I know she’s alive… how do I just ignore her?”

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