Chapter 185

Chapter 185
Sophia's POV:
The door opened, and I watched as Ryder and my father walked in together, their faces filled with concern and worry.
Michael immediately rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to both men. "Your Majesty," he said to my father, then turned slightly. "Your Highness," he addressed Ryder with equal respect.
I stared at my father in complete surprise. "Father? What are you doing here? I thought you were inspecting the northern packs."
My father's eyes blazed with fury, his aura filling the room with an oppressive weight. "I came back immediately after hearing about Lucas's latest betrayal."
His voice was low and dangerous, each word dripping with rage. "That bastard dared to hurt my daughter in public! Who does he think he is? How dare he make my princess bleed!"
I could feel the overwhelming anger radiating from him. "I'm going to make him pay for this. No one hurts my daughter and gets away with it!"
"Father, please," I interrupted softly, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "It was just an accident. I don't want any more entanglements with him."
My father's expression softened slightly at my words, but I could still see the protective fury burning in his eyes.
The weight of everything that had happened, all the pain I'd caused my family by being so stubborn, suddenly crashed down on me.
Shame washed over me instantly. I lowered my head. "Father, I'm so sorry. I should have listened to your advice. I shouldn't have been so stubborn about staying with Lucas."
He walked over and gently stroked my hair. "No, my darling, this isn't your fault. You're just too kind, too trusting of someone who didn't deserve it."
His voice became firm with resolve. "I'll formally announce your divorce. The entire kingdom will know you're free."
Then my father's gaze shifted to Michael, who had been standing quietly to the side throughout our exchange. He studied Michael carefully, those golden eyes assessing and evaluating.
Michael straightened and spoke with quiet confidence. "Your Majesty, I'm Michael Wilson, the Alpha of Galaxy Pack."
My father nodded, a hint of approval crossing his features. "I've heard of you, young man. Thank you for protecting my daughter, for standing by her side when she needed it most."
Michael responded with genuine humility. "Your Majesty, I only did what anyone who cares about Sophia would do."
Ryder stepped forward, his expression serious but supportive. "Father, there's something else you should know. Michael is Sophia's fated mate."
My father looked between Michael and me, his eyebrows raising slightly.
"Is this true, Sophia?" he asked gently, his golden eyes searching my face.
I nodded, feeling a warm blush spread across my cheeks. "Yes,"
A broad smile spread across my father's face.
"Excellent!" he declared, his voice filled with delight. "Sophia has found her true mate at last. Do you have any thoughts about marriage... or where you're heading?? "
"Wait!" I exclaimed, the words bursting out before I could stop them. Everything was moving too fast. "Father, I... I think everything is progressing too quickly. I need time..."
An awkward silence fell over the room. Ryder frowned, misunderstanding my hesitation.
"Sophia," Ryder's voice carried a note of doubt, "you're not still thinking about Lucas, are you? "
"No!" I quickly explained. "It's not that at all. I just... I need to confirm some things."
I turned to Michael, my heart heavy with guilt. "Michael, I'm sorry. I know this is terribly unfair to you, but I need to make two requests if you decide to be with me. You have every right to refuse them if you can't accept what I'm asking."
Michael's blue eyes remained steady and understanding as he nodded. "Tell me what you need, Sophia. I'm listening."
Everyone waited quietly for me to announce.
"First," my voice grew steadier, "absolutely no one can know this child is Lucas's."
"Second, for the next three years, I don't want to make any public appearances. When the child turns three, we can announce that it's Michael's."
I continued, my voice filled with determination. "This child has nothing to do with Lucas Stone. I won't allow him to be the child's father. He's lost that right."
I couldn't give Lucas any reason to keep pursuing me, and I certainly couldn't let him have any chance to take my child away.
Michael stepped closer, his expression soft but resolute. "Sophia, I understand completely. And I want you to know—I will love and raise this child as my own, with all my heart."
His voice was filled with sincerity. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity, for trusting me with something so precious. I promise you, I will take care of both of you."
Ryder nodded approvingly. "You have my full support, Sophia."
My father's expression darkened as he turned sharply toward Ryder. "Your support?" he snapped. "You said the exact same thing when Sophia wanted to marry Lucas. Look how that turned out."
Ryder's face flushed with shame, and he fell silent.
My father then fixed his piercing gaze on Michael.
"And you—I don't care if you're her fated mate. If you ever treat my daughter the way Lucas did, if you ever make her cry the way he did, I won't show you any mercy."
Michael met his gaze steadily, his voice respectful but firm. "Your Majesty, I give you my word. I will never hurt Sophia or give her cause for tears. I won't disappoint you."
My father studied him for a long moment, then gave a curt nod. "Very well. But remember—I'll be watching."