The mansion that once held Ariana's dreams now suffocated her with despair. Every room seemed to echo Lucas's indifference and Sophia's triumph. Ariana had spent countless nights trying to salvage her marriage, but her hope now dwindled into a fragile flicker, barely enough to keep her standing. Her only solace lay in the life growing within her, but even that was under threat.
That morning, Ariana sat quietly in the dining room, her untouched tea growing cold. Her mind swirled with thoughts of the baby and Lucas's unyielding coldness. The faint sound of laughter caught her attention, and she turned just as Lucas entered with Sophia on his arm.
"Lucas, you're spoiling me," Sophia giggled, her voice like nails on a chalkboard to Ariana. She clung to him, her hand resting possessively on his chest.
"I only give what you deserve, Sophia," Lucas replied smoothly, his gaze filled with affection as he pulled out a chair for her. "Anything to see you smile."
Ariana's grip tightened around her teacup, the porcelain threatening to crack. She forced herself to remain calm, though her heart ached with every word Lucas spoke.
"Good morning," Ariana said softly, hoping to at least remind Lucas of her presence.
Lucas barely glanced at her. "Morning," he muttered dismissively before turning his attention back to Sophia.
"Lucas," Ariana began hesitantly, "we need to talk."
Sophia let out a mock sigh. "Oh, Ariana, I hope you're not planning to ruin the morning. Lucas and I have such a busy day ahead."
Ariana swallowed her frustration. "It's about the baby."
At this, Lucas finally looked at her, his expression cold and detached. "What about it?"
"I... I think we need to discuss our plans," she said carefully. "The nursery, appointments, everything."
Lucas's lips curled into a faint smirk, though there was no warmth in it. "You think you're in any position to make plans, Ariana? You've proven time and again that you can't handle responsibilities."
Sophia placed a hand on Lucas's arm, as though to comfort him. "Lucas, don't be too harsh on her. I'm sure she means well. It's just... not everyone is suited to be a mother."
Ariana's chest tightened, but she refused to let her voice waver. "I am more than capable of being a mother. I don't need your approval for that."
Lucas chuckled coldly, leaning back in his chair. "Really? From where I'm sitting, you can barely handle yourself, let alone a child."
Sophia chimed in, her tone dripping with false concern. "Lucas, maybe we should step in more to help her. After all, the baby's well-being is what matters most."
Ariana's fists clenched under the table. "Stop pretending to care, Sophia. I see right through you."
Sophia gasped, feigning shock. "Lucas, did you hear that? I've done nothing but try to support her, and this is how she repays me."
Lucas's gaze turned icy as he looked at Ariana. "Don't take your insecurities out on Sophia. She's been more supportive than you ever were."
Ariana stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "I don't need her support, and I don't need your insults. I'm the mother of this child, and I'll protect them no matter what."
"Protect them?" Lucas repeated with a bitter laugh. "You can't even protect yourself. Once the baby is born, I'll make sure they're raised properly. Away from you."
Ariana froze, her breath caught in her throat. "What are you saying?"
Lucas stood, his towering presence dominating the room. "I'm saying that you're unfit to be a mother. The baby will stay with me, where they'll have everything they need. You won't have a say in the matter."
Tears burned in Ariana's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "You can't do that."
"Watch me," Lucas said, his voice a cold promise. He turned to Sophia, his expression softening instantly. "Come on, Sophia. Let's leave her to her dramatics."
Sophia smiled smugly, slipping her arm through his. "Of course, Lucas."
As they left the room, Ariana sank back into her chair, her body trembling. The weight of Lucas's words pressed down on her, but amidst the pain, a fierce resolve began to burn within her. She would not let him or Sophia win.
Later that day, Ariana walked into the nursery she had begun preparing. The soft pastel colors and tiny clothes reminded her of why she couldn't give up. She ran her fingers over a crib, her mind racing with plans.
She thought of her parents, who had always taught her to stand up for what was right. She thought of the life she had envisioned for her child— a life full of love and safety. And she thought of Lucas, the man she had once loved, now a stranger who seemed determined to destroy her.
"Lucas doesn't get to decide my future or my baby's," she whispered to herself. "I won't let him take this from me."
That evening, Lucas and Sophia returned from their outing, laughing as they entered the living room. Ariana stood waiting, her arms crossed.
"Lucas," she said firmly, "we're not done talking."
Sophia sighed dramatically. "Ariana, must you always create a scene? Lucas and I had such a lovely day."
Ariana ignored her, focusing on Lucas. "You don't get to make decisions about my child without me."
"Our child," Lucas corrected, his tone sharp. "And I'll make whatever decisions I see fit."
"No, you won't," Ariana shot back. "You've ignored me, humiliated me, and now you're threatening to take my baby. I won't let that happen."
Lucas stepped closer, his expression dark. "And how exactly do you plan to stop me?"
Ariana met his gaze, unflinching. "You might have power, Lucas, but I have something stronger—a mother's love. You can't take that away from me."
Sophia snickered. "Touching, really. But love doesn't pay for nannies or private schools, does it?"
"Stay out of this, Sophia," Ariana snapped. "This is between me and Lucas."
Lucas's jaw tightened. "Enough. I've made my decision, Ariana. You can fight all you want, but you won't win."
Ariana's voice softened, but her resolve was unshaken. "We'll see about that."