The tension in the turner household was palpable, thick as a storm waiting to break. Ariana sat by the window in her bedroom, her hand resting protectively over her growing belly. The once grand mansion, a symbol of love and security, now felt like a gilded cage, closing in on her with every passing day. She had noticed Lucas's increasing distance, his temper shorter, his patience thinner. Sophia's influence over him had become painfully obvious, her presence a constant shadow between them.
Downstairs, Lucas paced his study, his face set in a grim frown. Across from him sat a well-dressed lawyer, his briefcase open on the desk. Papers were spread out in front of them, legal jargon filling the room. Sophia stood nearby, a look of faux concern on her face as she played the role of the supportive confidante.
"I want everything in place," Lucas said, his voice hard. "Once the baby is born, Ariana will have no claim. I won't risk her taking the child from me."
The lawyer nodded. "We can draft custody documents that favor you, Mr. Harrington. But the courts typically side with the mother unless there's evidence of instability or neglect."
Sophia leaned forward, her tone soothing yet insidious. "Lucas, you've seen how unpredictable Ariana has been lately. Her behavior... it's concerning. Perhaps it's time to consider her mental health. A record of instability would make your case much stronger."
Lucas hesitated, the words sinking in. "You think she's unstable?"
"I think she's struggling," Sophia said carefully, her eyes glinting. "But for the baby's sake, you need to prepare for every possibility."
Unbeknownst to them, Ariana stood outside the partially ajar door, her heart pounding. She clutched the doorframe, her breath caught in her throat as she listened to their conversation. The mention of custody and her supposed instability sent a wave of fear and anger coursing through her.
"They can't take my baby," she whispered to herself, her resolve hardening. She backed away quietly, retreating to her room as the full weight of their betrayal sank in.
That night, Lucas stormed into their bedroom, his expression cold. Ariana was seated on the bed, her journal in her lap. She had started documenting everything—every cruel word, every manipulative action, every plan she overheard.
"We need to talk," Lucas said sharply.
Ariana looked up, her voice calm but firm. "About what? How you're planning to take my child away?"
Lucas froze, his eyes narrowing. "Were you eavesdropping?"
"Does it matter? I heard enough," Ariana shot back, rising to her feet. "You're letting her poison you against me, Lucas. I'm your wife, the mother of your child. How could you even think of doing this?"
"She's not poisoning me," Lucas snapped, stepping closer. "She's helping me see the truth. You've been erratic, Ariana. You've been putting the baby at risk."
Ariana's voice rose, her frustration spilling over. "The only risk to this baby is you listening to her lies! She's manipulating you, Lucas. Can't you see that?"
Lucas's temper boiled over. He grabbed her arm roughly, his grip tight enough to leave bruises. "Don't you dare tell me what I can or can't see," he growled, his face inches from hers. "You don't get to question me."
Ariana winced but didn't back down. "You're hurting me, Lucas. This isn't love. This isn't you."
Her words seemed to hit a nerve. Lucas released her abruptly, stepping back as if burned. For a moment, there was a flicker of regret in his eyes, but it was quickly masked by anger. "Just... stay out of my way, Ariana. Don't make this harder than it has to be."
He stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Ariana sank onto the bed, cradling her arm as tears slid down her cheeks. She wasn't sure how much more she could take, but one thing was certain: she wouldn't let them take her baby.
The following day, Sophia set her next plan into motion. She approached one of the household staff, slipping a wad of cash into their hand. "I need you to help me with something," she said, her tone sweet but commanding. "It's simple. Just move a few things around in Mrs. Turner's room. Scatter these papers and make it look... chaotic."
The maid hesitated but nodded, intimidated by Sophia's presence. Within hours, Ariana's belongings were in disarray. Important documents were misplaced, and random items were strewn about, creating an unsettling scene.
When Lucas entered the room later that evening, he stopped in his tracks, his eyes scanning the mess. "What the hell happened here?" he demanded.
Ariana, confused, looked around. "I... I don't know. I didn't do this."
"Don't lie to me," Lucas snapped, his voice rising. "This is exactly what I've been talking about. You're losing control, Ariana."
Ariana shook her head, panic setting in. "I didn't do this, Lucas! Someone's trying to set me up."
"Enough!" Lucas roared, grabbing her arm again, though not as harshly as before. "Stop making excuses. If you can't even keep your own space in order, how can I trust you to take care of a child?"
"Listen to yourself, Lucas," Ariana pleaded, her voice breaking. "This isn't about me. This is about Sophia manipulating you. She wants you to think I'm unstable so she can have you all to herself."
Lucas faltered, his grip loosening, but Sophia's voice interrupted them. "Lucas, is everything alright?" she asked, appearing in the doorway with a concerned expression.
"Stay out of this," Ariana snapped, her anger bubbling over.
Sophia placed a hand on her chest, feigning hurt. "I'm only trying to help. Lucas, maybe it's time to consider professional help for Ariana. Just until she's feeling better."
Lucas hesitated, his gaze shifting between the two women. Ariana saw the doubt in his eyes and felt her heart sink. "Lucas, please," she said softly. "You know me. You know I'm not like this."
But Sophia's influence was too strong. Lucas shook his head, his expression hardening once more. "I can't do this right now," he muttered, walking out of the room.
Sophia stayed behind, her smile turning smug as she looked at Ariana. "You're fighting a losing battle, darling. Why don't you just accept it?"
Ariana glared at her, her resolve solidifying. "I will never let you win, Sophia. Never."
Sophia chuckled, turning to leave. "We'll see about that."
As the door closed behind her, Ariana sat down, frozen and her hands trembling.