The battles were behind them, but the memories lingered.
Ariella had fought her whole life—for survival, for freedom, for a moment to live without fear of losing everything.
Now, she found herself at the start of a new chapter.
This chapter was not about survival or isolation, but about love, peace, and new opportunities. A new beginning.
The waves gently lapped at the shore, and the salty air brought the scent of fresh starts. Ariella stood on the back patio of their seaside home, her hands resting lightly on her round belly. Seven months, she reminded herself.
She was seven months pregnant. Sometimes, it still felt unreal.
After all the pain, betrayal, and conflict, she had reached the other side.
She was finally home.
Leo stepped onto the patio, holding two cups of hot tea. He handed one to her and kissed her forehead softly before sitting next to her.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice warm.
Ariella let out a light laugh. "Like a whale."
Leo grinned, placing a hand on her belly. "A very beautiful whale."
Ariella rolled her eyes, but her smile was real. "Nice one, Carter."
Leo laughed and took a sip of his tea. "You know me."
They enjoyed a peaceful silence, watching the sun turn the sky into shades of gold and pink.
Then Leo's tone softened. "Have you thought about names?"
Ariella's heart skipped a beat. "I have."
Leo looked at her, curious. "What is it?"
She paused, then met his eyes. "I want to name him… Elijah."
Leo froze, his eyes filled with emotion. "Elijah?"
Ariella nodded. "After my first love."
Leo took a deep breath, his fingers brushing against hers. "That was my name before I was taken," he whispered. "Elijah Leo Carter."
He had spent most of his life carrying a name that never belonged to him, his face showing the pain of someone who has been denied their true identity for far too long.
Ariella offered a gentle smile. "I know."
Leo swallowed hard, turning away for a moment to hold back his feelings.
"Are you sure you want to name him that?" he asked.
Ariella affirmed with a nod. "Because he will come from love. The love we both share."
Leo leaned closer, giving her a deep, lingering kiss.
In that instant, everything felt perfect.
A Message from the Past
Later that evening, the calm was shattered when Ariella's phone buzzed on the nightstand.
She frowned at the unfamiliar number.
Noticing her uncertainty, Leo asked, "Who is it?"
Ariella shook her head. "I have no idea."
She answered the call cautiously. "Hello?"
There was a pause, then—
"You think you've won?"
Ariella felt a chill run through her.
Gabby.
Leo immediately sat up, his body tense. "Is it her?"
Ariella switched the call to speaker. "What do you want, Gabby?"
A low laugh echoed through the phone. "Just wanted to remind you, darling. A woman like me never stays down for long."
Ariella gritted her teeth. "You're in a mental hospital, Gabby."
Gabby laughed slowly, eerily. "And yet, here I am, reaching you."
Leo's face darkened. He was done with Gabby's games. It was time to protect Ariella and their unborn child.
"You need to let this go, Gabby."
Gabby ignored him. "Tell me, Ariella. Do you really think you're safe?"
Ariella froze.
Gabby's voice dropped. "You should know—I always have a backup plan."
"You can't do anything, Gabby. I'll fight you with everything I have. Even if it's the last thing I___!"
The call ended abruptly before he could finish.
Silence filled the room.
Ariella's heart raced as she turned to Leo. "What does she mean?"
Leo's expression was unreadable. "I don't know. But I won't let anything happen to you."
Ariella took a shaky breath. "What if she—"
Leo gently held her face, his voice strong and steady. "Listen, Ariella. Gabby can't control our future anymore. We've beaten her before, and we can do it again. Whatever she's planning, we'll face it together."
Ariella looked into his eyes and saw only confidence, strength, and love.
She nodded. "Together."
But deep inside, she felt the truth.
Gabby was still a threat.
A Celebration of Love
Even with the danger still present, life went on. Leo went about his business while Ariella carried on with hospital appointments, Antenatal visits and eagerly preparing the nursery for the arrival of their baby.
Ariella and Leo organized a small baby shower at their home, inviting only their closest friends who had supported them through everything.
The event was filled with joy, laughter, and a happiness Ariella had never expected. Everyone was so loving and truly happy for her. Her dreams were finally coming true and she couldn't be any happier.
Danielle, the former assistant who helped expose Gabby and her evil, was there. She embraced Ariella tightly. "You deserve all of this," she said softly.
Ariella replied with a smile, "So do you."
The night was bright with hope and a sense of belonging.
Leo held Ariella close, whispering, "This is just the beginning."
As she looked around at the people who had become her family, she realized he was right.
This was the start of a wonderful life.
One where she didn't have to run or look back.
One where she felt free and loved without conditions.
And no matter what challenges came, she felt brave now and ready to surmount them.
Because she had something truly worth fighting for.
The Shadows That Linger
Somewhere distant, in a secure facility, Gabby Armstrong smiled to herself. She recalled her recent conversation with Ariella and Leo. Leo's words echoed in her mind, filled with anger, but that didn't faze her.
She drummed her fingers on the metal table, her eyes sharp with purpose.
She had lost the battle.
But the war? The war isn't over.
Not yet.
In fact, the war was just beginning.
She still had one final move to make, and she needed to be very strategic now.