The outside world was peaceful. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, bringing the smell of salt and fresh soil. The ocean waves lapped at the shore in a calming pattern.
But inside Ariella's mind, a storm raged on.
Leo's father's visit had reopened old wounds that neither had fully healed from. Even as they tried to move on, the past lingered.
She sensed it from deep within—this was far from over.
Ariella lay awake in bed, gazing at the ceiling, her hand protectively on her belly. The baby kicked softly, a reminder that life was shifting, and soon, everything would change.
Leo shifted beside her, his body moving under the covers. His breathing was calm, but Ariella knew he wasn't truly asleep.
She turned to him. "Leo."
His eyes opened wide, alert and dark. "You're awake."
Ariella smiled knowingly. "So are you."
Leo sighed, rubbing his face. "I can't stop thinking about it."
Ariella moved closer, placing her hand on his chest and softly caressing, she asked "About your father?"
Leo nodded, his expression filled with conflict. "I didn't expect a heartfelt apology, but…" He breathed out sharply. "Hearing him admit he was wrong? I never thought I'd see that."
Ariella drew small circles on his skin. "Does it change anything?"
Leo paused for a moment. Then he said, "No."
His response was clear and firm.
Ariella examined his face. "Are you certain?"
Leo faced her, his eyes heavy with emotion. "He spent his life controlling me, taking away my choices. Now, just because he admits a mistake, I'm supposed to welcome him back?" He let out a bitter laugh. "No. I don't owe him anything."
Ariella nodded slowly. "But… if he truly meant it, if he genuinely wanted to change, would you consider giving him a chance?"
Leo's jaw tightened. He paused before responding, reaching for her hand and intertwining their fingers.
"I'm not sure," he confessed.
Ariella squeezed his hand gently. "No matter what you choose, I'll be with you."
Leo met her gaze, his expression softening. "You always are."
Ariella smiled and kissed his knuckles.
How she loved this man. She had loved him as a teenager and will still give a arm and a leg to be with him any day.
The thought of presently carrying their child in her womb filled her heart with so much warmth.
She leaned over and kissed him deeply arousing an unquenchable desire inside of her.
Leo kissed her back with as much hunger and raw desire burning in his eyes.
She moaned and shifted as the weight of her protruding belly softly nudged at him. She paused a bit and they stared at each other laughing softly.
"Don't worry we will have plenty of time and room in no distant time" Leo said smiling as he tucked her under the blanket.
The next morning, Ariella sat on the back patio with a cup of tea when a car drove into the driveway.
She felt a wave of tension.
Leo, busy making breakfast inside, came to the door. "Are you expecting someone?"
Ariella shook her head.
They watched as the driver's door opened, revealing a woman stepping out.
A woman Ariella hadn't seen in years.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Madeline. Ariella's former foster sister.
The girl she once trusted, who felt like family, and the one who had betrayed her deeply.
Ariella's stomach churned.
Leo noticed her unease immediately. "Who is that?"
Ariella swallowed hard. "Someone I never thought I'd see again."
Madeline approached slowly, her blue eyes showing emotions Ariella couldn't identify. Guilt? Regret?
"Hi, Ari," Madeline said quietly. Her eyes fidgeting.
Ariella remained silent.
For a brief moment, she was sixteen again, back in the foster home they had shared, holding back tears as Madeline took the only thing she had left.
Ariella's voice was sharp. "What are you doing here?"
Madeline flinched at the chill in her words. "I—I needed to talk to you."
Leo stood firmly beside Ariella. "About what?"
Madeline's eyes shifted to him, then back to Ariella. "To say I'm sorry."
Ariella felt a tightness in her chest.
She hadn't thought of Madeline in years, not since the betrayal, not since she chose herself over their friendship.
And now she was here?
After all this time?
Ariella exhaled sharply. "You can't just come back into my life and ask for forgiveness, Madeline."
Madeline's expression fell. "I know."
Leo crossed his arms, observing her intently. "So, why are you here?"
Madeline paused, then retrieved something from her pocket. A letter.
She handed it to Ariella.
Ariella looked at it in confusion. "What is this?"
Madeline's voice wavered. "It's something I should have given you long ago."
Ariella's heart raced. With caution, she opened the envelope.
Inside was a letter in a handwriting she recognized so well.
Ariella gasped.
It was from her mother.
Ariella's hands shook as she unfolded the paper.
It had been years since she had seen her mother's writing.
Leo placed a comforting hand on her back as she began to read.
My Dearest Ariella,
If you are reading this, it means I am no longer here. I am truly sorry.
There are things I kept from you, things I thought would protect you. But in hiding them, I fear I made it worse.
The reality is, Ariella, your past is not what you believe.
And your future is uncertain.
There are those who will try to control you, who will seek to take what belongs to you.
But you are stronger than you realize.
One day, you will take back what was taken from you.
I will always love you.
Mom.
Ariella felt breathless. Her mother had known. Known that someone was pursuing her. Known that her life was at risk.
And now, after all this time, the truth was finally emerging.
Leo carefully took the letter from her, reading the words. His face grew serious. "Ariella… what does this mean?"
Ariella's heart raced. "I don't know."
But one thing was certain.
Her past was far from over.
It was just the beginning.