The sun set, painting the sky with golden hues as Ariella sat on the balcony of their new home, her hand resting softly on her round belly.
For the first time in years, there was no war to face.
No enemies hiding in the dark. No fear of waking up in a world that wished to erase her.
She was finally free.
Yet, freedom brought its own set of challenges.
A future she had never dared to envision was now unfolding, and despite her fight for this peace, she felt uncertain about how to embrace it.
Leo stepped outside, his warmth enveloping her. He leaned against the railing, observing her. "You seem quiet."
Ariella smiled. "Since when do you mind that?"
Leo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Since I realized that when you're quiet, you're deep in thought."
Ariella laughed softly but didn't argue.
Leo knelt beside her, his hands gently resting on her belly. "Share your thoughts."
Ariella took a breath, her fingers gliding over his. "I don't know how to stop fighting."
Leo's expression softened, his thumb making small circles on her stomach.
"I spent so many years just surviving, always looking back, waiting for the next fight." She inhaled deeply. "And now that it's over… I'm not sure who I am without that."
Leo was quiet for a moment, then he lifted her hand to his lips.
"You're Ariella Devereux," he said softly. "You're the strongest woman I know. And you don't need to fight anymore."
Ariella felt a lump in her throat. "So, what do I do now?"
Leo smiled. "You live."
Ariella looked at him, sensing a change within her.
For the first time—
She wanted to give it a try.
Preparing for the Baby
The upcoming weeks felt unique. For the first time, Ariella let herself think about something beyond just surviving.
She and Leo found a peaceful, lovely routine as they got ready for their baby's arrival.
Carter and Vincent came by often, each adjusting to this new, peaceful life in their own way.
"I never imagined I'd see you setting up a nursery," Vincent joked one afternoon, leaning in the doorway while Ariella organized tiny outfits in a drawer.
Ariella grinned, holding up a onesie. "Isn't this the cutest?"
Vincent raised an eyebrow. "I never said it wasn't."
Carter entered, arms crossed. "So, we're really doing this, huh?"
Ariella looked at him. "Doing what?"
Carter sighed. "Living a normal life."
Ariella's face softened. "We deserve it."
Carter nodded but remained silent. Even in peace, the past lingered, and they all understood that.
Even with peace surrounding her, Ariella couldn't shake one persistent worry.
What if something went wrong?
One night, she woke up gasping, a sharp pain twisting in her stomach.
Leo instantly woke, alert to every sound she made. "Ariella?"
She clutched his hand, fear in her eyes. "Something's not right."
Without hesitation, Leo jumped up, grabbing the keys. "We're heading to the hospital."
Ariella couldn't argue.
For the first time in a long while—
She felt scared.
The ride to the hospital seemed never-ending, Leo gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Once they arrived, doctors hurried her into an exam room, checking her vitals and the baby.
Leo stayed right by her side.
His fingers never left her, as if he needed to reassure himself that she was still there, still alive, still safe.
After what felt like forever, the doctor smiled. "Your baby is perfectly healthy."
Ariella's entire body relaxed with relief.
"It was just pain from stress," the doctor explained. "Your body is telling you to take it easy."
Leo gave her a sharp look.
Ariella sighed. "I understand."
But Leo wasn't finished.
Once they were alone, he faced her, his voice low and serious.
"You're not invincible, Ariella."
Ariella felt a tightness in her chest. "I know."
Leo cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently tracing her cheekbones.
"No, you don't." His voice was filled with emotion. "I've almost lost you too many times. But this? This is different. You're carrying our baby."
Ariella swallowed hard. "I—"
Leo lowered his voice to a whisper. "I need you to be okay. I need you here."
Tears welled in Ariella's eyes.
For so long, she had prioritized everything else over herself.
But now?
Now, someone needed her just as much as she needed them.
Ariella took a shaky breath and nodded.
Leo drew her close, kissing her forehead.
And for the first time—
Ariella allowed herself to feel safe.
Weeks went by, and Ariella started to embrace motherhood.
One evening, while resting against Leo on the couch, it happened.
A gentle, unmistakable kick.
Ariella gasped.
Leo sat up quickly. "What's wrong?"
Ariella took his hand and placed it on her belly.
Then—
Another kick.
Leo froze.
His eyes widened, filled with raw emotion.
Ariella felt a lump in her throat. "Leo?"
He swallowed hard, his hand steady yet gentle on her stomach.
Then—he smiled.
The kind of smile that warmed her heart.
"She's strong," he whispered.
Ariella blinked. "She?"
Leo grinned. "Just a father's instinct."
Ariella chuckled softly, leaning into him.
And in that moment—
Nothing else mattered.
As Ariella and Leo sat under the stars that night, their hands intertwined, the weight of everything they had endured finally surrounded them.
Leo faced her, his eyes holding a deep, unspoken feeling.
"What's wrong?" she whispered.
Leo took a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"
Ariella gasped softly.
Leo chuckled. "You didn't expect that, did you?"
Ariella shook her head, laughing. "Not tonight."
Leo gently held her face, his smile warm and sincere. "We've faced so much together. We've overcome challenges that could have torn us apart. Now, we're ready for a fresh start."
Ariella felt a rush of emotion.
Leo's tone softened. "I want to share my life with you, Ariella. Not just because of our struggles, but for the future we're creating."
Ariella's eyes filled with tears she held back.
She had spent years fighting, escaping, and surviving.
But now?
Now, she was truly living.
She smiled and leaned closer to him.
"Yes."
Leo's smile lit up his face.
As he kissed her under the stars—
Ariella realized.
This was the life she had fought for.
And she wouldn't give it up for anything.