The fresh morning air filled the peaceful countryside as Ariella stepped out onto the balcony of their new home, the cool breeze brushing against her skin.
She was now getting used to waking up without the fear of war.
She was waking up to a future she never imagined she would have.
Placing a hand on her belly, she felt the gentle movements of the life growing within her. It still felt unreal.
Soon, she would become a mother.
Despite everything the world had taken from her, she had emerged victorious.
Leo wrapped his arms around her from behind, his voice warm and playful. "You're up early."
Ariella smiled. "So are you. I couldn't sleep. I kept dreaming about someone who kept me up all night."
Leo laughed, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Your daughter is already making her presence felt."
Ariella giggled. "How are you so sure it's a she? I have always felt it's a boy."
Leo's hand moved protectively over her belly. "Call it fatherly instinct. I'm very sure of her gender, and she's going to be strong."
Ariella's heart swelled. "Just like her father."
Leo gently turned her to face him, his hands cradling her face. "Just like her mother."
In that moment, Ariella realized—
She was no longer living just for herself.
She was living for the family she was creating.
The Wedding Plans
"Alright, let's discuss the wedding details."
Carter's tone was serious as he opened his laptop in the living room.
Vincent stretched out on the couch, grinning. "Who would've thought the Queen of Chaos would be organizing a wedding?"
Ariella rolled her eyes. "Who said I'm organizing anything?"
Leo leaned back, amused. "So, you don't want a wedding?"
Ariella hesitated, her mouth open.
Did she?
For so long, marriage felt like something meant for others. She had never let herself dream of white dresses and perfect vows.
But now?
She looked at Leo—the man who had fought alongside her, bled with her, and loved her through every challenge.
She came to a realization—
She wanted to be with him forever.
Ariella cleared her throat. "I… might consider it."
Carter grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."
Vincent beamed. "I'm all for a big wedding. Gold chandeliers, a five-tier cake, the whole package."
Leo shot him a glance. "You just want free drinks."
Vincent lifted his glass. "Guilty as charged."
Ariella laughed, shaking her head.
Maybe, just this once, she could allow herself to dream.
Even with happiness around her, Ariella couldn't shake the fear in her heart.
One night, while sitting on their bed and touching her belly, she sensed Leo watching her.
His voice was gentle. "What's bothering you?"
Ariella sighed, avoiding his gaze. "What if I'm not cut out for this?"
Leo frowned. "For what?"
She finally looked into his eyes, feeling vulnerable. "For being a mother. For being a wife. For living a normal life."
Leo moved closer, cupping her cheek. "Ariella, you are the strongest person I know."
Ariella breathed out shakily. "That doesn't mean I'll be good at it."
Leo studied her, then took her hand and placed it on his chest, letting her feel his heartbeat. "You've faced challenges that would break most people. And you didn't just survive—you fought and won. You created a future."
Ariella's breath caught.
Leo kissed her palm. "You're not just going to be a good mother. You're going to be an amazing one."
Tears welled in Ariella's eyes.
For the first time, she began to believe it.
A Surprise from Vincent
A few weeks later, Vincent showed up with a surprise.
"Alright, lovebirds, I've got something for you."
Ariella raised an eyebrow. "If it's another bottle of fancy wine, I can't drink it."
Vincent smirked. "Even better."
He pulled out a small box and handed it to her.
Ariella paused, then opened it.
Inside the box was a silver necklace featuring a delicate pendant—a small, beautifully carved locket.
She blinked in surprise. "Vincent…"
Vincent shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "It's for the baby. You can put a picture in it—maybe one of her parents looking all lovey-dovey."
Ariella felt a lump in her throat.
Vincent had always been a mix of chaos and charm, but moments like this reminded her—
He was family.
She smiled, stood up, and hugged him tightly. "Thank you."
Vincent stiffened, then let out a dramatic sigh. "If you start crying, I'm out of here."
Ariella laughed and pulled back. "Got it."
Leo grinned. "I think he's getting soft."
Vincent scoffed. "Don't push your luck, Carter."
Ariella held the locket close, warmth spreading in her chest.
Maybe happiness wasn't as far away as she once believed.
The night before their wedding, Leo found Ariella on the balcony again.
She was gazing at the stars, deep in thought.
Leo wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "What's on your mind?"
Ariella smiled gently. "I never thought I'd get to this point."
Leo kissed her head. "And yet, here you are."
She sighed, turning to face him. "Tomorrow, we begin a new chapter."
Leo tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you ready?"
Ariella's smile radiated confidence.
"I've never been more ready for anything."
The Wedding Day
The sun shone brightly over the beautiful garden where their ceremony took place.
Ariella stood in front of Leo, her heart racing—not from fear, but from pure love.
Leo looked at her as if she were his whole universe.
And for the first time, she truly believed it.
As they exchanged vows and Leo placed the wedding ring on her finger, Ariella felt a sense of peace she had never known before.
She was home.
Leo leaned in, whispering against her lips, "I love you, Ariella."
Ariella smiled back. "I love you too."
Then—they kissed.
As their friends celebrated around them and the world felt just right, Ariella understood—
This was not merely a happy ending.
This marked a fresh start.
A Future Full of Love
Months later, while Ariella sat in the nursery, gently rocking her newborn daughter, she realized—
She had achieved everything she had ever strived for.
Leo knelt next to her, running his fingers through their baby's dark curls.
"She's perfect," he said softly.
Ariella beamed, feeling both tired and joyful.
"Yes," she replied. "She truly is."
Leo kissed her forehead. "And so is her mother."
Ariella chuckled lightly, leaning against him.
For so long, she had fought to stay alive.
Now, she was fighting for something even more significant.
A life worth cherishing.
A family worth safeguarding.
And a love that would last forever.