ARIA
I was pregnant.
For a heartbeat I forgot how to breathe. The world tilted sharp and still before air rushed back, leaving me laughing and crying all at once.
Pregnant.
The word felt sweet and terrifying. I sank onto the edge of the tub, clutching the test strip. Nathan and I hadn't planned this. Children were supposed to come after the wedding, after his mother stopped running his life. But fate had other plans.
He'd be surprised stunned even but under all that composure, Nathan Hale had a softness meant only for me. He'd hold me close, call me dramatic, and then start dreaming about names and nurseries.
Pressing my hand to my stomach, I whispered, "He's going to be so happy."
By evening, the test and a tiny ultrasound photo were tucked inside a silver envelope in my purse. I'd give it to him tonight, after the party.
The Hale Estate glittered like something out of a movie reporters shouting, cameras flashing, champagne flowing. I smiled for the photos, pretending not to hear the whispers about my humble beginnings. None of it mattered. After tonight, everything would.
Inside, chandeliers burned brighter than the stars. Then I saw her Vivian Hale. Nathan's mother. The queen of quiet destruction.
"Aria," she greeted, eyes gliding over me like I was an uninvited guest. "You look… lovely."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hale."
Her smile sharpened. "Vivian for now."
For now. The words twisted in my chest.
I escaped the conversation and scanned the crowd. No sign of Nathan. His assistant found me first.
"Mr. Hale asked me to tell you he's upstairs in the penthouse. Said he wanted to see you privately."
Upstairs. Urgent. A smile tugged at my lips. Maybe he couldn't wait to see me. Maybe he already knew.
Clutching my purse, I rode the elevator up. "Breathe," I whispered. "It's going to be perfect."
The penthouse was quiet, light spilling from the half-open door. "Nathan?"
No answer.
I stepped inside soft music, a half-empty bottle of champagne, perfume lingering. Then I heard it laughter. Feminine. Familiar.
"Vanessa," his voice said low, uncertain.
My heart stopped.
They stood near the balcony, too close. Her hand on his chest, his expression unreadable.
"Don't," I whispered.
"It's not what it looks like," he said quickly, stepping forward.
But it was.
I turned before the tears could fall. Behind me, Vanessa's voice floated smooth, pitying. "She doesn't belong here, Nathan. You know that."
The elevator doors closed on the sight of them, and the reflection staring back at me looked like a stranger.
Inside my purse, the test pressed against the ultrasound photo proof of a future already gone.
I used to think love made you invincible. I was wrong.
NATHAN
The ballroom glittered under gold lights, but I barely saw it. Everyone wanted my attention, yet all I wanted was hers.
"Mr. Hale, the press is waiting."
"I'll be there soon." She should've been here by now.
"Darling."
My mother's voice cut through the noise. Vivian Hale, regal and calculating. "The Carters just arrived. Be polite."
"I'm always polite."
"You're tolerable," she said, handing me champagne. "Try to look happy. Tonight isn't about you it's about Hale Holdings."
"Of course it is," I muttered.
Her smile didn't waver. "And remember Vanessa's family holds the merger. You could at least act pleased to see her."
"I'm engaged to Aria," I snapped.
"For now," she said sweetly, already turning away.
My jaw tightened. She'd been trying to erase Aria since the beginning.
"Mr. Hale."
Vanessa Carter's voice silk over steel. She stood there flawless, practiced smile in place.
"Vanessa."
"Your mother insisted I come."
"Of course she did."
She stepped closer. "Relax, Nathan. I'm not here to cause trouble."
"Then why are you here?"
"To say congratulations… and maybe remember what could've been."
"Don't," I warned.
"I miss the person you were before her."
"You don't know her."
"I know she changed you," she said softly. "And your mother doesn't like the man she turned you into."
I looked across the room Vivian was watching, patient as a viper. "You're part of this, aren't you?"
Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Part of what?"
I walked away before anger made me reckless.
Upstairs, the city lights bled through the windows. I loosened my tie, finally breathing. A knock came.
"Come in."
Vanessa again.
"Seriously?" I muttered.
"I just wanted to apologize," she said.
"You shouldn't be here."
"I know. But your mother said you looked tense."
"Since when do you take orders from her?"
"Since she reminded me how much our families still need each other."
My pulse hardened. "What does that mean?"
"She won't let this engagement stand, Nathan," she whispered. "Aria doesn't belong in your world."
"Stop."
"Nathan"
"Stop talking like you know what's best for me."
She sighed. "Just remember sometimes the ones closest to you are the ones who hurt you most."
She left. I exhaled, already done with this night.
My phone buzzed. On my way up. I have a surprise for you.
Finally.
The elevator chimed. I turned expectant.
But it was Vanessa.
"Nathan, wait your mother said I should"
"Enough."
She pressed her palm against my arm and brought her face close to mine, saying, "Please lisen."
The door opened again.
"Nathan?"
Her voice froze the air.
Aria stood there, silver envelope in hand.
For one suspended second, everything stopped. Then her gaze fell to Vanessa's hand on my arm.
"Aria "
"Don't."
"It's not what it looks like."
Her voice broke. "Then what is it?"
No answer came that didn't sound like a lie.
She turned and walked out.
The door closed.
And just like that, the only person who ever really saw me was gone.