Aria’s POV
I locked myself in my room, a bitter smile tugging at my lips even as my eyes burned.
How foolish I had been, to hope he might care.
To think he might finally see .
Nathan Hemsworth was as heartless as ever. I should’ve known better.
I pressed a hand to my chest, resisting the urge to slap myself awake. That mont of wavering lodged like a thorn beneath my skin.
I had sworn, sworn that after prison, I would never rely on anyone again.
Yet one change in Nathan’s behavior, and hope crept back like a curse.
I struck my chest once, hard.
Then...
“Waah—”
Lana’s cry shattered my thoughts.
I rushed to the bed and gathered her into my arms, my heart breaking open at the sound. Her big, tear-filled eyes stared up at , as if she could feel the storm raging inside my ribs.
“I am here, I am here my child,” I murmured, rocking her gently.
She clung to , her tiny hands pressing right over my heart.
I froze.
It was as if she knew what I was going through.
My eyes misted.
I had endured everything alone in Asterfell, but now, I wasn’t alone anymore.
I had her.
Holding Lana close, I breathed in her warm, familiar scent. Slowly, the agitation ebbed away. When I relaxed, she smiled. It was bright, innocent and whole.
As I laid her back down, my phone vibrated in my pocket.
I glanced at my phone just as it vibrated in my palm.
Jonathan Anderson.
“Are you ho yet?”he asked.
“Yes, I am. Thank you so much for your help at the event.”
His reply ca almost imdiately.
“It’s nothing. After all, Selina is a top designer at Celestyr Brand, and we always stand by our own.”
A quiet breath slipped past my lips. My shoulders relaxed, my wolf easing its guard within . For the first ti in a while, a rare sense of serenity settled in my chest, and I found myself smiling at the screen.
The events of the night played through my mind again. After a mont of hesitation, I typed again.
“I feel I should properly thank you. How about I treat you to a al tomorrow? I hope you’ll accept.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
The next morning, I chose a simple white dress. It was a soft fabric, easy to move in, clean and understated. This ti, I didn’t leave Lana behind at Hemsworth Villa with the nanny. Instead, I held her close, her familiar scent grounding .
Yesterday’s events would already be spreading online like wildfire. Today, the discussions would peak. Bringing Lana with wasn’t impulsive it was deliberate. Let them speculate. Let them talk.
Who her father was didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was mine.
Lana was my pup, my blood and my bond.
We arrived at the restaurant right on ti. It was a charming place, the scent of pastries and warm soy milk drifted invitingly through the air.
Jonathan was already there.
He stood as soon as he saw , dressed in a crisp white suit. His posture was straight, his presence commanding yet restrained. People passing by couldn’t help but glance his way, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
“You’re here?” Jonathan said, his voice warming.
His gaze softened when he noticed Lana in my arms, but he didn’t ask. Instead, he poured a glass of soy milk and slid a plate of red bean pastries toward .
“I’ve heard these are their specialties. Give them a try.”
I hesitated, suddenly aware of my own assumptions. “Are these dishes to your liking?” I asked gently. “I wasn’t sure—”
Jonathan smiled, catching my unease imdiately. “Of course they are, but these are a staple in my household. Besides, my brother is an extrely picky eater. We’ve always had an Veridale chef at ho.”
Relief washed through . I nodded, my wolf relaxing further.
His eyes drifted back to Lana, curiosity finally surfacing. “And this is...?”
A hint of shyness crept up on . “This is my child. I wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone, so I brought her along. I hope you don’t mind.”
His expression froze—just for a second..
I felt his scrutiny, sharp but not invasive. My wolf shifted, alert yet not threatened. Still, doubt crept in. Not everyone liked children. I might have overstepped.
“I’m sorry,” I began—
“Aria,” Jonathan interrupted gently, his lashes lowering to hide his thoughts, “if you don’t mind asking... what is your current marital status?”
I stilled.
His eyes t mine, they were bright, clear, and felt very alive. I didn’t sense impatience. If anything, there was sothing else there.
Anticipation.
“I’m in the process of getting a divorce,” I said softly. “The paperwork just hasn’t been initiated yet.”
He nodded slowly. His gaze returned to Lana, affection blooming openly this ti.
Learning that I had a child didn’t repel him, if anything, it ewxcjted him. I could see his excitent slip through the cracks of his composure.
“May I?” he asked suddenly, extending his arms toward Lana. “May I hold her?”
I smiled and handed her over.
Lana transitioned easily, calm and unafraid. She nestled against him as if she’d done this a hundred tis before, her large eyes studying his face with open curiosity. My wolf watched closely, instinctively protective.
But there was no threat.
Only warmth.
Jonathan held her like she was precious and fragile. His movents were careful, a little clumsy, and undeniably sincere. She giggled as he gently rocked her, her laughter ringing like silver bells.
My heart softened despite myself.
Her tiny head bobbed beneath her pink cap, utterly adorable. Even my wolf purred at the sight.
Jonathan adjusted his hold, more confident now. Lana seed to like him a lot. She laughed again, and his eyes lit up like a man discovering sothing he hadn’t known he’d been missing his entire life.
Then he looked up at .
His expression was earnest, his voice low but filled with restrained emotion.
“Aria,” he said, “I hope this doesn’t co off as too forward... but there is sothing I need to tell you.”
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