Chapter 4 Ryan wants me back!

Aria's POV

I stood still on the steps of Kian Xavier's mansion, my hand hovering over the doorbell. The cool morning breeze felt heavy against my skin, and my heart thumped so loudly I was sure anyone could hear it from inside.

For hours last night, I replayed Kian's words in my head-"A contract marriage."

The idea still terrified me. But what other choice did I have? I have to do it.

He had paid for my hotel room after the hospital incident, giving me space to think. I'd stared at the ceiling till dawn, weighing every possible outcome. And somehow, every road led back here-to this door, this mansion, this man.

Still, my heart whispered doubts.

Am I really ready for this?

To live with him? Pretend to be his wife?

He's Ryan's twin brother... What if he turns out like Ryan too?

The thought sent a chill down my spine.

I took a step back. Maybe I should just leave before it's too late.

But the moment I turned, Ryan's face flashed in my mind-his rage, his cruelty. I could almost hear his voice, cold and venomous.

No. I couldn't risk it. If he found out about this baby, he'd destroy me.

And my child... this innocent life inside me didn't deserve that.

No. No. No.

I can't let that happen. I have to do this for the baby.

And Kian...he also seems a little distant and kind. Nothing compared to Ryan. He wouldn't hurt me, would he?

Anyways, I don't care. We're not going to be together forever, it's just one year or more, and after that, we'll separate.

Yes. That's it. I have to do this for my baby.

Swallowing hard, I pressed the bell, my stomach twisting in nerves. Almost immediately, the door opened, revealing a lady dressed in a crisp uniform. I guess she must be one of Kian's maids.

"Are you Miss Aria?" she asked, smiling politely.

My voice came out small, uncertain. "Y-yes... that's me."

"Come in, please," she said. "I'll go call Master Kian."

I nodded and stepped inside, my shoes making soft clicks on the floor. The place was stunning-tall glass windows spilling sunlight across pristine marble floors, elegant art framed on the walls, and a faint scent of cedar and coffee in the air. Everything screamed discipline and control.

I stood in the quiet parlor, clutching my bag like a lifeline, until the sound of footsteps echoed. I looked up to see Kian descending the grand staircase. My breath caught.

He was dressed in a white singlet that showed every line of his chest and abs, and loose joggers. He looked like he'd just come from the gym, and I couldn't stop staring.

His jaw, his lips, his eyes... he was breathtaking. Strong, confident, and handsome, unlike Ryan. My stomach twisted, and for a moment, I imagined running to him, pressing my lips to his.

Then I snapped back. What am I even thinking? I wasn't supposed to be thinking about him like this.

'Get it together Aria. Focus. I can't think this way about Kian,' I muttered under my breath.

I swallowed hard and looked away, forcing my heart to slow.

Kian stopped in front of me, his eyes locking onto mine. "You're here," he said, calm but commanding. "Have you thought about it?"

I hesitated, my fingers curling around the strap of my bag. "Yes... yes," I finally said, though my voice barely came out. "I've thought about it, and I'm ready to sign it."

Kian gave a small nod, his face unreadable. "Alright."

He turned and walked over to a sleek drawer by the wall and pulled out a cream envelope and returned to the center table. I followed him silently, each step feeling heavier than the last.

We sat down across from each other. The air between us felt heavy, like it carried the weight of a thousand unspoken fears.

Kian slid the envelope toward me. I took it with slightly trembling hands, and carefully pulled out the contract.

The papers rustled as I unfolded them. My eyes skimmed the first line, my heart beating faster with each second as I read through the clauses.

No intimacy or emotional entanglement.

No disclosure to third parties.

Mutual respect in public spaces.

A furnished mansion and ten million dollars once the contract ends.

Duration: Thirteen months.

"Thirteen months?" I glanced up at Kian.

He nodded. "Yes. Once the baby is 3 months old, we'll separate and share custody of the child."

I exhaled slowly and went back to reading. My thumb brushed the edge of the paper, over and over. Each clause felt like another chain locking around my chest. But I couldn't afford to stop now.

I have to do this for my baby and I can also use this opportunity to seek revenge on Ryan for letting my mom die.

Kian was right. If Ryan sees me happy with Kian, it'll hurt him deeply and shatter him. That would make me satisfied.

Yes. I'll do it.

I reached for the pen. My fingers were still shaking.

One breath in. One breath out.

And then I signed it.

As the ink dried, something inside me shifted. There was no going back now.

Kian glanced at the papers, then looked up at me. "Congratulations," he said softly.

I managed a weak smile, my heart aching.

But before I could respond, the sound of tires screeching outside made me freeze. Then-

BANG!

The front doors flew open.

"KIAN!" a voice thundered. "Where's that bastard?!"

My blood ran cold. That voice.

Ryan.

I went still, my eyes wide.

He stormed in like a hurricane, eyes blazing, face twisted with rage. My entire body went still, every nerve screaming.

What-how?

Has he found out about us?

How did he find out so quickly?

Kian straightened immediately, his expression hardening into that cold mask I'd come to recognize.

Ryan's gaze landed on us, and when he saw me sitting there, papers spread on the table, his fury exploded.

"You bastard!" he bellowed, charging towards him.

"So this is what you've been planning, huh? You want to snatch my wife?!"

Kian remained unfazed. "You're mistaken, Ryan," he said evenly. "You stopped being her husband the day you threw her out."

Ryan's eyes darkened, veins pulsing on his temple. "And so what?! You think you can just take what mine and play hero?!"

"Just get out!" Kian barked.

"I'm not going anywhere without my wife!" Ryan roared. "

Wife?

My head spun.

This man is insane. What's he saying?

Wait...does he want to take me back? I'm definitely not going with him.

Kian's gaze darkened. His posture stiffened. His calm demeanor was starting to crack.

Ryan turned to me, pain flickering across his eyes as he walked closer.

"Aria... Please tell me this isn't real. You're not doing this right?"

My stomach twisted. I could feel my nerves shaking in my bones. But I straightened, forced the tremble out of my voice, and nodded.

"Yes, Ryan. I am doing it."

His expression changed. His eyes went cold.

"Aria... please. Don't do this. You know I was sick, I wasn't thinking straight."

My chest tightened. That word-sick.

Kidney disease. The cause of his infertility. The reason he'd turned bitter and angry, lashing out at everyone, including me. For three years, I'd lived with his pain and his cruelty, trying to be understanding because I loved him. But now, the love I had for him had died the day he threw me out.

"Ryan, stop," I said, my voice trembling but firm. "It's too late."

Behind me, Kian was starting to seethe, I could feel the heat coming off him.

Ryan reached for my hand desperately. "Please, Aria. I can change. I'll raise the baby as mine."

I pulled my hand away sharply, my voice rising. "Don't you dare call this baby yours! You only care because you found out it's Kian's!"

Ryan's eyes widened, hurt flashing across his face, then morphing into fury.

"You think he'll love you?" he spat. "He'll use you...toss you aside like he does to everyone!"

"Enough." Kian's voice was low, dangerous. "Leave."

Ryan's rage exploded. "Don't you dare get between us! She's my wife!" he roared, shoving Kian hard and throwing a punch.

My hand flew to my mouth, eyes wide.

"Kian!"

Kian's calm shattered, he punched back, the force knocking Ryan sideways.

"What madness is this?! Can't you see she doesn't want you! She's mine now!"

Ryan stumbled, catching himself against the wall, eyes wide with disbelief. Fury twisted his features.

"No she's mine! You always take what's mine and I won't let you have Aria!" Ryan yelled.

And then everything erupted at once-shouting, fists flying, furniture crashing. Years of anger, jealousy, and betrayal poured out in violent bursts.

I stood frozen, my pulse hammering in my ears. "Stop it!" I cried, my voice breaking. "Stop!"

They didn't hear me.

"STOP!" I screamed, stepping forward and slapping Ryan hard across the face. The sharp sound silenced everything.

He froze, staring at me in disbelief.

Tears stung my eyes. "I don't love you anymore, Ryan. I want to be with Kian. So stop humiliating yourself and just... leave."

He looked like someone had ripped the ground from beneath him.

But before he could speak, a cold, sharp voice came from the doorway.

"Disgusting," a lady spat from behind. " You want to be with Kian? Aren't you even ashamed? You dumped your husband and now...you want to spread your legs for his brother?"

I froze, my breath catching.

Who...?

My eyes darted to the doorway.

My eyes met with a lady dressed in a tight top and a short skirt that clung to her curves perfectly.

Who was this lady?

My heart sank.

Is she another obstacle just like Ryan?