Chapter 4 4

Aria's POV

When I opened my eyes, I was met with a bright, unfamiliar ceiling. The harsh light made me squint, and it took a moment before I realized where I was-lying in a hospital bed.

Panic surged through me as the memory of the accident came rushing back. My hands flew to my belly, trembling. My baby... please be okay.

Just then, the door opened, and Nora stepped inside with a mix of relief and worry on her face.

"You're awake," she said softly, walking over to my side.

I quickly signed, What happened to my baby? Is it... I couldn't bring myself to finish the question.

Nora gently squeezed my hand. "The baby's fine," she assured me. "You're both okay."

Tears of relief stung my eyes. Thank you, I signed, breathing out a shaky sigh.

Nora's smile faded slightly. "Why didn't you tell me, Aria? Why did I have to find out like this?"

I just found out. I was going to tell you today, I signed, and she nodded, though her expression remained tense.

"What happened? Why were you even out there in that weather? You could've-" she cut herself off, clearly upset.

I signed slowly, I was doing a delivery. It was Ronan's company... I didn't know until I got there.

Her eyes widened as I explained everything. When I finished, she stood up abruptly. "What? And you let them talk to you like that?!"

What was I supposed to do-fight them? I replied quietly.

Clara let out a deep sigh and sat down again, frustration and concern written all over her face. "And he hasn't even come to see you? After everything he's put you through? Aria, enough is enough."

I lowered my gaze, my heart heavy with silent pain.

"You should leave him. Get a divorce. And honestly... maybe you should reconsider keeping the baby. He never wanted it, Aria. You deserve better."

I stayed silent for a long moment, her words weighing heavily on me.

I'll leave him, I said finally. But I can't give up this baby. It's the only thing that's keeping me going right now.

She stared at me, then slowly nodded. "Okay. I get it. If this is your decision, I'll stand by you. You'll be an amazing mom."

Her words gave me strength. I pulled her into a hug, grateful beyond words.

Thank you, Nora.

Ronan's POV

When Ronan returned home, the silence in the house struck him first. It was unusual. Normally, Aria would have tidied everything up, dinner would be warm on the table, and the house would feel... cared for.

But today, the place was a mess, and the kitchen was empty.

His jaw clenched.

He didn't even know why he felt so bothered. It's not like he cared. He reminded himself that this marriage was just an obligation, nothing more.

His first thought was that she'd been slacking off because of her stupid job at the café. He'd always hated her working there and especially her friendship with Nora. He wanted her isolated-lonely. That's how she was easiest to control.

"Aria!" he called sharply.

She stepped out of her room a moment later, and his voice caught in his throat when he saw her-bandages wrapped around her arm and shoulder. A pang of guilt tried to surface, but he pushed it back down.

Still, he barked, "You couldn't even clean the house before I got back?"

She didn't respond. Not even a glance.

He stiffened. "You need to quit that stupid café job. And stop seeing that friend of yours."

Still no reaction. She walked past him and returned moments later with a file. Handing it to him without a word, she stood still.

He frowned, opening it. The word DIVORCE jumped out at him. He looked at her, stunned.

She did her sign language slowly, firmly. You've always said you never wanted this marriage. I think it's time we both moved on.

He stared at her, trying to read her expression. But Aria was calm-maybe too calm.

And for the first time... he didn't know what to say.