15. Pain

Aria's POV

Natasha and Nicholas lost a baby.

I'm not sure what hurts me more: them being a sex buddy or nearly having a child. I am his mate but will never be his first in everything. It's a painful fact that I must acknowledge.

All of my childhood fantasies were nothing more than a delusion. Mating bonds are but a curse. It's only a suggestion, not an obligation, because, in the end, the decision is yours to make.

Tears unconsciously fell from my eyes as my heart splintered into a million pieces. I devour my words. I fell for him despite my vow not to. Nicholas is like a thorn in a rose; the more I hold to him, the more wounded I become.

"Hey!"

I kept my head low despite the poke on my shoulder. I know it was Matthew. He was always the one who came whenever I was down. Sometimes the one who makes me down.

"Are you crying?"

I could sense the concern in his voice, but I didn't respond. He and his brother are just the same. They are deceitful. In their kindness lies their malici