INICIAR SESIÓNARIANA'S POV The moment Sophia saw me standing in the doorway, the smile on her face faded for a split second before a smug look settled in her eyes. She didn't say a word, but her expression alone seemed to ask, Are you surprised to see me here?A bitter smile tugged at my lips. I should have known I'd run into her the moment I stepped back into this house."Oh, you're finally here," Sophia said with a satisfied smile. "Thank you, Evelyn, for bringing her to me. I've been waiting for quite a while. You may leave us now.Evelyn seemed reluctant to leave, but she eventually walked away with a regretful expression.I kept my eyes fixed on Sophia, wondering what kind of plan she was preparing this time."So this is the new assistant you recently hired, Sophia?" one of her friends questioned. "Are you certain you still want her? She's already late on her first day. I can only imagine how terrible her performance will be from now on."Although her friend spoke in a low voice, I could hear
ARIANA'S POV "I will, Ariana. I promise your secret is safe with me," Damian finally said, though I could tell the weight of it still lingered in his heart."Promise?" I asked, extending my pinky toward him.He hooked his little finger around mine and we sealed the promise.We both chuckled, realizing we had suddenly become like little kids again."I love seeing you smile," Damian said softly. "Ariana, can I touch your belly?"I nodded at his innocent request. Damian gently placed his hand on my belly, as though he could already feel the tiny life growing inside me."You can't feel the baby yet, Damian. At this stage, it's only about the size of a strawberry," I said, smiling faintly. But deep down, my heart felt heavy because this was a moment Nathan should have shared with me, not his brother."So, when will I be able to feel the baby kick?" Damian asked curiously."It'll take a few more months," I replied.Damian smiled gently. "Then I'll be here when that day comes, Ariana."A fe
ARIANA'S POV "Oh, Nathan, my head is spinning, and it hurts," Sophia murmured, holding the side of her head where it had struck the table."I'm sorry, Sophia. I didn't see you at all," Nathan said, trying to comfort her while checking if she was hurt.The way Nathan's expression softened when he turned to Sophia felt like a bolt of lightning crashing into me, leaving me frozen and unable to speak.The only thing that pulled me back to reality was the sharp pain in my stomach. Panic swept through me as I remembered my baby's condition.Foolish me! I've put my baby in danger again!"Are you okay?" I felt Damian's hand on my shoulder as he helped me to my feet. He noticed the way I was clutching my stomach tightly. Where does it hurt? Damian asked."My stomach... I think it struck the edge of the table a little too hard," I answered, my voice trembling as I struggled to hold back the pain.A few moments later, the waiters, along with a man who appeared to be the restaurant manager, rus
ARIANA'S POV "Ariana, I'm talking to you. Answer me. Have you lost your voice?" Nathan demanded, his tone sharp and impatient.The moment I dared to look into his eyes, I realized there wasn't the slightest trace of warmth left. All I could see was contempt and disgust reflected in his gaze, making my chest tighten."I..." The words caught in my throat. I wanted to tell him he no longer had the right to question my every move, especially after making it clear that he had chosen Sophia over me.Had he already forgotten everything that happened between us at the restaurant?But I felt as though my lips were sealed shut."Hold on. I invited Ariana because I thought you'd be happy to see her, Nathan. It was supposed to be a surprise. What happened between the two of you?"Damian glanced back and forth between Nathan and me, confusion written all over his face.Nathan did not even spare his brother a single glance. His eyes remained fixed on me while I had no idea where to begin.My pregn
ARIANA'S POV Damian and I were equally surprised to see each other here. According to what I'd heard, he was managing one of the Bennett Group's international branches and had been living with Nathan's grandfather.When did he return?"Oh... hi, Damian," I greeted cautiously as I set the drink on the table. "When did you get back?"Yesterday." Damian gave me a warm smile, instantly easing the awkwardness between us. "It's good to see you again, Ariana. How have you been? Are you here with Nathan?"I knew Damian had noticed my uniform, yet he deliberately chose not to ask about it. I understood he was trying to spare me any further embarrassment, and I truly appreciated him for it."I've been doing well."I turned to Bill. "May I excuse myself now? There are a few things I need to tidy up in the back.As soon as Bill nodded, I hurried toward the back.Once the exhibition ended and we finished cleaning up, I was ready to head home with Tessa when a sleek black Mercedes-Benz caught my a
ARIANA'S POV Oh, don't take this the wrong way, but I was honestly shocked to spot you here in that silly outfit. So, what's going on? Are you their sales girl or something?" Sophia let out a soft chuckle.I caught the sarcasm sparkling in her eyes."Whatever I'm doing is none of your damn business, Miss Sophia. Please excuse me. I have to get going." I cut her off immediately. I didn't want to have a conversation with her.Just as I turned to leave, Sophie stopped me. She raised her left hand right up in front of my face, and the gorgeous diamond ring sparkling on her finger immediately grabbed my attention.Call me Mrs. Bennett,” she said happily. “Isn’t it beautiful? This isn’t our real wedding ring, but Nathan really instead I buy it. He told me it would look so pretty on my finger.”The ring was undeniably beautiful, with a large diamond that glistened brilliantly. It must have cost a fortune. I clutched my clothes tightly, the weight of my wedding band still resting on my finge







