First Confrontation

Aria's POV

My phone started vibrating on the nightstand which woke me up from my sleep. I opened my eyes then I immediately took the phone. Ronan sent me a message which said "Landed safe. On my way to the house now. Can't wait to see you.

I sat up slow and put a hand on my belly. The bump felt a little bigger this morning. Or maybe it was just my nerves making everything worse. The situation required me to dress up so I would hide my body. I pulled on the same baggy hoodie from yesterday. I wore loose jeans and flat shoes because I wanted to avoid tightness. I practiced my smile in the mirror. The three expressions I made showed normal. Happy. I felt happy about becoming my ex-wife because we would raise his child. I had to deal with exhausting situations because I kept telling untruths.

The living room space already had people inside who started their conversations. Elowen was laughing at something while Selene was talking fast. Lupin remained silent throughout the entire time. I walked inside after taking a deep breath. Everyone was present except for Lyra. Ronan stood by the couch, tall with his brown hair messy from travel, blue eyes scanning the room. He saw me first.

He addressed me by name. He crossed the entire area to reach me so he could embrace me. His arms had a familiar feeling which turned strong but now felt incorrect. I embraced him with a light hug whileI tried to avoid contact between my stomach and his body.

I asked him about his flight experience. My voice remained unchanged throughout my question.

He answered me about the flight experience. He said that the traffic conditions made it difficult for him to travel. He grinned and kissed my cheek. "You look good."

I forced a smile for him to see. I had to make a bigger smile but I succeeded in that operation. My smile contained a falsehood.

Selene hurried toward us while she cried out "Group hug!" She squeezed us both. Her blonde hair brushed my face. Green eyes bright. "This will proceed according to plan because Mom has prepared coffee and donuts."

Elowen waved from the kitchen doorway. "Come sit. We need to talk logistics."

Lupin sat at the head of the table, paper in hand. His hazel eyes met mine for a split second. The sudden attention made my face feel hot. I looked away immediately and chose to sit down next to Ronan. Safe spot. I thought.

Lyra entered last. She walked directly toward me and took a seat right across from me. Her staring match with me seemed to continue forever. The girl who smiled showed a smirk to the world while she watched the people. My palms started to sweat.

Vesper had not yet arrived. Her flight landed soon. But she had called last night. Barked orders. "No mistakes, Aria. Country club venue. Simple dress. Justice of the peace if needed. Ronan steps up or else. She maintained her strict voice. Her voice became so loud that I could already hear it inside my head.

Ronan cleared his throat. "So, where do we start? Date first?

Elowen said the time frame for her observation should last for two weeks. Elowen looked at my stomach while she spoke about her observation period. The first part of her statement was polite to hear but the second part directly showed her intention to speak about my stomach.

The heat from my face made me say, "Yes. The second week of April is my proposed time.

Ronan squeezed my hand under the table. "Works for me. I can shift classes.

Selene clapped. She said "Perfect! Venue?Mom's country club has that garden gazebo. Romantic."

Ronan turned to me and asked "What do you think? The answer was "Sounds good.

I responded with "Sure. Whatever works. My voice sounded flat but I dealt with anxiety which made my chest feel heavy. The sweat drops collected on my neck while Lyra continued to stare. She looked at both me and Ronan with suspicion while she tried to solve a mystery.

Lupin spoke up. Low voice. "Budget? Flowers? Guest list?

Elowen explained her guest limit by saying "Small. "Pack families only. Fifty tops.

Ronan laughed. "Dad, you're practical. Aria, cake flavors? Chocolate?

I chose to say "Vanilla's fine. The truth was I could not concentrate on food. My stomach growled quiet, but the donuts on the table looked greasy. Heavy.

Lyra leaned forward. "When's the last time you two were even together? Ronan was at school.

Selene shot her a look. "Not now.

Lyra shrugged because she obtained the information she wanted to know. Her eyes maintained their watchful position while she kept gazing at me.

Ronan faced me with ease. "Visited last month. Things happened. He winked at me. The lie he presented was something he believed to be true.

I smiled weak. "Yeah.

Elowen passed the donut plate. "Eat something, Aria. You look pale.

I took one. I took a big bite of glazed donut to appear normal. The sugar level of the food was too high for me to handle. My stomach flipped. Nausea rose.

I had to chew the food slowly. I had to swallow the food after chewing it slowly.

The conversation continued without interruption. Rings. Vows. Honeymoon. Ronan wanted a beach trip. Selene suggested photos. Lupin mentioned officiant contacts. I nodded along. Sweat trickled down my back. The donut sat heavy. Like a rock.

Lyra came back. "Aria, you okay? Sweating a lot.

The warm environment made me feel fine while I wiped my forehead. "I feel warm inside this room.

Ronan rubbed my shoulder. "Breathe. We got this.

After another bite, I realized I had made a mistake because the baked goods inside my mouth turned sour. The world started to lose its balance. I pushed my chair back. "Excuse me. Bathroom.

I stood quick. I stood too quickly. I used my hand to hold the table for balance. All of them stared at me. Lyra smiled in a way that made her look more pleased.

Selene asked "You good?

I said "Yeah. Just... need a minute. I ran up the stairs. I slammed the door. I reached the toilet just in time. I vomited forcefully. The glazed donut disappeared. My body became sick while I experienced a surge of tears.

I rinsed my mouth. I splashed water on my face. The mirror showed me pale skin. Dark circles. The hoodie barely concealed my bump. I wondered how much longer my pregnancy would last. The wedding date was set for two weeks from now. Ronan would touch me. Notice. Or Lyra would push until it broke.

Footsteps outside. I froze. Selene? No. The two speakers had quiet voices.

I returned downstairs after waiting for 10 minutes. The meeting continued. Ronan smiled when I sat. "Better?

I responded "Much. The statement was false.

Vesper burst in then. Suitcase dropped. Strict face. "Traffic. Let's finish this.

She took charge. The confirmation process involved closing all dates while she completed the venue reservation work. She confirmed the dress shopping appointment for tomorrow. My head spun. More sweat. Lyra watched every move.

The group conversation lasted too long. Invites. Music. Food. The people in charge announced "No alcohol. Family event. Ronan agreed. Selene showed excitement. Lupin remained silent. Elowen fulfilled the role of mediator.

I took a sip of water. My stomach improved but my anxiety remained. Lyra watched again. Her eyes narrowed at me.

The final meeting began. Ronan kissed my hand. "Our future.

I responded with a nod. I felt nothing.

The entire group stood up. They hugged each other. They established their plans. Vesper trapped me in the corner. "No more fainting. Act like a bride.

I said "Yes, Mom.

She exited the room to go to her bedroom. She suffered from jet lag.

Selene told me to come with her. "You sure you're okay?

I said "Yeah. Tired. The statement was false.

Ronan hugged me tight. "Night. Love you.

I said "Night. I watched him walk upstairs.

Lupin passed close. "Take care. His voice sounded soft. His eyes appeared to have great depth. I looked down.

The house became quiet. I walked to my room. I walked slowly because I felt completely tired.

Voices stopped me while I walked down the hallway. Lyra and Selene. Door cracked.

Lyra whispered. "I don’t believe her story… she’s hiding something.