001.

A R I A N A

I sat in the doctor’s office, my fingers tapping nervously against my thigh. The room was too quiet, too cold and I was tensed.

The white walls and the smell of antiseptic made my stomach twist. I had been here for what felt like hours, waiting for Dr. Bennett to come back with my results.

What if something’s wrong with me? I’ve been feeling off lately, lots of morning sickness and fatigue, it was becoming disturbing.

So I finally decided to go for a check up.

The door creaked open, and Dr. Bennett walked in, a small smile on her face.

My heart pounded so loud I was sure she could hear it.

"Ariana," she said, sitting across from me. "Your results are in."

I held my breath.

"You’re pregnant."

The words hit me like a wave.

Pregnant.

I’m pregnant ?

A baby.

Angelo’s and my baby finally after years of trying finally I was going to have a baby?

My hands flew to my stomach, tears burning my eyes.

"Really?" My voice was barely a whisper.

Dr. Bennett nodded. "Yes. About six weeks along. Everything looks perfect."

I couldn’t stop smiling as a tear rolled down my eyes.

A baby.

After all this time, after all the months of hoping, it was finally happening.

Angelo was going to be a father.

I can only imagine how happy he’d be, just as much as I was, if anything he was going to be happier.

“Thank you very much” I appreciated getting up.

I marched outside the hospital letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Angelo had been… distant lately. Ever since he got that promotion at work, he’d been buried in files, late-night meetings, and stress.

He barely had time for me anymore and it was disturbing even though I was the reason behind his promotion but it hurt that I didn’t get all his attention like I use to.

But maybe, just maybe a baby would bring him back to me… to us.

Tonight was our four-year anniversary. I had planned everything perfectly. Dinner at La Rosa, the most exclusive restaurant in the city.

The one my parents owned.

The one where I would finally tell Angelo the truth.

The truth I had been hiding for years.

I wasn’t just Ariana Lopez, the simple girl he fell in love with in college.

I was Ariana Melendez.

The heiress to the Melendez fortune.

My family owned half the city hotels, restaurants, even a few tech companies. But I had hidden it all because I wanted Angelo to love me for me, not for my last name or my money.

But now… now it was time.

I would tell Angelo two life-changing things:

1. We were having a baby.

2. I was a Melendez.

I just prayed he wouldn’t hate me for lying.

I really do.

My phone ringing snaps me out of my train of thoughts.

I slipped it out from my purse the name on the screen flashing to my eyes.

It was Bella my best friend.

“Hey! Where have you been, I’ve been trying to reach you…”

I cut her off before she would begin ranting, “I’m Pregnant” I annouced palming my mouth.

She paused.

For about a minute before yelling,

“What! What did you say?”

I nodded as though she could see me with tears in my eyes.

“Yes! I’m going to have a baby… Angelo and I are finally going to be parents” I add.

“WOW! Congratulations… I’m so happy for you, oh my god I’m going to be a godmother” she yelled in excitement.

“Alright Bella I’ll call you later, okay? I have something to attend to” I say as the restaurant I reserved came through.

They called to confirm the dishes they’d be preparing and after that I headed home to go get ready.

—

I stood in front of the mirror in the entrance of the restaurant smoothing down my red dress. It hugged my curves perfectly, the fabric soft against my skin, my dark hair fell in loose waves down my back, and my makeup was light but glowing.

Perfect.

The table at La Rosa was reserved. I have the chef strict instructions, Angelo’s favorite dishes, the most expensive wine.

And at the end of the night, when the moment was right, I would hand him a small box.

Inside? A onesie that said "Hello, Daddy."

And then… then I would tell him everything.

My phone buzzed. A text from Angelo.

"Running late. Work stuff. Be there soon."

I sighed. Of course. Lately, it was always work.

But tonight, I wouldn’t let anything ruin this.

I let out a breath heading to the table.

“Mrs Melendez would you like anything?” The waiter asked with a polite smile.

I shake my head checking the tin, it’s been an hour now and Angelo is still not here, I’ve been trying his line but it’s unreachable, I’ve sent him countless of text asking where he was but no response.

I was starting to get worried… was he okay? Did something happen?

Letting out a breath I reached for my phone deciding to call Marcus my personal assistant to ask if Angelo had left the office.

“Hello?”

“Yes boss?”

“Has Angelo left the office?” I asked concerning irking up.

“Yes, he left by 5pm” he answered.

My heart dropped.

Angelo left that early and he told me he was working and would be running late?

Why would he lie to me?

Something was definitely wrong.

“Are you sure?” I asked my brows furrowing.

“Yes Mrs Melendez… I saw him sign out” he affirmed.

“Okay thank you very much.” I say before cutting the call.

I looked at the time and it was already 11pm and Angelo was still not here.

Tears accumalted at the brim of my eyes every piece of my heart broken, he ruined the night I gave my all to plan.

Angelo better have a good reason for ruining our anniversary dinner