Aria’s POV

It had been raining for almost a week straight. The kind of rain that made the world outside gray and heavy. I sat curled up on the sofa in our large sitting room, wearing my red maxi gown that stretched over my swollen belly. The television was on, the news anchor was talking about another flood warning, but my mind wasn’t really there. My hand rubbed circles on my stomach as I smiled faintly.

Nine months. Nine long months carrying the child of the man I loved—Lucian Blackwood. My husband. My mate and the Alpha-to-be.

Even though he wasn’t perfect, even though lately he had been more distant, I still loved him. I still believed in him. That’s what mates were for—right? To stand by each other?

The baby kicked lightly, and I chuckled, whispering, “Daddy will be back soon. He’s just getting us some fries. He knows you love it when I eat fries.”

I didn’t expect the sharp pain that suddenly shot through me. It stole my breath, forcing me to clutch my belly with both hands. My heart raced. Not now. Not yet. I wasn’t ready.

Another wave of pain made me gasp. My water broke right there on the living room floor, warm liquid soaking through my gown. Panic rushed in me. “No, no, no, please not now,” I whispered, tears already stinging my eyes.

Lucian had just left. He wouldn’t be back for at least thirty minutes. And here I was, alone.

With trembling hands, I grabbed at the bracelet he gave me, the one that was supposed to connect us. I closed my eyes and begged for him to hear me. Lucian, Lucian, I called, but nothing. Only silence.

Fear crawled up my chest. I searched for my phone and dialed his number. It rang once. Twice and on the third, he picked up.

“Hello, baby. I’m driving,” his deep voice came. “I can’t talk now. You wouldn’t want me getting pulled over by the cops, right?”

“Lucian, wait, please—” I tried to speak, but he cut me off.

“Later.” He said. Then the line went dead.

The tears I had been holding back spilled down my cheeks. “I’m in labor,” I whispered into the silent phone. “I need you.”

But he wasn’t there.

I called my father, my stepmother, and my stepsister. No answer. Nothing. My body shook as another contraction hit, forcing a scream out of me. I grabbed the chair for support and dragged myself toward the door. Somehow, with the rain pouring outside, I managed to wave down a taxi.

The driver’s eyes widened at the sight of me. “Hospital,” I gasped, collapsing into the backseat.

By the time we arrived, I was barely conscious. Nurses rushed me in; their voices were firm but encouraging. “Push! Come on, Aria, you’re almost there!”

The pain was blinding, ripping through me again and again. I thought I might die. But then I heard it—the cry of my child.

“Congratulations,” a nurse said softly. “It’s a baby boy.”

They placed him in my arms, and my whole world changed. He was so small, so perfect, with tiny fists and the softest skin. I kissed his forehead, again and again, whispering, “Thank you, Moon Goddess. Thank you. We did it, my love.”

Tears ran down my face, but this time they were tears of happiness. “Let’s wait for Daddy. He’ll give you a name.”

That’s when I heard it.

“Aria.”

The cold, sharp voice made me lift my head. Lucian stood in the doorway, looking tall and powerful; his face was unreadable, and for a moment, relief filled me. “Lucian! You’re here. Look, it’s your son.”

But there was no joy in his eyes. No pride. It was only ice.

He walked forward slowly, giving the nurse a small nod. She came over and—without a word—took the baby from my arms.

“Wait!” My voice cracked. “Where are you taking him? Give me back my baby!”

I tried to stand, but Lucian’s towering body blocked me. He threw an envelope onto the bed. His voice was harsh. “Look at it.”

Confused and shaking, I opened it. My world stopped.

Pictures of me naked in bed with a man I didn’t even know.

My stomach lurched. “No. No, this isn’t real. This isn’t me!”

Lucian’s eyes burned with rage. “Do you think I’m blind? Is that me in those photos? No. It’s you, spreading yourself for another man.”

Tears blurred my vision. “Lucian, please, you know me. I would never do this to you. Never. I love you!”

“Love?” His laugh was bitter and cruel. “You pathetic omega. I took pity on you, gave you my name, my bond, and this is how you repay me? With betrayal?”

His words cut deeper than the labor pains. He had never called me that before—omega—like it was dirt in his mouth.

“Lucian, don’t say that,” I begged. “I don’t even know that man. Someone must have set me up. Please, believe me.”

He slammed his hand against the wall, making me flinch. His eyes glowed faintly; his wolf was close to the surface. “Do omegas have lovers, Aria?”

“No!” I screamed, sobbing. “Only you. Always you. You’re the only man I’ve ever known.”

“Then explain this!” He shoved the photos at me again. His voice cracked with hurt even as anger dripped from him.

“I can’t!” My whole body shook. “I don’t know how these pictures exist, but they aren’t real. Lucian, please, I’m your mate. I just gave birth to your son.”

For a moment, his jaw clenched, as if he was fighting himself. But then he pulled out papers and threw them onto the bed.

Divorce papers.

“You disgust me,” he said coldly. “But for the sake of that child—if he’s mine—I’ll stay. If he isn’t, you’re finished.”

I broke. Sobbing, I shook my head. “The baby is yours, Lucian. Yours. Please don’t do this to us. Please.”

His hand lifted, and for a terrifying moment, I thought he would strike me. I flinched. “Don’t touch me,” he hissed.

The nurse returned, whispering something in his ear. He nodded sharply. My eyes darted to her. “Where’s my baby? Where’s my son? Give him back to me!”

She smirked and turned away. My blood ran cold.

Lucian’s face twisted with rage. This time, he didn’t hold back. His palm struck across my cheek with a loud crack. Pain burned my face as I stumbled, staring at him in shock.

“You whore,” he spat. “You cheated on me and carried another man’s child.”

I screamed through my tears. “No! He’s yours, Lucian! Yours! I swear on the Goddess, I’ve never been with anyone but you!”

But he didn’t hear me. His wolf took over, his voice booming through the room like thunder.

“I, Lucian Blackwood, reject you, Aria, as my mate.”

The bond between us was ripped apart in that instant. It felt like a blade carving through my chest, tearing my heart and soul into pieces. I fell to my knees, clutching at the pain. I was sobbing so hard, yeah, though I don't have a wolf, but I really loved him.

He threw the divorce papers at my crumpled body. “Accept it. Accept it now, he yelled angrily.

Before I could even breathe, the nurse burst back into the room, her face was pale, and her voice was also trembling.

“The baby!” she screamed. “Aria—your baby—”

Her words cut off. But the terror in her eyes told me everything.

And in that moment, I knew something was wrong.