ISABELLA

Chapter 56

Isabella’s POV

I squeezed Aria’s trembling hands tighter, forcing her to meet my eyes. She looked so fragile, so young, like the world had just dropped an impossible weight on her shoulders.

“Aria,” I whispered, my voice firm but gentle, “you can’t keep this only to yourself. Matteo has to know.”

Her eyes went wide, panic sparking instantly. “No! Isa, no, I can’t. If he knows, then Leo will know. And if Leo knows—”

I cut her off, pressing my hand against her cheek. “Listen to me. I won’t say a word to Leo. I promised. But Matteo deserves to know, Aria. He’s the father. Don’t you think he should be the first one to hear it from you, not… not by accident, not from anyone else?”

Aria bit her lip so hard it almost bled. She shook her head, tears sliding down. “What if he doesn’t want it? What if he blames me? What if he thinks I ruined everything?”

“Oh, Aria…” I pulled her into my arms again, hugging her tightly. “Matteo loves you. Anyone with eyes can see it. He won’t blame you, I promise. He’ll protect you. But he needs to know so he can protect you better. You shouldn’t be carrying this alone.”

She trembled against me, clinging like I was her anchor in a storm.

Finally, she pulled back, her lashes wet with tears, her face pale. “Do you really think he won’t hate me?”

I brushed a strand of hair from her face and gave her a small, reassuring smile. “If Matteo ever dared hate you, he’d have to deal with me first.”

That made her laugh softly, a broken little laugh, but at least it was something.

I squeezed her hand one last time. “Tell him, Aria. Tonight. Before the guilt eats you alive. He deserves the truth… and you deserve to see how much he’ll stand by you.”

She nodded slowly, her lips trembling, whispering, “Okay. I’ll tell him.”

But the fear in her eyes told me one thing—this was going to change everything.

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Aria’s Pov

My heart wouldn’t stop racing as I stood outside Matteo’s room. The little stick in the bathroom drawer felt like it was burning through my skin, even though I’d left it behind. Positive. The word wouldn’t stop screaming inside my head.

I lifted my fist, hesitated, then finally knocked.

The door opened almost immediately, and there he was — Matteo. His dark eyes softened the second they landed on me.

“Aria?” His mouth curved into that familiar smile, the one that always made me forget how to breathe. “To what do I owe this rare honor? You never come to my room.”

Before I could answer, he reached for me, tugging me inside. The door clicked shut behind us, the smell of his cologne, the low warmth of his voice, the quiet safety he carried with him.

He guided me to his bed and, without hesitation, sat down, pulling me onto his lap like I belonged there.

“Missed me that much, huh?” he teased, brushing a kiss against my cheek, then my lips. His tone was light, playful, but I could feel the edge of concern underneath. “Careful, Aria. If Leo finds you sneaking into my room, he’ll kill me.”

The mention of Leo made me flinch.

Matteo noticed instantly. He froze, his lips still hovering near mine, his brows drawing together. “Hey,” he murmured softly, cupping my cheek. “What’s wrong? You’re shaking.”

I tried to speak, but my throat was too dry. My hands clutched his shirt like I was afraid he’d disappear if I let go.

“Aria.” His voice dropped, firmer now. “Talk to me.”

Tears blurred my vision. The words tumbled out in a whisper so quiet I wasn’t sure he heard at first. “I’m pregnant.”

Silence.

The air between us froze. Matteo went rigid beneath me, his eyes widening in shock. For one terrifying second, I thought he’d push me away.

“You’re…” He swallowed hard, his hand still cupping my cheek like I was glass about to shatter. “You’re sure?”

I nodded quickly, more tears spilling down. “I took the test three times. It was positive every time.” My voice cracked. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, Matteo. I’m sorry—I’m so sorry—”

“Aria.”

The way he said my name stopped me. His tone wasn’t angry, wasn’t blaming. It was something else—raw, steady, protective.

He pulled me into his chest, holding me so tightly I could feel his heart hammering against mine. “Don’t you ever apologize for this. Do you hear me?”

I sobbed into his shirt, my small frame trembling against his. “But… Leo will kill you. He’ll never forgive me.”

Matteo leaned back just enough to look into my eyes, his thumb wiping away my tears. “Let Leo try. I don’t care what he thinks. You’re mine, Aria. And now…” His hand slid down to rest gently on my stomach. His voice cracked. “Now this little one is mine too.”

Something inside me broke open at his words. The fear, the guilt, the weight I’d been carrying alone—suddenly I wasn’t alone anymore.

“You’re not angry?” I whispered.

He let out a soft, disbelieving laugh, pressing his forehead against mine. “Angry? Aria, I’ve been half in love with you since the day I met you. And now you’ve given me the one thing I never thought I’d deserve. A family.” His voice shook. “I’m terrified, yes. But angry? Never.”

I started crying harder, but this time it wasn’t from fear. It was from relief.

Matteo kissed me deeply, passionately, his hand never leaving my stomach, like he was already swearing to protect both of us with his life.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes burned with determination. “We’ll figure it out. Together. Leo doesn’t get to decide our future. I’ll keep you safe, Aria. Both of you. Always.”