The Broken Heiress Returns

Episode 7

Morning came quietly over the east mansion as soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room.

Aria sat by the bed, gently cradling her baby. The baby was finally asleep again, her tiny fingers curled around the edge of Aria’s thumb.

For a moment… everything felt peaceful. Then a knock came at the door.

Aria looked up, slightly surprised. "Come in."

The maid stepped inside, bowing her head slightly. "Madam… Lady Margaret has asked that you come to the main mansion."

Aria’s brows knitted faintly. "Is there a problem ?"

"No, Madam, it’s for breakfast, the maid replied

A strange unease settled in her chest.

Still, she nodded. "Alright. Give me a few minutes.

*****

The long dining table was set perfectly, like a stage waiting for a performance.

Lady Margaret sat at the head, composed as ever.

Clara beside her, practically glowing with anticipation.

Zander came in and sat quietly, his expression unreadable.

And across from him was Lena who sat elegantly and calmly, Elegant. Watching everything.

The only empty seat was Aria’s.

"Is she not coming?" Lena asked lightly, lifting her glass.

Margaret smiled faintly. "She will."

Right on cue, the doors opened.

Aria walked in slowly with her baby in her arms.

When she walked in, the room fell silent.

Zander shifted uncomfortably in his sit as he stared at Aria and his baby.

Something flickered in his eyes again.

Aria noticed, but said nothing. She took her seat quietly and breakfast began.

Utensils clinked softly, but no one was truly eating , except Aria, who was peacefully having her meal.

They were watching and waiting.

Then Lena spoke.

"So…" she said casually, glancing at Aria, "how does it feel? Becoming Mrs. Sterling so suddenly?"

Clara smirked and Lady Margaret said nothing.

Aria didn’t look up immediately. She adjusted the baby gently before answering.

"Six years doesn’t quantify as sudden does it?," she said calmly.

Lena nodded slowly. "True, But sometimes people step into roles that were never meant for them."

The air around them suddenly became intense, as it became apparent that Lena was out to irritate Aria, and Aria was not backing down either.

Zander’s grip on his fork tightened. He immediately regretted coming down for breakfast.

Aria finally looked up and their eyes met.

"And sometimes," Aria replied quietly, "people walk away from what was meant for them… and lose the right to return."

This time there was no politeness left in her voice, only truth.

Clara nearly choked on her drink. Lady Margaret’s eyes sharpened.

Zander looked between them, tension rising visibly. He hated being at the middle of such controversy.

As for Lena, she laughed softly

"Interesting," she murmured. As she looked at Aria calculatingly, she never expected Aria to be a fire fighter. So she tried another method to discredit her.

Then her gaze shifted to the baby.

"May I?" she asked suddenly.

Before Aria could respond, Lena had already stood and stepped closer.

Aria’s body tensed instantly as every mother’s instinct in her sharpened.

Lena leaned slightly, looking down at the child. Her expression softened—but it wasn’t warmth. It was… assessment.

"This is Zander’s child?" she asked quietly.

The question was simple, but carried a different meaning.

Zander looked up sharply.

Aria’s fingers tightened protectively around her baby.

"Who else would she be?," she retorted firmly.

Lena hummed softly and smiled. "She doesn’t look like him."

The words dropped like a bomb as silence exploded across the room.

Clara’s eyes widened and Lady Margaret’s lips curved almost imperceptibly.

Zander went completely still.

Aria’s heart slammed hard against her chest.

"What did you say?" her voice was low now.

Lena straightened, completely unfazed.

"I said," she repeated calmly, "she doesn’t look like Zander, are you sure she’s his?"

"Enough." Zander’s voice cut through the room like steel.

Everyone froze. But it was too late, the damage was done.

Aria slowly stood up with her baby stirring slightly in her arms.

Her face was pale, but her eyes were steady and burning with rage. "You don’t get to question my child," she said quietly.

Lena held her gaze unmoved. "Then don’t give me a reason to."

The tension snapped.

Zander stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"That’s enough, Lena."

His voice was firm now and carried a warning.

But Lena only looked at him calmly.

"Why?" she asked softly. "Does the truth make you uncomfortable?"

Zander didn’t respond. Because for a split second, doubt flickered in his eyes and Aria saw it.

That hurt more than anything. She didn’t say another word to defend herself.

She simply turned and walked out, holding her child closer than ever.

As Aria walked away, her breathing was uneven.

Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

Not here in there presence, she was determined not to let them see how broken she was..

Behind her a voice called out.

"Aria."

She stopped but didn’t turn.

Zander stood a few steps away. For once there was hesitation in his voice as silence hung between them. Then he dropped the question that broke all her defenses.

"Is she…?" he started.

The question hung in the air. Aria closed her eyes briefly.

That was it. That was the moment something inside her broke.

Slowly she turned and met his gaze

"If you have to ask that," she said quietly, "then you don’t deserve the answer. and you are not worthy is being the father of my child.

Zander froze.

And this time, she didn’t wait.

She walked away, leaving him standing there alone with doubt and regret.