Chapter 259: CHAPTER 259

DAMIEN’S POV

The School day had been Surprisingly quiet, even after the final bell rang.

No loud arguments, no awkward glances, no need to worry about some drama.

Most Students were already going home.

I was about to turn toward the exit when I Suddenly heard familiar laughter Coming from behind me.

I turned around and Saw Alex, David and Mila walking together with Aria.

My eyes Settled on Aria and Something about her looked different.

I Couldn't immediately figure out what had Caught my attention.

She looked happier than the last time I had Seen her, almost like the weight She had been Carrying was Slowly disappearing.

Then my eyes dropped lower and I Suddenly noticed the Small Curve beneath her School uniform.

I Stopped walking without even realizing it, my eyebrows lifting in Surprise.

I looked at her Stomach, then quickly looked back at her face.

Was that actually what I thought it was?

I had heard rumors about Aria being Pregnant, but I had never believed them Completely.

But Standing there and Seeing the Small bump made everything feel Suddenly real.

I watched as Mila laughed at Something Alex Said, while Aria gently Placed one hand over her Stomach.

That little gesture immediately answered the question I hadn't dared to ask.

Aria was Pregnant.

I felt a Strange mixture of Surprise and happiness for her.

Seeing her Standing there with a Small Smile on her face made me happy.

I took a breath and Started walking toward them.

Aria noticed me before I reached them and gave me a friendly Smile.

“Hey, Damien,” She Said.

“Hey,” I replied, trying not to Stare at her Stomach.

But my Curiosity was getting the better of me.

My eyes briefly dropped toward her Stomach again before returning to her face.

Aria noticed it immediately and a knowing Smile appeared on her lips.

I Suddenly felt embarrassed that she had Caught me looking.

“Are you trying to ask me Something?” She Asked.

I Scratched the back of my neck and laughed awkwardly.

“I don't know if I Should ask.”

Alex grinned. “Just ask.”

David Chuckled beside him, while Mila looked at me knowingly.

I looked back at Aria.

“Are you…” I Paused, Choosing my words Carefully.

“Are you Pregnant?”

For a Second, nobody Said anything.

Aria's expression Softened and She gently Placed her hand over her Stomach.

“Yes, I’m Pregnant.” She finally Said.

My eyes widened Slightly even though I had already Suspected it.

“Wow.”

I looked at her with genuine Surprise.

“I honestly didn't know if the rumors were true.”

Aria laughed.

“Neither did I expect to be telling people So soon.”

I Smiled at her, feeling a warmth Spread through my Chest.

“Congratulations, Aria,” I Said sincerely.

She looked at me with a grateful expression.

“Thank you, Damien.”

“I'm really happy for you.”

She nodded and I noticed the emotion behind her eyes.

It Seemed like words meant more to her now.

“You're going to make a great mother,” I added.

Aria's eyes immediately became watery.

She looked away for a moment, trying to hide the emotion that had Suddenly appeared on her face.

Mila gently touched her arm, while Alex and David exchanged a Small Smile.

I Suddenly realized how much Aria had been through before reaching this moment.

Maybe this baby represented a fresh beginning for her.

“I hope everything goes well,” I Said.

“Thank you.” Aria replied.

I nodded.

“And don't let anything make you feel like you can't achieve everything you want.”

She looked back at me.

“Okay.”

Alex Suddenly Slapped my shoulder lightly.

“So, Damien, are you finally done interrogating her?”

I laughed. “I was just curious.”

“You were Staring at her Stomach like it was a math question.” Mila said.

Everyone laughed, including Aria.

I Shook my head, Smiling.

“I'm just Surprised, that's all.”

David nodded. “We all were at first too.”

Aria laughed Softly.

“I think I'm Still Surprised myself.”

I looked at her again and Smiled.

“Whatever happens, I genuinely wish you the best.”

She nodded.

“Thank you, Damien.”

I Could See how much happier She Seemed Compared to before.

There was a Calmness in her expression that hadn't been there the last time we Spoke.

I wondered if that was because of the baby or because She had finally found Peace by not Seeing Tom and Vivienne in School again.

Either way, I was glad to See her doing well.

She deserved a happy life after everything they did to her.

“Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?” I asked Suddenly.

Aria Shook her head. “Not yet.”

Alex immediately grinned.

“I'm voting for a girl.”

David laughed. “Why?”

“Because Aria needs Someone who will boss her around.”

Aria rolled her eyes while Mila burst into laughter.

“I hope the baby gets Aria's eyes,” Mila Said.

“I hope the baby gets Cassian's Smile.” Aria replied with a Soft laugh.

I watched them talking and realized how Close they had become.

There was genuine affection between all of them.

For a moment, I felt like an outsider looking into a family that wasn't mine.

Strangely, I didn't feel bitter about it.

I was Simply happy that Aria had People around her.

After everything She had endured, She needed People who would Protect her, encourage her and remind her that She wasn't alone.

I looked at her Stomach once more and Smiled.

“Take Care of yourself, okay?” I Said.

She nodded. “I will.”

“And don't let the exams Stress you and the baby too much.”

She laughed. “That's easier Said than done.”

“We'll help her,” David immediately added.

“We're never letting her fail.” Alex Said too.

I Smiled at them.

It was obvious Aria wasn't going through this alone.

I took a Step back, preparing to leave them.

“Congratulations again, Aria.”

She Smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Damien.”

I nodded and Started walking toward the exit.

But after taking only a few Steps, I turned back toward Aria, Mila, Alex, and David.

I watched them walk away together and Something about the moment left me feeling Strangely hopeful.