ARIANA'S POV:
After days of my mother's constant, relentless insisting, I finally gave in and went to my mother's house with Mykel.
Dinner was going smoothly enough until Aunt Rebecca decided to speak up, completely shattering the peace. "So, when are you two lovebirds finally having kids?"
I almost choked, barely managing to keep from spitting my water right across the table. I cleared my throat, trying to maintain my composure. "I....we haven't really decided on that yet..."
"Why not?" she pressed, raising an eyebrow judgmentally. "It has been almost a year since your wedding. In my day, I was already a mother to one within the first year of marrying your uncle."
Of course you were, I thought bitterly, keeping my eyes on my plate. Because some of us aren't desperate to lock someone down.
After dinner, I headed into the kitchen to help my mom wash the dishes. Aunt Rebecca wandered in a few minutes later. After making idle small talk with my mother, she waited until my mom stepped out before gripping my arm and pulling me into a quiet corner of the kitchen.
"You're incredibly lucky to have a husband like Mykel," she whispered, her voice dripping with unsolicited advice. "He's handsome, successful, and seemingly flawless. You really need to make the most of it."
I frowned, pulling my arm back slightly. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"I mean, he's a rich CEO and incredibly good-looking. You shouldn't let a man like him slip through your fingers."
"When have I ever let him go?" I asked, my voice tightening.
"You might not be letting him go physically, Ariana, but you are emotionally," she said, leaning in closer. "When you don't give a husband a child, you distance him. Children are vital to a man, especially a billionaire. They need an heir, someone to take after them and inherit everything. So, stop stalling, think about it, and just have one."
A wave of intense disgust washed over me, but I forced myself to remain silent.
"You should really consider it," she added, giving me a knowing look. "You know exactly what I'm saying."
Swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth, I forced a tight, gentle smile and nodded just to get her away from me.
The ride home was a blur, and the moment we stepped through the front door, I went straight upstairs to our bedroom. I stood in front of the vanity mirror, my chest tight, and began pulling off my earrings far more roughly than I intended to. My head was completely foggy, Aunt Rebecca's toxic words echoing on a loop in my mind.
An heir... someone to take after him... you're letting him go.
Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Mykel pulled me flush against his chest, his warmth immediately enveloping me. He leaned down, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to the side of my neck.
For a second, I leaned my head back against his shoulder, melting into his familiar scent. But the fog in my mind wouldn't clear. Aunt Rebecca's words twisted in my gut, making me feel pressured and overwhelmed.
Slowly, reluctantly, I unwrapped his hands from my waist and pulled away.
"N-not now..." I mumbled, avoiding his gaze as I stared at the floor. "I'm just... I'm really not in the mood right now."
Before he could question me, I grabbed my pajamas and retreated into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I turned the shower on, letting the hot water scold my skin as I tried to wash away the dirtiness of the conversation. I stood under the stream for a long time, trying to relax my racing thoughts, but the anxiety wouldn't completely leave me.
When I finally stepped back into the bedroom, the lights were dimmed. Mykel was already lying in bed. I quietly slipped under the covers on my side, turning off the lamp on my nightstand and plunging the room into near-darkness. I stared at the wall, feeling distant and lonely.
Then, I felt his steady hands find my waist again. He pulled me backward, molding my back against his chest until there was no space left between us. His breath was warm against my skin as his lips brushed softly against my ear.
"Don't worry," Mykel whispered, his voice deep, soothing, and entirely devoid of pressure. "I won't rush you into anything. Take all the time you need, sweetheart."
He pressed a soft, reassuring kiss to my neck, his hold tightening just enough to let me know he wasn't going anywhere. And finally, the fog in my mind began to lift, replaced by the comforting realization that Mykel wasn't the man my aunt thought he was. He was just my husband, and he loved me for me.