Taking a moment to compose himself, Mateo launched into his story, his words flowing with excitement and nervousness. "You remember Ariana, right? The girl I met back in Fashion school, the girl's name I wrote in every part of my book?" he began. "Well, something incredible happened. After years apart, It's as if fate brought us back together, and we reconnected."His parents listened intently, their expressions alternating between surprise and curiosity. "And...?" his father prompted, unable to contain his curiosity.Taking a deep breath, Mateo continued, "Ariana is pregnant, and I'm going to be a father." The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air.For a brief moment, Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix were speechless, their minds grappling to comprehend the magnitude of the news. Then, a wide smile spread across Mrs. Hendrix's face, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. "Oh, Mateo!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with happiness. "That's the most wonderful news ever!"Ov
Ariana stood there, her mind swirling with shock and uncertainty. Julia, sensing her friend's unease, pressed further. "Are you sure that was Mateo's mom?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.Ariana nodded, her voice trembling slightly. "Yes, Julia. It was his mom," she confirmed, her words laced with a hint of disbelief. The weight of the situation began to sink in for Ariana.Julia's eyebrows furrowed as she contemplated the implications. "Mateo must have informed his parents about the pregnancy and Child custody," she suggested, her voice tinged with a touch of apprehension.Ariana's eyes widened slightly as the gravity of the situation became clearer. "You're right," she replied, her voice filled with worry and realization. "Mateo is their only child, and this child I'm carrying is their first grandchild."Julia's words took on a more serious tone as she continued, "What if Mateo's mom wants you to give birth to the child and hand it over to them? The law might favor Mateo in
Julia nodded approvingly, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad you're starting to see the bigger picture, Ariana. It's never an easy decision, but by considering the feelings and well-being of both parties involved, you'll be able to solve this situation with more compassion and wisdom."Julia gazed intently at Ariana, her eyes searching. "Ariana, I need you to be true to yourself," she said softly. "Do you have any feelings for Mateo?"Ariana's eyes met Julia's, and a moment of hesitation hung in the air. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes," she admitted, her words laced with vulnerability. "I... I do like Mateo."Julia furrowed her brow, her voice gentle yet inquisitive. "Ariana, if you have feelings for Mateo, why don't you want him to be a part of your life? Have you considered having a relationship with him?"Ariana shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting away momentarily before meeting Julia's gaze. "I've thought about it," she replied, her vo
Julia nodded, a hint of understanding crossing her features. "Alright if you say so" she responded, her tone conveying acceptance. She knew how important this moment was for Ariana.As Ariana prepared to leave, a flicker of doubt crossed her mind. She turned to Julia, her brows furrowing slightly. "Do you have any advice for me?" she asked.Julia paused for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she shook her head gently. "No, I don't," she replied honestly. "You've made your choice, Ariana. Now it's time to embrace it and see where it takes you."Ariana absorbed Julia's words, her brows furrowing in frustration. Anger simmered on her face as she turned to Julia, her voice laced with indignation. "Such a spoilt brat for a friend," she muttered under her breath, unable to contain her frustration any longer. With a heavy sigh, she flung the door open and walked out.Arriving at Likb restaurant, Ariana stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. The ambiance was warm and inviting,
With a sigh, Mrs. Hendrix replied, "Talking to Ariana wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. She's made up her mind about the child custody issue. She's accepted that you both have to take care of the child together, but she doesn't want a relationship with you."Mateo nodded, his expression disappointed and understanding. "I did my best to explain to her and show her that I truly love her and would never hurt her. But it seems like she didn't hear a word I said."Mrs. Hendrix observed her son's dejected demeanor and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know how much you care for her, Mateo, but sometimes people make decisions based on their own fears and insecurities. It's not easy, but we have to respect Ariana's choice and focus on you both supporting each other and raising the child together."Mateo looked up at his mother, gratitude shown in his eyes. "You're right, Mom. Our priority should be the well-being of the child. I'll do my best to be there for the child"
Ariana sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "Whenever I hear the doorbell ring or my phone notification sound, I find myself rushing to check if it's Mateo. But there's nothing. No messages, no gifts, nothing."Julia's brows furrowed as she tried to grasp the weight of Ariana's words. "Why would that bother you so much, Ariana like you said you don't like him and you don't want to get hurt by a man again?"Ariana looked down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. "Because I can't get Mateo off my mind. I can't stop thinking about him, and it hurts to realize that he might have given up on us after I meet with his mom.""Julia," Ariana began again, her voice laden with uncertainty, "I don't understand why he's acting like this. It's been two weeks since I met his mom, and everything seemed fine that day I talked to her. But now... it's like he's a different person."Julia looked at Ariana empathetically, realizing the weight of the situation. "Why don't you ca
Interrupting the tender moment, Ariana refocused on her objective. "Can I get your address now?" she asked Mateo, determination ringing in her voice.Concern flickered in Mateo's response, his words tinged with an underlying sweetness. "It's risky, sweetie," he cautioned, his concern for her well-being shown.Ariana's heart skipped a beat at the endearment he used. "Sweetie?" she repeated, her voice filled with delight and a newfound sense of hope as she said the word "sweetie" again in her mind.Julia, eager to support her friend, quickly interjected. "I will drive her there," she offered, her voice brimming with enthusiasm."Thanks, Julia," Mateo expressed his gratitude, appreciating the support. "My pleasure," Julia replied, a sense of fulfillment shining in her eyes.Ariana leaned forward, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Mateo, I need your house address now. It's important." She fixed her gaze on the phone, waiting for his response.Mateo nodded even when Ariana couldn't
Mateo's eyes met Ariana's, gratitude and determination shining within them. "Yes," he replied, his voice filled with resolve. "I'll finish what I can, and then I promise to prioritize resting and taking care of myself."Ariana nodded, her worry mingled with admiration for Mateo's commitment. She squeezed his arm reassuringly before stepping back, allowing him to focus on the remaining work.Concerned about Mateo's well-being, Ariana turned to him with a gentle voice. "Have you eaten anything, Mateo?" she asked, her eyes filled with care.Mateo shook his head weakly, a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "No, I couldn't eat anything," he replied, his appetite seemingly nonexistent.Ariana's brow furrowed with worry, her nurturing instincts kicking in. "Is there anything you want to eat? Maybe something light?" she asked, hoping to find a way to nourish him despite his lack of cravings.Mateo sighed softly, his eyes searching for an answer. "I'm not really craving anything or feeling like