Chapter 20

My emotions were in turmoil, and I couldn't give him an answer right away.

Ethan wasn't in a rush, though. He showed concern from a distance, never pushing too hard. Even now, with everything going on, he never overstepped.

He had just woken up, and I told him not to focus on me too much. But, as always, he would say, "Okay," and yet still knew every detail of my life.

At first, I thought it was just about the baby. But eventually, I realized that even during our marriage, it wasn't just me being nitpicky, he was the same.

After we got married, I often felt insecure and did things that annoyed him. Once, I couldn't hold back and spilled my heart to him.

"I always thought our start wasn't all that noble," I said. "You only got with me by accident. There are so many women out there who are better than me. I was afraid that one day, you'd realize that and think I wasn't special…"

Ethan listened, regret clearly written on his face. "Aria, I never looked at other women. I liked you long before, I just never found the right moment. You think that night was an accident, but have you ever considered that if I had been truly drunk, I wouldn't have…"

I cut him off, my eyes wide. "What do you mean? You weren't drunk that night?"

I had always felt guilty about that night. He had seemed so drunk, he couldn't recognize anyone. Meanwhile, I'd been tipsy but still somewhat clear-headed.

So I thought I had taken advantage of him, but hearing him now… the guilt melted away.

"Ethan, if you were sober, why didn't you tell me that sooner? I always thought I was the one taking advantage!"

Ethan smiled, looking apologetic. "Aria, I was in my early twenties then. I didn't want to be rejected, so I had to take that chance… But I wouldn't do that now."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of frustration and relief. "If you'd told me, I wouldn't have spent all that time feeling inferior and doing stupid things."

He placed my hand over his heart. "Yes, I was foolish too. I clearly liked you but acted like I didn't care, just wanting to see you chase after me. I knew you didn't like Olivia, but instead of resolving things with my grandfather, I thought you were just overreacting. Aria, I made so many mistakes, and so many things I misunderstood. If you hadn't lost your memory, I might never have realized how wrong I was…"

We spent hours talking that day, clearing up the past. It wasn't easy, but it felt like a weight was lifting.

By the time we finished, I had drifted off to sleep. I was six months pregnant, my belly round and full. Ethan carefully picked me up and laid me gently on the bed.

I woke up, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck. "Thank you," I whispered softly.

Ethan looked at me, his gaze deep and full of something I couldn't name. Then, without warning, he leaned down and kissed me.

I didn't say a word. I just let myself savor the moment.

When he finally pulled away, my face flushed. I heard his hoarse voice near my ear, "Aria… can we not get divorced?"

I burst out laughing, completely caught off guard. After everything that had just happened, I thought he'd ask for something more serious, but all he wanted was not to get divorced.

Seeing me laugh, Ethan looked a bit irritated but didn't say anything. Instead, he gently tickled me. "Don't laugh. Answer me…"

I stopped laughing, my face turning serious. But Ethan was starting to panic again. "Okay, okay, no need to answer. Things are good like this, right?"

I understood his anxiety. With a soft sigh, I caressed his cheek. "Ethan, let me think about it, okay?"

Even though we had cleared up so many misunderstandings, rebuilding trust wasn't going to be easy, especially after all we'd been through. The scars were still there.

I focused on the baby. For their sake, I became more patient with Ethan. He truly did try, he was a good partner, especially when it came to taking care of me.

Time passed, and the baby arrived.

I remembered what the elders used to say: having a child reveals whether you married a man or a ghost.

I was mentally prepared.

I no longer relied on anyone to live my life, but that didn't mean I refused help. I just didn't need anyone to be my whole world anymore.

Ethan was a great dad. I was relieved. But if he ever disappointed me, I knew I wouldn't hesitate to leave.

To my surprise, he never disappointed me.

One day, after we put the baby to bed, I stood in the doorway, smiling as I watched him.

Ethan walked over, looking concerned. "What's going on?"

"Nothing," I said with a playful grin. "Just feels like it's been a while since I've seen your cold side."

Ethan sighed in relief and laughed softly. "That's all in the past. Can we not bring it up?"

"Why not?" I teased, dodging him. "I still like your cold side. You'd probably look pretty handsome changing diapers with a stern face."

Ethan knew I was messing with him. He chased me into the bedroom with a serious expression.

When he finally caught me, pulling me into a tight embrace, he asked, "Aria, have I passed your test?"

I chuckled softly. "You've passed, but there's still a probation period."

"Probation period?" He sounded amused. "How long is it?"

I grinned, looking up at him. "A lifetime, I suppose."