Aria's POV

Rain poured from the heavens in heavy sheets, soaking through my clothes as I walked aimlessly down the dark street. I wrapped my trembling arms around myself, but the cold still cut through my skin. Tears mixed with rainwater, blurring my vision until I could barely see the road ahead.

I didn't care. I wanted the rain to wash me clean-to strip away the ache in my chest, the betrayal that burned too deep, too numb.

The only man I'd ever loved, the only family I had left after my mother's death, had turned against me. Ryan wasn't just my husband, he's also the reason my mother died-and yet, he'd still thrown me out like I meant nothing.

My throat tightened as memories clawed their way back.

I remember the night we argued over something petty, he blocked all my bank accounts, cutting me off completely.  

Days later, my mom met with a brutal car accident and needed immediate surgery. I knelt before Ryan, begging him for money or to unfreeze my account so I could pay for my mom's treatment. He looked down at me, his eyes full of disgust.

"Pathetic," he'd said. "You don't deserve a dime of my money."

A week later, my mother died in agony.

I should've hated him then. I should've left.

But I stayed-because I was powerless. Because I was too broken to believe I could live without him.

He never loved me. Deep down, I always knew it. Our marriage hadn't begun as a love story-it was a mistake. Three years ago, one locked hotel room door had ruined everything. That mistake turned into a marriage neither of us asked for.

A shaky breath left my lips. I could still hear his voice echoing in my head.

Disgusting. Filthy. Trash. Whore.

Three years of loyalty. Three years of standing by him through his kidney disease ailment, when everyone else walked away...and this was what I got.

My chest heaved. I wanted to scream until my lungs tore apart. I wanted to ask him how he could forget everything-the sickness, the pain, the nights I stayed consoling him when he was so exhausted, when he himself thought he was going to die from the sickness. 

But what's the point? He'd already made up his mind.

The thunder boomed with a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath me. But I didn't even move, my mind was miles away as I wandered in the middle of the dark streets.

Then all of a sudden, a pair of headlights cut through the darkness, illuminating the rain-soaked street. A car was speeding towards me, and for a moment, I stood in the middle of the road as the car continued to honk, my mind too numb to react.

I blinked, snapping out of my daze, and before my legs could react and move, the car was already too close.

The tires screeched against the asphalt. The sharp sound pierced through the night, followed by a blinding spray of rainwater.

"Ahhh!" I screamed, throwing my arms over my face.

Then everything went black.

********

The scent of antiseptic filled my nose when I opened my eyes. Bright white light stung my vision. My body felt heavy, as if I were underwater.

Confused, I blinked several times, my gaze darting around the sterile white room.

"Where... am I?" I croaked.

A soft voice answered beside me. "Please don't move, ma'am. You fainted earlier." 

I turned weakly toward the nurse standing by the bed, her blue scrub top dotted with faint water stains.

"I'm... in a hospital?" I rasped. "What happened?"

"You were found unconscious near the road," she explained gently. "A man brought you in, he said you were almost hit by his car."

Oh. That's right. The rain... the headlights. I must have blacked out.

"Thank God," I whispered, relief loosening the knot in my chest. "He saved me?"

"Yes, ma'am. You're lucky."

I tried to sit up, panic shooting through me. My hand went instinctively to my stomach. "My baby-"

The nurse placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry. The baby is fine. Just rest."

Tears stung my eyes again, this time from relief. I sank back onto the pillow, taking a shaky breath.

As the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights filled the room, a strange familiarity crept over me.

The smell. The color of the walls. Even the pattern on the curtains-

My heart skipped.

"I've... been here before," I murmured.

And then it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

This was the same hospital. The same ward where I came weeks ago for that fertility vitamin shot.

Yes! It's the same hospital

My pulse quickened. My stomach tightened.

C-could they have something to do with my pregnancy?

No. No, this can't be a coincidence.

I need to see my gynecologist.

I swung my leg off the bed. "Where's Dr. Hayes?" 

The nurse blinked. "Pardon?"

"I need to see Dr. Hayes. Right now!"

She hesitated. "Ma'am, you just woke up from a near accident. You need to rest, please, any stress could affect the baby-"

"That's none of your business!" I snapped, louder than I intended. "Tell me where his office is!"

Startled, the nurse jerked back slightly, then quickly replied. "Uhm...he's in the office, just down the hall, second door on the left-"

I didn't wait. I pushed the blanket aside and climbed off the bed, as I rushed out of the room.

My pulse roared in my ears as I stormed down the corridor.

Something is wrong. Terribly wrong.

And only Dr. Hayes has the answers to it.

I burst into Dr. Hayes's office without knocking, papers scattered from the sudden gust of air.

He looked up sharply, eyes widening. "Mrs. Xavier? You-what's wrong?"

I walked straight to his desk, my voice trembling but sharp. "I'm pregnant, Doctor. And I don't know how."

His expression faltered. The color drained from his face.

"I came here a few weeks ago for a fertility vitamin shot," I said, my breath coming fast. "My husband is infertile, and I've never been with another man. So tell me...how am I pregnant?"

Dr. Hayes's gaze darted everywhere but at me. Sweat gathered at his temple.

"Speak!" I slammed my palms on the desk.

"A-Actually..." He stuttered, wiping his damp hands on his coat. "There... there was a mix-up that day."

My stomach dropped. "A mix-up?"

He swallowed hard. "I accidentally injected you with an embryo meant for another patient. A billionaire's surrogate mother. I-I mixed up the files."

For a second, I forgot how to breathe. "An... embryo?"

He nodded, voice trembling. "Yes, ma'am."

I stumbled back, pressing a hand to my mouth.

What is he saying? 

An embryo? 

So I'm... I'm carrying someone else's child?

My mind reeled as the weight of his words settled in.

No. No. This can't be happening. I was supposed to get a fertility vitamin shot, not an embryo.

I shook my head slowly, a cold shiver crawling down my spine.

I sucked in a sharp breath, my chest rising and falling unevenly. "W-wait..." I whispered, my voice trembling. "So... you... you implanted me with someone else's child?"  

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Xavier-"

"Sorry for what?!" I snapped, cutting him off, my voice shaking with rage. "You ruined my life, Doctor! Do you realize what you've done?!"

He flinched under my glare. "I never intended-"

"Quiet!" I hissed, cutting him off. "Just tell me, whose embryo am I carrying?"

"Whose embryo is it?!" I yelled.

The doctor stiffened, eyes wide with panic, caught completely off guard. Before he could respond, a knock came at the door. The handle turned.

Dr. Hayes' face went pale as he pointed towards the doorway with shaky hands. "I-It's his."

I turned slowly, my eyes meeting the person. My breath caught up in my throat as I stared at the man in a black suit that had walked in.

"You?" I whispered. "Kian Xavier."

My heart dropped to my stomach, as my eyes locked in his.

Kian Xavier-the most feared, powerful, notorious and infamous billionaire of Oceania City.    

And he...he's my ex-husband's twin brother. Kian.

My hand instinctively went to my belly as reality came crashing down.

I'm pregnant with my ex-husband's twin brother's baby.

Aria's POV

My heart pounded hard in my ears.

No. No. No.

This can't be happening.

My knees weakened beneath me, and a dizzy wave of nausea hit my stomach. My entire body trembled as my gaze locked with the man standing before me.

Kian Xavier.

Of all people in the world...why did it have to be him?

The icy, emotionless twin of my ex-husband, and the most powerful and feared billionaire in Oceania City.

My pulse roared in my ears. I staggered back a step, shaking my head.

"Y-You," I whispered, my voice barely audible. 

"You-you're saying it's your embryo?"

His eyes flicked briefly toward the doctor, then back to me. "Apparently, yes," he said flatly. "You're carrying my child." 

My breath hitched. The words didn't register at first, they hung in the air like thunder waiting to strike.

I turned to Dr. Hayes, fury and disbelief flooding my veins. "How could you mix something like this up?!"

Dr. Hayes shrank under my stare, adjusting his glasses nervously. "I-It was a mistake," he muttered, his voice shaking. "I recognized you immediately Mr. Xavier brought you in after the incident. I'm really sorry, ma'am." 

"You-" I instinctively jerked forward, my arms half-stretched like I was ready to strangle him on the spot. He jerked back in his seat, eyes wide, both hands rising in defense.

But I stopped myself, my hand curling into a fist before folding tightly across my chest.  

I sucked in a sharp breath and turned slowly towards Kian.

"So... What are we going to do now?" I asked, my eyes locked in his. "How do we fix this mess?"

Kian exhaled slowly, then he turned towards the doctor. "Give us a moment."

Without another word, he gestured towards the hallway.

For a second, I didn't move. I stood there staring at him, unsure of whether or not I should follow him. 

My mind screamed at me to walk away, but my feet moved anyway.

I trailed behind him, crossing my arms, my palms growing damp with each step I took.

What is he going to say now?

Is he going to blame me too?

Offer me money?

Tell me to get rid of the baby?

No-no-no. I'm definitely not aborting it. I don't care what it's going to cost me.

We stopped outside beside a sleek black Bentley parked at the edge of the hospital lot. 

We both stood there for some seconds, staring at each other, neither of us knowing how to break the silence between us.

My heart thudded wildly in my chest, but my throat felt tight and dry. Kian's eyes were fixed on me, cold and unreadable.  

'Why is he not speaking? Or should I start the conversation first?' I thought.

Finally, his lips parted slightly to speak, his voice low.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice coming out softer than I expected.

I looked up at him, blinking. I hadn't expected an apology from someone like him.

"Truly. I didn't know it was you that was injected with my embryo by mistake. I only found out after I brought you in...when I almost hit you with my car. Doctor Hayes had told me then."

I nodded slowly, my throat dry. "Okay...but what now?"

He looked straight into my eyes. "Maybe this happened for a reason."

My brows drew together. "What do you mean?"

Kian exhaled, fogging briefly between them. 

"I've been waiting for a long time to get back at Ryan."

At the mention of his name, a bitter taste crept up my throat.

"What? I don't understand," I murmured.

Kian's gaze dropped to the pavement, his voice low and rougher. "Ryan has always been jealous of me," he began slowly, his jaw clenched. For a moment, his ruthless aura dimmed, it was as if he was holding back something heavy, and trying not to break.

"I didn't want to believe it at first, he was my twin brother and I loved him a lot. I protected him, and gave him things before he even asked. But it was never enough for him. Out of jealousy, he did something unforgivable."

He paused, eyes flicking up to mine briefly before looking away again.

"Five years ago...I was engaged to someone named Patricia." His voice dropped. "We've been dating for good 3 years, and I loved her deeply, and was willing to sacrifice everything for her."

I stayed silent, afraid to breathe.

"And then on the morning of our wedding...I found out Patricia has been secretly dating Ryan," his eyes glinted with pain. "She never loved me, she only wanted to marry me for my wealth. Then that morning, she disappeared and eloped with Ryan."

My mouth fell open. "Ryan... did that to you?"

Kian gave a hollow laugh. "Yes. Ryan lured her into running away with him. He humiliated me in front of the world. My name was dragged through the mud. My business suffered. And then?" He paused. 

"A-and then?" I stammered, my palms sweating, desperate to hear the rest.

"As if that wasn't enough, they got married in secret, and he abandoned Patricia a month later. He said he only married her to hurt me, and Patricia committed suicide from the pain of being rejected." 

My hand flew to my mouth. I felt my stomach knot painfully.

Ryan... what kind of monster had I married?

How could someone survive that kind of betrayal from their blood brother?

He hated Kian a lot, not only did he hurt Kian, he also hurt me too. Just because of his stupid pride and negligence, my mom had died in agony.

Kian's voice cut through my thoughts, rough and controlled. "He's hurt me in ways you can't imagine. I want him to feel that same pain."

My breath caught. "You mean... revenge?"

He nodded. "Ryan is infertile, and that's his greatest insecurity. I planned to have a child with my girlfriend to show him I could have everything he couldn't and mock him in every possible way." He paused, exhaling deeply. 

"But my girlfriend-Ava-refused to have a child, she said it'll ruin her body figure, so I ended our relationship and turned to surrogacy, which you mistakenly ended up with my embryo."

My hand unconsciously rested on my stomach. "So...what do you want me to do now?" I asked.

"I don't want to complicate your life anymore than it already is," he said quietly. "But also know that if Ryan finds out about this, he'll come after you and make your life a living hell."

My voice trembled. "What are you trying to say?" 

"So... I've been thinking, there's a way to protect you and the baby. A contract marriage."

My heart dropped, my eyes widened, disbelief washing over me. "WHAT?!" 

My heart thundered in my chest, my mind struggling to grasp what I'd just heard.

"A...a contract marriage?" I stammered, blinking my eyes. "Have you lost your mind? 

You're not being serious, right?"

Kian remained unfazed, he just stood there staring at me, calm and composed, like he'd just said a casual thing.

First Ryan divorced me.

And now this?

Am I cursed never to be loved? Only to be used?

"Say something, Kian," I snapped, the silence stretching too long. "I'm already pregnant with your child by accident, and now you want me to enter a fake marriage with you? My ex-husband's twin brother? Isn't that insane?"

Kian's gaze softened. "Aria," he said gently. "Just...calm down."

I sucked in a shaky breath.

"How do you expect me to calm down?" I shot back.

"This doesn't have to be romantic," he continued. "It's just a façade for Ryan. We both know Ryan's biggest insecurity is his infertility. If he finds out you're carrying my child...it'll crush him and hurt him deeply. His ego won't be able to take it."

He stepped closer, his gaze locked on mine. "You were a perfect and loyal wife. He threw you away. You don't owe him anything. Let him see what it feels like to lose everything-watching the brother he despises with his wife and with you carrying my child, he'll suffer, and it'll kill him inside."

Silence fell between us, I stared at him, words caught in my throat.

His words rang loud in my ear. A part of me screamed that this is madness, but another part of me-the wounded and the vengeful part leaned in closer.

He's kind of right, but still-

He's my ex-brother-in-law.

I know Ryan has mistreated me, let my mother die, and hurt me in ways I can't forget. Ryan deserved to suffer just like he made me suffer.

But still...a fake marriage?

I swallowed hard, torn. "I'll think about it," I finally whispered.

"Take your time. But know this, Ryan will come for you again, and you can't let him win."

*********

Ryan's POV

I don't know why, but I can't sit still.

I've been pacing the living room like a damned lunatic, back and forth, back and forth the whole day. My jaw aches from clenching, and my fingers have gripped my phone so tight that I'm surprised it hasn't cracked.

Where the fuck is he? Why hasn't he called yet?

I glanced at the screen again, for the umpteenth time. Still nothing.

No message or missed call, just that smug wallpaper, staring at me.

"Useless bastard," I cursed, dragging a frustrated hand through my hair.

It's been hours since I ordered Jake to trail Aria. I'd paid him to secretly follow her so he could find out who the father of her child was. She's hiding something, and I need to find out.

I dialed his number again, but still, no response. My patience snapped. "Pick up the damn phone!"

"Arrrghh," I growled in frustration, my foot tapping restlessly against the tiles.

He doesn't take this long. Why hasn't he called?

Just as I was about to throw it across the room, it buzzed in my hand.

Spy Jake.

My heart skipped a beat. I swiped to answer 

and pressed the phone to my ear.

"Talk."

The voice on the other end was low and cautious. "I found out who the father of the baby is."

I stopped pacing, my heart pounding loud in my chest.

"Who?" I demanded.

There was a little pause on the other hand, then he spoke.

"It's Kian Xavier, your twin brother."

"WHAT?!" I screamed, my eyes widening in disbelief.

"K-Kian?" I asked again.

"Yes boss, you heard me right," he confirmed. 

"And that's not all...he offered her a contract marriage."

A cold dread seeped into my bones as the words echoed in my mind.

C-contract marriage?

My knees nearly gave out. I staggered back, barely catching myself on the edge of the couch.

No. That's not possible.

My brother...my brother is trying to snatch my wife, my woman.

That snake.

That bastard.

He has always snatched everything from me, and now, my wife?

"NO!" I screamed, slamming my phone to the ground, watching it shatter into pieces, my chest burning with rage. I ran both hands through my hair, pacing in agitation.

"She's mine!" I seethed. "I don't care what it takes. I won't let him have her."

I need to see Kian.

Aria's POV

I stood still on the steps of Kian Xavier's mansion, my hand hovering over the doorbell. The cool morning breeze felt heavy against my skin, and my heart thumped so loudly I was sure anyone could hear it from inside. 

For hours last night, I replayed Kian's words in my head-"A contract marriage."

The idea still terrified me. But what other choice did I have? I have to do it.

He had paid for my hotel room after the hospital incident, giving me space to think. I'd stared at the ceiling till dawn, weighing every possible outcome. And somehow, every road led back here-to this door, this mansion, this man.

Still, my heart whispered doubts.

Am I really ready for this?

To live with him? Pretend to be his wife?

He's Ryan's twin brother... What if he turns out like Ryan too?

The thought sent a chill down my spine. 

I took a step back. Maybe I should just leave before it's too late.

But the moment I turned, Ryan's face flashed in my mind-his rage, his cruelty. I could almost hear his voice, cold and venomous.

No. I couldn't risk it. If he found out about this baby, he'd destroy me.

And my child... this innocent life inside me didn't deserve that.

No. No. No. 

I can't let that happen. I have to do this for the baby.

And Kian...he also seems a little distant and kind. Nothing compared to Ryan. He wouldn't hurt me, would he?

Anyways, I don't care. We're not going to be together forever, it's just one year or more, and after that, we'll separate.

Yes. That's it. I have to do this for my baby.

Swallowing hard, I pressed the bell, my stomach twisting in nerves. Almost immediately, the door opened, revealing a lady dressed in a crisp uniform. I guess she must be one of Kian's maids.

"Are you Miss Aria?" she asked, smiling politely.  

My voice came out small, uncertain. "Y-yes... that's me."  

"Come in, please," she said. "I'll go call Master Kian."

I nodded and stepped inside, my shoes making soft clicks on the floor. The place was stunning-tall glass windows spilling sunlight across pristine marble floors, elegant art framed on the walls, and a faint scent of cedar and coffee in the air. Everything screamed discipline and control.

I stood in the quiet parlor, clutching my bag like a lifeline, until the sound of footsteps echoed. I looked up to see Kian descending the grand staircase. My breath caught.

He was dressed in a white singlet that showed every line of his chest and abs, and loose joggers. He looked like he'd just come from the gym, and I couldn't stop staring.  

His jaw, his lips, his eyes... he was breathtaking. Strong, confident, and handsome, unlike Ryan. My stomach twisted, and for a moment, I imagined running to him, pressing my lips to his.  

Then I snapped back. What am I even thinking? I wasn't supposed to be thinking about him like this.

'Get it together Aria. Focus. I can't think this way about Kian,' I muttered under my breath.

I swallowed hard and looked away, forcing my heart to slow.

Kian stopped in front of me, his eyes locking onto mine. "You're here," he said, calm but commanding.  "Have you thought about it?"

I hesitated, my fingers curling around the strap of my bag. "Yes... yes," I finally said, though my voice barely came out. "I've thought about it, and I'm ready to sign it."

Kian gave a small nod, his face unreadable. "Alright."

He turned and walked over to a sleek drawer by the wall and pulled out a cream envelope and returned to the center table. I followed him silently, each step feeling heavier than the last.

We sat down across from each other. The air between us felt heavy, like it carried the weight of a thousand unspoken fears.

Kian slid the envelope toward me. I took it with slightly trembling hands, and carefully pulled out the contract.

The papers rustled as I unfolded them. My eyes skimmed the first line, my heart beating faster with each second as I read through the clauses.

No intimacy or emotional entanglement.  

No disclosure to third parties.  

Mutual respect in public spaces. 

A furnished mansion and ten million dollars once the contract ends.

Duration: Thirteen months.

"Thirteen months?" I glanced up at Kian.

He nodded. "Yes. Once the baby is 3 months old, we'll separate and share custody of the child."

I exhaled slowly and went back to reading. My thumb brushed the edge of the paper, over and over. Each clause felt like another chain locking around my chest. But I couldn't afford to stop now.

I have to do this for my baby and I can also use this opportunity to seek revenge on Ryan for letting my mom die.

Kian was right. If Ryan sees me happy with Kian, it'll hurt him deeply and shatter him. That would make me satisfied.

Yes. I'll do it.

I reached for the pen. My fingers were still shaking.

One breath in. One breath out.

And then I signed it.

As the ink dried, something inside me shifted. There was no going back now.

Kian glanced at the papers, then looked up at me. "Congratulations," he said softly.

I managed a weak smile, my heart aching.

But before I could respond, the sound of tires screeching outside made me freeze. Then-

BANG!

The front doors flew open.

"KIAN!" a voice thundered. "Where's that bastard?!"

My blood ran cold. That voice.

Ryan.

I went still, my eyes wide.

He stormed in like a hurricane, eyes blazing, face twisted with rage. My entire body went still, every nerve screaming.

What-how? 

Has he found out about us?

How did he find out so quickly?

Kian straightened immediately, his expression hardening into that cold mask I'd come to recognize.

Ryan's gaze landed on us, and when he saw me sitting there, papers spread on the table, his fury exploded.

"You bastard!" he bellowed, charging towards him.

"So this is what you've been planning, huh? You want to snatch my wife?!"

Kian remained unfazed. "You're mistaken, Ryan," he said evenly. "You stopped being her husband the day you threw her out."

Ryan's eyes darkened, veins pulsing on his temple. "And so what?! You think you can just take what mine and play hero?!"

"Just get out!" Kian barked.

"I'm not going anywhere without my wife!" Ryan roared. "

Wife?

My head spun. 

This man is insane. What's he saying?

Wait...does he want to take me back? I'm definitely not going with him.

Kian's gaze darkened. His posture stiffened. His calm demeanor was starting to crack.

Ryan turned to me, pain flickering across his eyes as he walked closer.

"Aria... Please tell me this isn't real. You're not doing this right?"

My stomach twisted. I could feel my nerves shaking in my bones. But I straightened, forced the tremble out of my voice, and nodded.

"Yes, Ryan. I am doing it."

His expression changed. His eyes went cold.

 "Aria... please. Don't do this. You know I was sick, I wasn't thinking straight."

My chest tightened. That word-sick.

Kidney disease. The cause of his infertility. The reason he'd turned bitter and angry, lashing out at everyone, including me. For three years, I'd lived with his pain and his cruelty, trying to be understanding because I loved him. But now, the love I had for him had died the day he threw me out.

"Ryan, stop," I said, my voice trembling but firm. "It's too late."

Behind me, Kian was starting to seethe, I could feel the heat coming off him.

Ryan reached for my hand desperately. "Please, Aria. I can change. I'll raise the baby as mine."

I pulled my hand away sharply, my voice rising. "Don't you dare call this baby yours! You only care because you found out it's Kian's!"

Ryan's eyes widened, hurt flashing across his face, then morphing into fury.

"You think he'll love you?" he spat. "He'll use you...toss you aside like he does to everyone!"

"Enough." Kian's voice was low, dangerous. "Leave."

Ryan's rage exploded. "Don't you dare get between us! She's my wife!" he roared, shoving Kian hard and throwing a punch.

My hand flew to my mouth, eyes wide.

"Kian!"

Kian's calm shattered, he punched back, the force knocking Ryan sideways.

"What madness is this?! Can't you see she doesn't want you! She's mine now!"

Ryan stumbled, catching himself against the wall, eyes wide with disbelief. Fury twisted his features.

"No she's mine! You always take what's mine and I won't let you have Aria!" Ryan yelled. 

And then everything erupted at once-shouting, fists flying, furniture crashing. Years of anger, jealousy, and betrayal poured out in violent bursts.

I stood frozen, my pulse hammering in my ears. "Stop it!" I cried, my voice breaking. "Stop!"

They didn't hear me.

"STOP!" I screamed, stepping forward and slapping Ryan hard across the face. The sharp sound silenced everything.

He froze, staring at me in disbelief.

Tears stung my eyes. "I don't love you anymore, Ryan. I want to be with Kian. So stop humiliating yourself and just... leave."

He looked like someone had ripped the ground from beneath him.

But before he could speak, a cold, sharp voice came from the doorway.

"Disgusting," a lady spat from behind. " You want to be with Kian? Aren't you even ashamed? You dumped your husband and now...you want to spread your legs for his brother?"

I froze, my breath catching.

Who...?

My eyes darted to the doorway.

My eyes met with a lady dressed in a tight top and a short skirt that clung to her curves perfectly.

Who was this lady?

My heart sank.

Is she another obstacle just like Ryan?