Forbidden Desires

Chapter 64. Hope Faith and Maybe Love.

Three Months Later

Ariel's POV
"We need never be hopeless because we can never be irreparably broken." — Albert Einstein

Taking care of Aiden hasn't been easy. Some days, he tells me to leave, insisting he doesn't wish to see me. And honestly, there are times I wonder if I should. But when I look at him—truly see him—I know he needs me. He may not realize it, but I will be his constant. He doesn't have to love me, but I won't allow him to break.

It's been three months since he entered rehab. Three months since I last saw my family. Three months since my mother told me I didn't have to do this, that they could find me someone else to marry. But if she knew all that I do—if she understood the weight of the secrets I now carry—she would be standing right where I am, making the same choice.

Aiden is healing. He's getting stronger. Some days, he calls me by name, and others, he just stares as I feed him, lost in a world I can't reach. Love has taken him to dark places, and even though it hurts that he doesn't love me, I know I have to help him find his way back.

Being here, with Andy's security detail watching over me and the lady maid he graciously hired to assist, I should feel suffocated. But surprisingly, life here isn't boring. I've found small joys—going to the movies, strolling through the city, curling up in Aiden's bed just to watch him sleep.

His doctors say he'll be here for another three months, and then, I'll take him home. I have become the head lady in all things concerning Aiden Baldwin, and while I relish the responsibility, I want him back. I want him to be himself again, to choose me when he's whole—not as some duty he feels obligated to fulfill.

But as I lay in bed in my apartment, the place I've called home for the past three months, I wonder to myself—what will become of me?

I force myself up, and just as I enter the dining area, I'm greeted by the scent of breakfast. Rose has been preparing my meals for weeks now.

"So, madam," she asks as I stare out the window at the golden hues of the morning sun, "what shall we do today? Do we visit Mr. Baldwin first, or would you like to go to the movies before?"

I take a sip of my tea before answering. "Let's go see Aiden by noon. Then we can head to the movies after."

"Okay. I've already picked out what you shall wear."

"I hope it's jeans and a T-shirt," I reply with a small smile.

"I promise, madam. I know you only wear your dresses in the country. In the city, you like to blend in," she teases, making me chuckle at how much I've changed these past few months.

As I finish my breakfast in silence, I can't help but wonder—will Aiden ever come back to me?

Aiden's POV

"Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough." — Richard M. DeVos

Three months in this hellhole. Three months of detox, endless therapy, and facing the demons I had tried so hard to drown in women, drugs, and reckless decisions. I brought this on myself, but still, Ariel stayed. She left her home, her family, her life to take care of me. And how do I repay her? By pushing her away. By pretending I don't see her efforts.

And yet, she still shows up every single day.

I tell myself that marrying her is the right thing to do. She deserves that, at least. Love isn't in the cards for us—it can't be. But she has been unwavering in her loyalty, and for that alone, I should honor our arrangement.