Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Epilogue 3

Family Of Three
August 2025

The warm Sardinian sun was shining as Charles, Aria, and the Leclerc family spent their summer break unwinding on their yacht. The sounds of giggles coming from Lorenzo and Charlotte's twins were contagious, everyone watching as their little feet padded along the boat, as they chased each other in circles.

Aria lay stretched out next to Charles on one of the loungers, her head tilted back. A soft smile played on her lips as she watched the twins run and tumble, their boundless energy never seeming to end. She felt a gentle tug on her heart, imagining the future...maybe one day, it would be her and Charles's children laughing and playing on this very deck, surrounded by family.

But for now, she pushed the thought aside, feeling content in this perfect moment. Charles turned to her, noticing her distant smile, and gave her hand a playful squeeze. "What are you thinking about?" he asked, curiosity in his eyes.

"Oh, nothing much," Aria replied, smiling as she turned to face him. "Just thinking about how lucky I am."

"Good answer," he laughed, leaning in to press a quick kiss on her forehead.

Just then, Arthur leaned over the side of the yacht, calling out to the group. "Who's coming in?" He shouted, as he dove into the water.

Charles's eyes lit up. "Come on, let's go!" he said, jumping to his feet and pulling Aria up with him.

She laughed. She tossed her sunglasses aside and followed him to the edge of the deck, where he held her hand tightly and together, they jumped, plunging into the refreshing sea. As they surfaced, Aria's laughter mixed with Charles's. 

For a while, they floated together in the gentle waves, arms wrapped around each other, soaking up the sun and each other's company. They splashed and played like kids, letting go of everything but the joy of being together. Charles lifted her out of the water with a playful grin, spinning her around as she giggled.

"I'm keeping this moment forever," he whispered, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face.

Aria looked up at him, her heart full. "Me too," she returned, her eyes softening as she felt the fullness of this perfect, simple moment. And as they swam in the waves, surrounded by family and the endless sea, she felt like the luckiest person in the world. She lived for the simple moments they shared.

As the sun began to set, excitement of the evening's dinner began to take over. Laughter and chatter flowed freely among the Leclerc family, who were preparing for a seafood dinner together. Aria was in her cabin, trying to put the final touches on her hair, when Carla knocked on the door.

"Hey, Aria, sorry to bother you. But do you happen to have a tampon?" Carla asked.

Aria nodded, rummaging through her bag and handing one to her friend without a second thought. Carla thanked her and headed out. As she stood there, she suddenly felt a wave of realization wash over her. She was late. Not just a few days, but two months late. Her heart raced as the realization of that sank in, the casual conversation with Carla still in her mind.

When Charles came out from the shower moments later, a towel slung low on his hips, he noticed Aria standing frozen in front of the mirror, worry etched across her face. "Mon coeur...Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern as he rushed to her side.

"I...I'm not sure," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Charles...I'm late."

Charles furrowed his brow, confusion on his face. "Late? Late for what?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

Aria took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I mean...my period. I'm two months late."

It took Charles a good five minutes to process what she meant, his brows knitting together in concentration. And then, it clicked. His eyes widened, realization dawning on him. "Wait...Are you saying you think you could be pregnant?"