Beneath the Surface

Chapter 17: A New Beginning?

The days that followed the revelation of her pregnancy were some of the most difficult Amelia had ever endured. It was as if time itself had slowed down, each passing moment feeling heavy with the weight of what she had to face. Every step forward felt like wading through thick fog.

Adrian had been patient, understanding, and above all, present. He had shown up at her door the very day she told him about the pregnancy and had stayed close ever since, offering her support without pressure. It felt like a strange, tentative friendship was starting to take root between them, one that neither of them had expected.

Amelia had to admit, Adrian's presence was comforting. He didn't bombard her with questions or try to force her to make decisions. Instead, he simply let her be, giving her space to grieve, to process, and to think about what came next.

But even as his actions spoke louder than his words, Amelia couldn't help but feel conflicted. She had told herself she would never let Adrian back in, never let him have another chance after everything that had happened between them. She had loved Daniel deeply, and her heart still mourned him in ways that left her raw and vulnerable.

But Adrian... he had always been there for her. He had always known how to read her, how to comfort her when the world felt too heavy. Maybe, just maybe, he could help her navigate this new chapter in her life. The thought terrified her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps they both had unfinished business—unresolved feelings that neither of them had been ready to confront until now.

One evening, after a long day of taking care of errands, Adrian suggested they take a walk in the nearby park. Amelia hesitated, but the idea of some fresh air and a bit of quiet time sounded like a welcome distraction. She had been bottling up so many emotions for so long, and maybe, just maybe, a little time away from the apartment would give her the space she needed to think.

They walked in silence for a while, the evening air cool and crisp. The park was empty, save for a few joggers and dog walkers. The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Adrian kept a respectful distance, walking beside her but not pushing her to talk.

After some time, Amelia spoke. Her voice was quiet but steady, as though she had finally made a decision within herself.

"I've been thinking a lot," she began, her words unsure at first. "About everything. About Daniel. About the baby. About you."

Adrian glanced at her, his expression open but cautious. "What are you thinking?"

Amelia paused, her fingers twining together as she searched for the right words. "I still love Daniel. That hasn't changed. And I'm scared. I'm scared that I'll never be able to move on from him. But... I also can't deny that you've been there for me in a way I didn't expect."

Adrian's heart skipped a beat. He had been waiting for this moment, hoping that Amelia would finally open up to him. But hearing her words, hearing the conflict in her voice, made it clear that she was still torn. Still unsure of how she felt about him, about everything they had been through.

"I'm not asking you to forget Daniel, Amelia," Adrian said gently. "And I'm not asking you to make any decisions right now. But I want you to know that I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. Whether you want to take this one day at a time, or just need a friend, I'll be here. For you, and for the baby."

Amelia's heart ached at his words. She knew he was being sincere. He had always been sincere, even when things between them had fallen apart. He was still the man who had cared for her, who had tried to be the best version of himself for her.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this, Adrian," Amelia admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know if I can let go of the past. I don't know if I can let you back in. I don't even know if I should be with anyone right now. All I have is this baby."

Adrian stopped walking and turned to face her. His gaze was steady, unwavering. "I understand. I know you're not ready for anything. But what I'm offering is not about pushing you into something you're not ready for. It's about being here, however you need me. Whether that means friendship, support, or something more down the line... it's up to you."

Amelia met his gaze, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to stop spinning. Her heart was heavy with so many emotions she didn't know how to process, and yet, in that moment, she realized something. Adrian was the one constant in her life right now. Despite everything that had happened, despite the history between them, he was still here.

And maybe, just maybe, he wasn't the only one struggling to move on from the past.

"Thank you, Adrian," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I don't know what the future holds, but I need to figure things out. I need to figure out who I am now, without Daniel, without anyone else."

Adrian nodded slowly, a quiet understanding in his eyes. "Take all the time you need, Amelia. I'm not going anywhere."

The next few days felt like a blur as Amelia continued to process everything. Adrian's words lingered in her mind, his quiet support giving her the strength to face what lay ahead. She didn't know what the future held for them, or for her and the baby, but for the first time since Daniel's death, she didn't feel completely alone.

One afternoon, as she was sitting at the kitchen table, going over some baby-related documents, she felt the familiar buzz of her phone. It was a message from Adrian.

"How about dinner tonight? My treat. I know a place that makes a mean lasagna. What do you say?"

Amelia smiled softly. It was a simple invitation, but it meant something more. It was a sign that, even in the midst of her grief, there was room for new beginnings.

She replied with a single word: "Okay."