REJECTED YET CHOSEN

Chapter 34

_Lyla's POV_

Aaron didn’t return until late in the evening. I had been waiting for him, pacing the room as the hours stretched on. Every time I heard a sound outside, my heart leaped, hoping it was him. When the door finally opened, and I saw his familiar figure step inside, a rush of relief washed over me.

“You’re back,” I breathed, taking a step toward him.

Aaron smiled as he closed the door behind him. His brown hair was slightly tousled, and there was a hint of exhaustion in his eyes, but the warmth in his gaze made my heart flutter. “I told you I wouldn’t be gone long, darling.”

I crossed my arms, pretending to be annoyed. “You said you would be back by the afternoon. It’s already night time.”

Aaron chuckled as he shrugged off his jacket. “I didn’t realize my mate was keeping track of time so closely.”

I huffed, turning away. “I wasn’t keeping track. I just—” I hesitated, biting my lip. “I just wanted to have dinner with you.”

Aaron’s expression softened. He stepped closer, placing his hands on my shoulders and turning me to face him. “You waited for me?” His voice was low, filled with something that made my cheeks heat up.

I nodded, suddenly feeling shy. “I wanted to eat with you.”

His lips curved into a slow, teasing smile. “You must be starving,” he murmured, his fingers tracing gentle circles on my arms. “How could I make my mate wait so long? Poor thing, your stomach must have been crying out for mercy.”

I smacked his chest lightly. “Aaron! I’m serious.”

He laughed, catching my hand and bringing it to his lips. “I know, darling. And I appreciate it. But you didn’t have to wait for me. You should have eaten.”

I pouted, looking up at him. “I wanted to eat with you. It doesn’t feel right having dinner alone.”

His eyes darkened, and his grip on my hand tightened. “You have no idea how much that means to me.” He pulled me into his arms, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “Come on. Let’s eat together now.”

We sat at the small table in our room as the servants brought in fresh food. The moment the plates were set down, Aaron smirked at me. “Go on, eat. I know you’re dying to.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re making it sound like I was starving all day.”

“Aren’t you?” he teased. “I kept my mate waiting. She must be so weak with hunger that she can barely lift her fork.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “I was fine.”

Aaron leaned in, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “If you were fine, then why does your stomach keep growling, darling?”

My face turned red. “Aaron!”

He chuckled, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed.”

I huffed but started eating. Aaron did the same, and for a while, we just enjoyed the food in comfortable silence. Every so often, he would steal glances at me, his eyes filled with a tenderness that made my heart race.

Halfway through the meal, he suddenly spoke. “I spoke to mom about something today.”

I looked up. “Oh?”

Aaron nodded, sipping his drink. “She was in an unusually good mood. Do you know what she told me?”

I shook my head.

He smirked. “She said she can’t wait to play with her grandchildren.”

I choked on my water, coughing as my face turned red. “W-What?”

Aaron laughed, patting my back gently. “I take it you weren’t expecting that.”

I wiped my mouth, my heart pounding. “I— I never really thought about having kids before.”

His expression shifted, the teasing glint in his eyes fading. He studied me for a long moment before setting down his fork. “Do you not want kids?” His voice was gentle, but there was an unmistakable note of seriousness in it.

I hesitated, lowering my gaze. “It’s not that,” I admitted. “It’s just… I don’t know if I would be a good mother.”

Aaron frowned. “Lyla…”

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “I grew up alone, Aaron. I don’t have any memories of parents who loved and guided me. I don’t know what it’s like to have a family. How can I be a good mother if I don’t even know what that means?”

Aaron reached across the table, taking my hand in his. His thumb brushed over my knuckles in slow, soothing circles. “Lyla, just because you didn’t have parents to guide you doesn’t mean you won’t be a good mother.”

I swallowed hard. “But what if I fail? What if I don’t know how to love them the right way? What if—” My voice broke, and I looked away.

Aaron’s grip tightened. “You have the biggest heart I have ever known,” he said firmly. “You love fiercely, Lyla. You care so much about others, even when you try to hide it. That’s what makes a good mother. Not whether you had a perfect childhood.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “But what if—”

“There’s no ‘what if,’” he interrupted. “If we ever have children, they’ll have the best mother in the world. Because they’ll have you.”

His words sent a wave of warmth through me, but the fear still lingered. “Aaron… I just don’t know.”

He sighed, bringing my hand to his lips. “You don’t have to decide anything now. And you definitely don’t have to be afraid. If we ever have kids, we’ll figure it out together. You won’t be alone.”

A tear slipped down my cheek. “You really think I would be a good mother?”

Aaron smiled, reaching out to wipe the tear away with his thumb. “I don’t just think it, Lyla. I know it.”

I let out a shaky breath, nodding. “Thank you.”

He leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead. “You never have to thank me, darling. I love you. I’ll always be here to remind you of how incredible you are.”

I closed my eyes, letting his words sink in. Maybe I didn’t have all the answers, but with Aaron by my side, I knew I wouldn’t have to face my fears alone.

For the rest of the meal, Aaron made sure to keep the conversation light. He teased me, stole kisses, and made me laugh until I forgot my worries. By the time we finished eating, my heart felt lighter.

As we lay in bed that night, wrapped in each other’s arms, Aaron whispered, “Sleep, my love. I’ll be right here.”

And I felt completely safe with him by my side.