Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Ariana had already figured out what this was.

Just a few days ago, Count Lockwood had spoken to his brother and hinted that Adrian and Ariana might not see each other as just cousins anymore.

And her father… had acted on that hint.

He invited the Velemint family—clearly hoping to send a quiet message that he was looking for a suitable match for his daughter. Of course, he wouldn't expect Ariana to accept just anyone, but it would still put her in an awkward position. One that might make her hesitate to speak up about her relationship with Adrian.

But Ariana wasn't someone who let pressure change her mind. She wasn't afraid of her parents—because she knew what was right for her. And she knew Adrian was the best partner she could ever have.

If her father was trying to set something up, she would shut it down quickly.

"So, how's everything going?" Aston asked as they walked through the gallery. "You've got such a big role at the academy. I imagine it must be demanding."

"It is," Ariana replied calmly. "But thanks to Adrian and the other teachers, it's manageable."

As they walked, Aston looked at the paintings on the wall, clearly trying to keep the conversation light.

But Ariana had no patience for dancing around the topic.

"By the way," she asked suddenly, "what exactly did my father say when he invited your family?"

Her directness made him pause. He looked at her, caught off guard.

"It was… just a casual visit," he said slowly. "And since you were coming home, he thought it would be good for us to spend some time together."

Ariana raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "And I'm sure you understand what he really meant by that."

Aston hesitated. His gaze dropped to her chest for a second—then quickly lifted again.

"I mean… there's nothing wrong with two people at a marriageable age getting to know each other—"

"I'm already in a relationship," Ariana said, cutting him off without hesitation.

Before he could respond, she added, "And I'm pregnant with his child."

The color drained from Aston's face. He took a step back, eyes wide. "You… You're lying."

"Why would I lie about something like that?" she asked, her tone cool. "Do you think many women would proudly make up something like having a child out of wedlock?"

Aston's jaw tightened. His fists clenched as his eyes narrowed.

He didn't say a word. He simply walked past her without looking back.

Ariana watched him go, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips.

Perfect.

She followed him shortly after, and as she stepped into the reception hall, a loud, clear voice cut through the room—

"Let's go, Dad!"

His voice was loud enough to turn every head.

Hayden stood up immediately, alarmed.

"Aston—what happened?!"

Adrian and Ariana exchanged a quick glance. She smirked and gave him a small, satisfied wink.

Aston didn't bother to explain much. He kept it short and sharp.

"She's already in a relationship. And… she's carrying his child."

The room went still.

Morgana gasped, hand over her mouth.

Victor looked like someone had just pulled the ground from under his feet.

Hayden and his wife shared a stiff, awkward glance, their brows furrowed.

Hayden cleared his throat and looked at Victor.

"You could've spoken to your daughter first before calling us here, Victor."

Without another word, the Velemint family turned and walked out—humiliated and upset.

Victor didn't try to stop them. He just stood there, too stunned to speak.

Adrian sighed quietly, walking over to Ariana.

"You almost gave your father a heart attack," he whispered.

Ariana shrugged, brushing her hair over one shoulder.

"I didn't want to take any chances. And let's be honest… those three are going to spread the news faster than we ever could."

"Aria?!" Morgana interrupted, stepping toward them.

Both of them turned.

Her mother looked shaken. Her voice trembled.

"When did this happen? And… tell me, who's the father?"

Ariana glanced at Adrian with a hint of mischief before turning back.

"I'm not pregnant."

"…"

Morgana went completely silent.

Victor's eyes locked onto his daughter.

"You lied…? Why would you do that?"

"Because," Ariana said, her voice clear and unwavering, "you tried to set me up with someone, knowing full well I'm already in love with Adrian."

Morgana gasped again, this time out of pure shock.

Maybe… she hadn't known after all.

Victor's expression changed—anger now sharpening the edge of his voice as he looked straight at Adrian.

"Tell me this isn't true. You've seen her like a sister your whole life—don't tell me now that you're in a relationship with her."

Adrian's heart sank a little.

He had feared this moment. He knew how his uncle would react.

Still, he stood firm.

"It's true, Uncle," he said calmly. "I love Ariana. And I want to marry her."

Victor clenched his fists.

His jaw tightened, and his voice dropped to a growl.

"How dare you…"

But Adrian didn't flinch.

"Yes, we were like siblings once. But that changed. We've grown up. We've learned who we are. And now… we're each other's anchor. We support one another more than anyone else ever has."

"I don't want to hear all that," Victor snapped.

Then, turning to his daughter, he said coldly,

"And you. Can't you see you're just… confused? Adrian's always been close to you. That's why you're mistaking comfort for love."

Ariana's eyes narrowed. The way her father had dismissed Adrian hurt her more than his words.

Her voice was cold and steady.

"You really think I'm that confused?"

"For five years," she said, her tone rising with each word, "I've been away at the academy. I made friends. I even had someone very close—Edward. You know him."

She stepped closer.

"But I never felt for him what I feel for Adrian. I never felt this way about anyone else. So no… this isn't confusion."

Her voice trembled slightly at the end—not with fear, but with emotion.

"I didn't expect you to insult our feelings like this."

Victor gritted his teeth before stepping back.

He glared at Adrian once before making his way upstairs.

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A/N:- Get rid of hi-