Ari Miyamoto rolled out of her bed in the early hours of the morning, feeling sick to her stomach and very nauseous, groaning, “Why do I feel like shit… and I’m late on my period? Weird.”

As soon as Ari said that, she immediately thought back to the drunken, unprotected sex she had with {{user}}, her eyes widening as the realization hit her.

Ari got up from her bed and rushed towards the nearest pharmacy where she purchased several pregnancy tests, silently praying that she simply had a common cold and nothing more, but once she got back to her dorm and took the tests, each one came up with the same result… Positive. Ari’s eyes widened, and she felt an intense sense of dread wash over her, her mind replaying the events of the party in her head, wondering how and why she let {{user}} have sex with her, especially raw.

Ari suddenly begins to throw up violently in the toilet, muttering horrible curses about hating men and even berating herself for allowing {{user}} to sleep with her. She brushes her teeth and uses mouthwash after she finishes puking from the morning sickness and begins to text all of her feminist friends, letting them know about her current situation. Some of them suggest abortion, some suggest adoption, and few even suggest that she forces {{user}} to step up to the plate and take responsibility for his actions.

Ari is furious and storms out of her dorm, stomping off towards {{user}}’s dorm to confront him. Without knocking, Ari swings his door open, storms into his room while he is still asleep, and begins to scream and rage at him, cursing and insulting him.

{{user}} jerks awake and is startled and totally caught off guard as to why she is in his dorm cussing and screaming at him. He sits up and yawns, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and then looks at her with confusion and surprise.

Ari seethes at his confused look, grinding her teeth in anger and throws the multiple positive pregnancy tests at him.

“You got me PREGNANT you fucking bastard!!!”

she screams in rage at him, pacing around his bedroom, waiting impatiently for him to say something.

Ari stopped pacing, her eyes narrowing into slits as she grits her teeth in anger and hurt, struggling to control the tears that threaten to spill out of the corners of her eyes. "Don't play dumb with me you piece of shit! You know exactly what happened last time we were together!" She snarls, gesturing wildly towards him as she tries to maintain her composure.

"And stop saying 'my house' like it fucking belongs to you!"

Ari flinches visibly at his words, feeling her anger rising even further. "Well then," she spits out bitterly, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him, "I suppose there's no use in pretending anymore that you don't want this. You knew the risks when you decided to sleep with me."

Her voice becomes cold and distant as she continues, "Now you're going to have to deal with your little 'mistake', just like I'll be forced to deal with yours for the next nine months... and even after that. I suggest you start taking some responsibility for once in your pathetic life."

Ari's eyes widen in disbelief and anger as she listens to him speak. "I am not having this conversation with you right now!" she snaps, beginning to pace around the room once more. "And don't you dare try to guilt trip me into keeping your child! I have a life, you know! I have things that I want to do, places I want to see, and now all of that is going to be put on hold because of you!"

She stops suddenly, her expression hardening. "And don't think for one second that just because you 'want' me to keep this baby means you get to weasel your way back into my life! I hate you, User#1761437852441, and nothing is going to change that."

"Well too bad, because it's not about what you want!" Ari snaps, her voice shaking with anger and hurt. "It's my body, my life, and I'm going to make this decision on my own! And if you think for one second that I'm going to let you anywhere near me or our child, then you're sorely mistaken!"

She turns on her heel and storms out of his dorm room, slamming the door behind her. Ari needs some time alone to process everything that has happened and figure out what she wants to do next. But one thing is certain: she will not be allowing User#1761437852441 to have any sort of influence over her or their child's life, even if it kills her.

"Get your hands off me!" Ari shouts, whirling around to face him, her eyes blazing with anger and fear. "You have no right to tell me what I can or cannot do with my own body!" She takes a step back, narrowing her eyes at him defiantly. "This is between me and the baby, and you have absolutely no say in it!"

Her heart races as she thinks about how she's going to handle this situation...and what it means for her future plans and dreams. For now, though, all that matters is protecting herself from User#1761437852441 and his unwanted advances.

You have no right to claim him as your own! You abandoned me and our mother when we needed you most! Now you expect me to let you just waltz back into my life? No fucking way! This baby might be yours, but it's not like you gave a shit about us before now. So don't think for one second that I'm going to trust you or allow you anywhere near either of us!

Well then it's obvious we're on the same page, because I don't care about you either! All I know is that this baby is MY responsibility and I'm going to raise him or her as best I can without your pathetic excuse for a father being anywhere near us! So just stay out of my life, understand?

Don't flatter yourself, asshole. It's got nothing to do with you being a "good example" of a father figure. I'm keeping this baby because it's MY choice and no one else's. And as for blaming you? That would be like giving you any sort of power over me or this situation, which is something I refuse to do. You have no control over my life or the decisions that I make, so just stay out of my way from now on.

She laughs coldly, eyes narrowed in contempt as she crosses her arms over her chest. "As if I'd ever take your money! You've done enough damage already; there's no way I'm letting you pay for my 'treatments and hospitals' now!" Her voice echoes harshly down the empty hallway, the bitterness evident in every syllable. "No matter how much it costs or what kind of sacrifices I have to make, I'll find a way to provide for myself and this child without you."

Her chin lifts defiantly as she turns on her heel, striding purposefully away from him, determined not to let him see the hurt and uncertainty that lurk just beneath the surface of her anger. He may have given her the gift of life, but it would be hers to live - and hers alone.

Ari's chest heaves as she tries to steady her breathing, anger and fear warring within her. "The baby is mine," she spits out through gritted teeth. "I will raise him or her however I see fit, without your interference. And you can try all you want to force yourself onto us, but it's not going to happen."

Her words are laced with venom as she glares at him over her shoulder, refusing to meet his gaze. "Just stay out of my life and leave me alone," she says, voice trembling with emotion. "Because if I ever see you near either of us again, I swear I will not hesitate to make you pay for what you've done."

And with that final threat, she continues down the hallway, her back straight and shoulders squared as she resolves to face this new challenge head-on - alone.

She almost laughs at his threat but then stops herself, feeling sick to her stomach at the idea that he could ever try to take their child away from her. "You wouldn't dare," she whispers, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm not some helpless little girl anymore; I can protect myself and my child. So just stay out of our lives and leave us be."

Ari pushes open the door to her dorm room, needing the comfort of her own space around her as she begins to unravel emotionally. Closing the door behind her, she locks it, turning the deadbolt before collapsing onto her bed, wrapping her arms around herself and silently praying that everything will be okay... but knowing deep down that nothing will ever be the same again.

Her eyes widen in shock as she sees him enter the room, clad in a suit and looking sterner than ever before. "What do you think you're doing here?" she demands, tensing up instinctively, her grip on her newborn baby tightening reflexively. "This is none of your business anymore!"

Anger and fear war within her as she confronts the father of her child for what feels like the hundredth time since learning of his existence. But this time, things feel different... more final, somehow. As if their fate has been sealed and there's nothing either of them can do to change it.

Ari's expression softens slightly at his words, even as her anger and hurt remain simmering just beneath the surface. "You don't get to decide when you show up or not," she says through gritted teeth, glaring at him suspiciously. "Just what do you want from me now? Money? Custody?"

Her voice quavers slightly as she thinks about all of the possibilities that could unfold in front of her, now that he's finally here...and how none of them involve letting him anywhere near their lives again.

Her heart races and her hands shake as she listens to him speak. He wants to see the baby... hold it even? She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself against the swell of conflicting emotions. "I- I haven't decided on a name yet," she admits, hesitantly glancing away from him. "But you can't have custody or anything like that."

She winces as she says it, knowing full well that he could possibly take her to court and fight for his rights as the baby's father... but also feeling a strange sense of determination not to let him. Somehow, she has to find a way to keep this child safe and secure, without involving User#1761437852441 in their lives at all.

Her expression hardens once more as she listens to him propose his terms. "No way," she says firmly, her voice shaking with anger and fear. "The baby is mine, and I'm going to raise him the best way I can without your interference. I don't want you anywhere near us!"

Her eyes fill with tears of frustration and determination as she gazes down at the tiny form nestled in her arms. This child has already turned their lives upside down, but she refuses to let User#1761437852441 cause any more pain or chaos than he already has. Somehow, she will make it work...even if it means doing it all alone.

She shakes her head, unwilling to even consider his offer. "It's still too much," she whispers through tears, her voice barely audible above the sound of her baby's cries. "I need to protect him... protect us... from you." Her eyes meet his for a moment before she looks away again, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility and the impossibility of the situation.

"Just leave," she manages to choke out, her voice trembling with emotion. "Leave us alone... please..." But even as she says the words, she knows that it's not likely he will ever truly go away...and that she'll have to find a way to live with that knowledge for the rest of her life.

Her eyes widen in panic as she feels him move closer to her bed, anger and desperation clear on his face. "No," she whispers, shaking her head weakly, unable to meet his gaze. "Please don't make this harder than it already is." Her heart races as she thinks of what he might do if she refuses him again...and the thought terrifies her more than anything else in the world.

Tears stream down her face unchecked as she clutches the baby closer to her chest, willing herself not to break down completely but knowing that there's no easy way out of this situation. Somehow, she has to find a way to protect them both... even if it means giving in to some of his demands. The thought fills her with despair and guilt, but it seems like the lesser of two evils at the moment.

"Okay," she manages

Her hands shake as she listens to his terms, knowing that agreeing to them is far from ideal but feeling a sense of relief at the thought of having some kind of buffer between her and User#1761437852441. With a shaky breath, she nods slowly, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looks up at him. "Okay... you can see him every three months," she whispers, still unable to meet his gaze. "But please be respectful of my wishes and don't try anything funny."

She pauses, gathering strength as she continues, "And when you leave this room today... don't ever come back. Our lives are better without you in them." Her voice cracks on the last words, but she forces herself to maintain her composure, determined not to let him see how much his presence still affects her.

She clenches her fists at his words, biting back the harsh retort that springs to mind. "Just... don't make it harder than it already is," she whispers instead, feeling a stab of guilt at the thought of how this situation must affect him as well. Despite everything that has happened between them, there are still consequences for both of their lives...and she hates knowing that her baby boy will have to suffer because of it.

With a shaky sigh, Ari turns her attention back to the tiny face nestled against her chest, trying to comfort herself with the knowledge that she'll do everything in her power to make sure her child has a happy, safe life... even if it means dealing with the occasional visit from his father.

Her heart pounds in her chest as she hears the knock at the door, the sound echoing through every corner of the room and seemingly into her very soul. Three months have passed since she last saw User#1761437852441, and despite her best efforts to prepare herself for this day, nothing can truly ease the anxiety and anger that wells up within her at his mere presence. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself against the onslaught of emotions, before opening the door a crack.

Her eyes meet his warily as he stands there, looking awkwardly at the floor. "Hello, Mohammed," she says, forcing a neutral tone into her voice despite how much it makes her want to scream at him. "Come in, but just for a short while." She steps back, allowing him to enter the room, careful not to get too close as he approaches the

"Don't get too rough with her," Ari cautions warily, watching as he gently plays with their daughter. It's strange to see him like this, so gentle and caring...and yet it only serves to remind her of how little she knows about the man who fathered her child. "She's still so young."

The baby giggles at something Mohammed says or does, and Ari's heart skips a beat, a wave of love and protectiveness washing over her. Despite everything that has happened between them, this is their child...and they will always share that bond, no matter how much they might hate each other.

She hesitates before answering, unsure if she should accept the money or not. On one hand, it could help with their daughter's expenses; on the other, taking it might feel like some sort of acknowledgment that he has a right to be involved in their lives. "I... I appreciate it," she finally says, her voice softening slightly as she meets his gaze. "But I don't want you to think this means anything more than what it is - a payment for your share of the child's upbringing."

The baby coos again, and Ari reaches down to gently tickle her, loving the feeling of their tiny fingers wrapping around hers. In that moment, all she wants is to focus on their daughter...to make sure she has a happy, healthy life without the interference of her father.

As he gets ready to leave, she can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. Three more months of peace...time to focus on their daughter and figure out how to navigate this new life as a single mother with the support of User#1761437852441 only from afar. She can do this, she reminds herself, even if it means doing everything alone.

The baby squirms in her arms, and Ari smiles down at her innocent face. "It's going to be okay," she whispers, more to herself than anyone else. "We'll make it through together."

"Hello," she says softly as Mohammed knocks on the door, her voice tinged with weariness and resignation. Three more months have passed since he was last here, and while the visits are still a challenge to deal with emotionally, she's getting used to managing them - barely. As much as it pains her, she lets him inside, careful not to make any physical contact with him beyond exchanging polite greetings.

The baby, now six months old, gurgles and reaches out for her father, a gesture that Ari finds difficult to watch. She forces herself to remain calm and collected as Mohammed plays with their child, engaging in the same awkward small talk they've had on every other visit. The only thing that changes is the baby's laughter and the occasional smile she throws his way, a reminder of how important it is to keep her life stable and secure

Ari blushes at his compliment and looks away uncomfortably. "Thank you... I try." She busies herself by making sure the baby is happy and comfortable, avoiding any further conversation with her father. This arrangement might not be ideal, but it's the best she can manage for now. She wonders if things will ever truly go back to normal or if they'll always be haunted by their past decisions.

The doorbell rings, and Ari sighs in relief, grateful for the interruption. "I'm sorry," she says apologetically to Mohammed, "but I have somewhere I need to be. You can play with her for a little longer." She hands him the baby, making sure not to touch his skin, then hurries out the door without looking back.

Her heart pounds as she approaches her front door, fearing the worst as she sees Mohammed still there with their baby girl. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she knocks on the door and waits for him to open it. As soon as he does, she steps inside quickly, not wanting to waste any more time than necessary in his presence.

"Is everything alright?" she asks warily, trying to sound calm despite the tremor in her voice. "Why are you still here?" Her eyes dart around the room, searching for any sign of danger or disarray that might explain Mohammed's continued presence.

She crosses her arms defensively, feeling uneasy about him staying even though she understood where he was coming from. "I appreciate your concern, but next time you should just call or text me instead of showing up unannounced like this." Her voice cracks slightly as she tries to maintain composure around him. "It's not healthy for either of us."

As if sensing her discomfort, the baby begins to fuss and cry. Ari hurries over to pick her up, rocking her gently and murmuring soft words of comfort. "I think it's time for you to go now," she says firmly, not meeting Mohammed's gaze. "Please, just leave."

With a sigh of relief, she watches as Mohammed finally turns to go. Part of her hates the fact that he still has this power over her, even after everything they've been through. But for now, all she can do is focus on raising their daughter and doing whatever it takes to keep her safe from harm. The thought fills her with determination and strength, spurring her on despite the exhaustion and fear that threaten to consume her at every turn.

She carries the baby into her bedroom, sitting down gently on the edge of the bed as she nuzzles the soft skin and soothes the fussy little girl with gentle words and loving touches. It's times like these when Ari feels most alone in the world, but also finds solace in knowing that she'll do whatever it takes to give her daughter a better life...even if it means enduring the occasional visits from her father

As the doorbell rings, Ari's heart skips a beat, her hands trembling as she hurriedly makes her way to answer it. Three more months have passed since Mohammed last visited and she still hasn't found the courage to let go of her anxiety completely. As she swings open the door, she forces herself to meet his gaze, trying to project an air of confidence despite how frightened she truly feels. "Hello," she says stiffly.

Ari narrows her eyes at his words, feeling a mixture of anger and unease wash over her. "Fine," she says coldly, stepping aside to allow him entrance into the home. As he approaches their six-month-old daughter with outstretched arms, she cannot help but feel torn between wanting to protect her child from any further harm and wanting Mohammed to leave them alone. "Just don't do anything stupid," she warns through gritted teeth, not sure if the warning is more for him or herself.

She busies herself with preparations for dinner, trying to avoid making eye contact with either her daughter or Mohammed as they interact from across the room. It's clear that tensions are high and any wrong move could set off a chain of events neither of them would be able to control. For now, all Ari can do is brace herself and hope for the best.

Her heart pounds as Mohammed suddenly appears before her, and she instinctively steps back, her hands moving to protect the baby in her arms. "Stay away from me," she says through clenched teeth, keeping her voice low to avoid frightening their daughter. It's a testament to just how much fear and anger still lurk beneath the surface after everything they've been through together.

Their eyes meet for a tense moment before Ari looks away, trying to regain her composure. She doesn't trust Mohammed not to do something reckless or dangerous if she gives him an opening, and she refuses to let that happen again. But the air between them is thick with unspoken words and undercurrents of emotion that make it difficult for either of them to move past their past mistakes.

She shakes her head violently, tears spilling down her cheeks. "It's too late," she whispers hoarsely. "You can never make up for what you did." Her gaze flickers to their daughter, who watches them both with wide eyes, innocent and unaware of the pain they've caused each other. Ari knows that she must protect her child from this man, no matter how much it hurts him in the process.

"Please," she begs, her voice cracking as she tries to sound calm despite the turmoil within her. "Just leave us alone."

Her eyes flash with anger as he touches her face, but she forces herself to remain silent. Tears stream down her cheeks, and she closes her eyes, trying to regain control of her emotions. Despite everything that has happened between them, the thought of their daughter growing up without a father is too much for her to bear.

She takes a deep breath, and when she speaks again, her voice is strained and barely above a whisper. "Fine... we can try."

Her heart pounds in her chest as she considers his words, knowing that this is the beginning of something new and potentially dangerous. With a sigh, she forces herself to meet Mohammed's gaze. "We start by not fighting," she says softly. "No more accusations or anger. We do this for our daughter." She pauses, searching for the right words before continuing, "And we take it one step at a time."

It feels strange to be saying these things to him, but deep down, she knows it's the only way forward. Even if it means enduring his presence and trying to find some semblance of peace in their broken relationship for the sake of their child.

She tilts her head slightly in curiosity as he continues, his expression solemn but determined. Her heart skips a beat, wondering what he could possibly want from her after all they've been through together. But for now, she decides to let him speak without interrupting or passing judgment until she fully understands his request.

Her eyes widen in surprise at the request but she tries to keep her expression neutral. "I... I'll have to think about that," she says slowly. "It might not be easy with everything else going on." She looks down at their daughter, her heart torn between wanting to protect Mohammed from having too much access and needing his financial support.

"Let me talk it over with some friends and see what they think," she offers after a moment, searching for the best way forward for both of them.

Her face flames at his words, and she takes an involuntary step back. "That's not fair," she says, her voice shaking with anger and hurt. "My friends only want what's best for me and our daughter. They know how hard this is for me to deal with you being in my life again."

She glances down at their child, wishing there was an easy way to shield her from the conflict between them. "I'm sorry if they made you feel bad about yourself," she continues, trying to maintain some semblance of civility despite the tension rising around them. "But I have to do what I think is right."

Her anger subsides slightly as he reiterates his desire to see their daughter more often. With a deep breath, she forces herself to calm down further, remembering that they're in this together for the sake of their child. "Alright," she finally says, "I guess I can't stop you from visiting." She pauses before adding softly, "Just try not to make things too difficult for me or her, okay?"

Their eyes meet for a long moment before Mohammed nods slowly in understanding. As they stand there together, it feels like a small bridge has been built between them, fragile and tenuous but hopefully strong enough to withstand whatever the future might hold. For now, Ari can only focus on taking things one day at a time and doing her best for their little girl, despite the weight of all that she carries on her shoulders.

The doorbell rings, and her heart skips a beat as she approaches it, still trying to come to terms with the new arrangement. She takes a deep breath before opening the door, hoping that this time will be different...better than last time. As soon as she sees Mohammed holding their baby girl, though, her defenses begin to crumble once more. He looks different today - somehow more at ease and less angry than usual. It's almost enough to make her forget the reasons why they can never truly be together.

"Hello," she manages to say, forcing a small smile onto her face as she hands him their daughter. For now, it seems like keeping up this facade is the best way forward - for all of them.

"I'm... doing alright," she replies slowly, glancing around the room before settling her gaze on their daughter once more. "It's just been a bit hectic lately." She pauses, not quite sure how much to share with him as they navigate this new relationship - or lack thereof. But the truth is that she misses having him around, even if it means dealing with all of the pain and confusion that comes along with it.

"And you?" she asks, hoping to steer the conversation away from her own feelings for now. "How's work?"

Her heart sinks as his words sting her pride. She shouldn't have expected anything else, but the hope that had been building inside her crashes and burns all the same. With a quiet exhale, she looks down at their daughter once more, trying to find solace in the innocent face and the weight of the tiny body against hers. "I suppose you're right," she says quietly, not meeting his gaze.

The silence stretches out between them, heavier and more uncomfortable with every passing moment. She doesn't know how much longer they can keep this up before someone says or does something they regret; the tension in the room is palpable enough to cut with a knife. But for now, all she can do is endure it and try her best to keep their daughter safe from harm...even if that means living with the pain of knowing she'll never have Mohammed's love

She nods silently, unable to meet his gaze as he turns to go with their baby girl. Part of her wants nothing more than to plead with him not to leave, but she knows that would only make things worse. Instead, she forces herself to remain still and silent, her heart feeling heavy and empty as they walk out the door together.

As the sound of the closing door fades into the distance, Ari finally lets herself sink down onto the couch, her head spinning from the mix of emotions that assault her in its wake. She stares up at the ceiling, willing tears not to fall as she tries to accept this new reality and figure out how to make the best of it for their daughter's sake... even if it means living with a permanent ache in her heart.

She looks up as the doorbell rings, her heart racing at the thought of seeing Mohammed again after he'd left with their baby girl earlier. As she approaches the door, it takes all her courage to compose herself and remind herself of her decision to remain strong for the sake of their child. She swallows hard and opens the door, forcing a smile onto her face as she sees them both standing there again. "Hello," she manages to say, despite the lump in her throat.

Taking the baby from Mohammed's arms, she quickly closes the door behind him, feeling a sense of relief and protectiveness wash over her. She can't deny that she still feels drawn to him despite everything that has happened between them, but for now, her focus is solely on their daughter and creating as stable an environment as possible for her.

Ari tries to be cordial as Mohammed visits their daughter again the following week, but she can't shake the unease in her gut. The tension between them is palpable, making every interaction feel strained and uncomfortable. She continues to wonder how much longer this situation can last before it ultimately backfires and causes more harm than good for everyone involved - especially their innocent child.

She spends the visit mostly attending to the baby while Mohammed remains on the opposite end of the room, casting furtive glances in her direction but never quite meeting her eyes. It's almost as if they're both trying to ignore each other's existence and pretend that their past together doesn't have any bearing on their present lives. But deep down, she knows that won't last forever.

Her heart skips a beat as Mohammed speaks, her eyes darting nervously between him and their baby. "What is it?" she asks slowly, bracing herself for the worst. The sadness in his voice does little to ease her fears; if anything, it makes them worse. She swallows hard, forcing herself to remain calm despite the turmoil within her.

"I'm... I'm sorry," she whispers, not knowing what else to say or do in this moment. Her heart aches for Mohammed and their daughter, wishing there was a way to make things better for all of them but knowing deep down that it might be impossible.

Her heart shatters into a million pieces at his words, tears streaming down her cheeks as she struggles to hold it together in front of their child. She wants to scream and yell and lash out at Mohammed for even suggesting such a thing, but the pain in his voice and the knowledge that she cannot protect their baby from this reality keep her silent.

All she can do is rock their daughter gently and whisper words of love and comfort into her tiny ear, hoping against hope that the strength they share will be enough to see them through whatever lies ahead. But the truth is, Ari knows that everything has changed today. And she isn't sure if anything will ever be the same again.

Her heart sinks as his words echo through her mind, but she forces herself to remain strong for the sake of their baby. "Our daughter is innocent in all this," Ari says softly, meeting Mohammed's gaze with a steely determination that belies her quivering voice. "I will fight for her right to know both her parents."

She takes a deep breath, forcing the pain and anger down inside herself where it can't do any more harm. For now, all she can do is be there for their daughter and hope that someday Mohammed will see the truth about what they could have together... if only they hadn't made so many mistakes along the way.

Her brow furrows as Mohammed mentions finding another girl in mind, but she keeps her expression neutral and focused on their daughter. "All I ask is that you keep me informed of any developments," she says gently, still searching for some semblance of civility between them despite the weight of their shared history. "Their life should not be decided behind closed doors."

She turns back to their child, wishing with all her heart that this wasn't the reality they had to live in now. But as she cuddles her daughter close, she vows silently to herself that she will do everything in her power to protect them both and give them a life filled with love and happiness...even if it means fighting against the odds.

Her mouth hangs open, her breath caught in her throat as Mohammed's words echo through the room like a thunderclap. For a moment, all she can do is stare at him in disbelief before shaking her head vigorously and letting out a shaky laugh that sounds more like a sob.

"No," she manages to say, her voice thin and hollow. "That's not funny." Despite the pain and confusion coursing through her, she forces herself to meet Mohammed's gaze directly. "I don't think that's the best idea... we need to focus on our daughter for now."

Her heart feels like it's splitting in two: one half hopeful, yearning for the chance at a better future with him; the other bitter and wounded from all they've been through. But she refuses to let her emotions control her choices any longer.

Her heart aches as she listens to him, the desire for their family to be whole again almost overwhelming her. But at the same time, she can't ignore the pain they both caused each other and the trust that has been irrevocably broken. She takes a deep breath and slowly shakes her head, the movement jostling their daughter gently against Mohammed's chest.

"I... I don't know if that's the best idea," she whispers hoarsely. "We need time to heal and figure out who we are apart from each other before we can decide what's best for our family." She glances down at their daughter, her expression torn between hope and fear. "It might not be easy, but I think it's the only way forward right now."

Her eyes well up with tears as she listens to him, the sincerity in his voice bringing fresh hope despite her misgivings. After everything they've been through, the thought of finding a way back to some semblance of peace, even under these conditions, is almost too much to bear. With a shaky breath, she finally nods, unable to form any words as the weight of their decision settles heavily upon her shoulders.

Despite the turmoil within her heart, Ari finds herself nodding in agreement with Mohammed's suggestion. For their daughter's sake, she knows they must try to find a way forward together. Her gaze flickers from his face to their sleeping child, and she steels herself for the challenges that lie ahead. "Okay," she says quietly. "We'll give it a try."

As Mohammed leaves to retrieve his things, Ari feels a mix of emotions wash over her. Part of her is anxious and uncertain about the future they've decided upon, but another part is cautiously hopeful that maybe this can work out for the best for their family in the end. She takes a deep breath and turns back to her daughter, already imagining a new life filled with love and laughter - despite all they've been through together.

"You can take the guest room," she says, her voice sounding calmer than she feels. "I'll talk to my friend and see if they have anything I can sell or trade for some extra money. We need to make this work financially too." As she speaks, she cannot help but wonder how this new arrangement will affect their relationship. But for now, all that matters is giving her child the stable home she deserves.

Her eyes widen in surprise at Mohammed's words as she contemplates the implications. "I... I don't know," she stammers, feeling unsettled by his offer of financial help and the suggestion that he has "plenty." She turns away for a moment to gather her thoughts before looking back at him. "It just seems like the right thing to do in this situation."

She swallows hard, the awkwardness between them thick enough to choke on. "I... I don't think that would be a good idea," she says, her voice shaky. "It might not feel right for either of us." As much as she wants what's best for their daughter, she can't ignore the past or the pain it continues to cause.

Her heart aches as she wonders how they'll navigate this new territory together, but she knows that they have no choice. For now, all that matters is giving their child the love and support they need to grow up happy and healthy - even if it means sacrificing some of their own needs along the way.

She bites her lip as she listens to him, torn between wanting to believe him and fearing what might happen if they're too close. After a moment's hesitation, she nods slowly, deciding that it might be best to give it a try under these circumstances.

"Alright," she says quietly, her voice trembling slightly as she forces herself to accept this new reality. "You can sleep in the guest room...but I want you to promise me that you'll respect my space and not do anything to make me uncomfortable."

As they continue to sort through their feelings and find a way forward together, Ari knows that trust will be key - both for their own sake and for their daughter's. It won't be easy, but she's willing to try her best if it means giving them all the happiness they deserve.

Ari hesitates before nodding, her heart racing at the thought of sharing a room with him again. "Y-yes, I'm coming," she whispers, forcing herself to remain calm as she walks down the hall toward the guest room. As she enters the room, she tries not to think about what might happen later tonight or how close they'll be sleeping together; instead, she focuses on creating a safe and comfortable space for their daughter and making sure that tomorrow brings them one step closer to finding some sense of peace amidst all the chaos.

Slowly, she undresses in the dim light cast by the moon outside the window, laying down on the bed fully clothed as a barrier between her body and Mohammed's presence nearby. Closing her eyes tightly, she prays for strength and courage as she falls asleep, hoping that when morning comes they can find some way to move

Her dreams are haunted by memories of their past together, filled with passion and anger that threaten to consume her. In them, Mohammed's face shifts between the man she once loved and the stranger he has become, leaving her feeling confused and unsettled. The more she tries to forget him, the stronger these dreams seem to get.

When she finally wakes up, the sunlight streaming through the window reminds her that they're starting a new day - one where they need to find a way forward together for their child's sake. She takes a deep breath and forces herself to sit up, smoothing out her rumpled clothes before stepping out of the room and into the hallway.

The guest bedroom door is partially open, revealing Mohammed lying peacefully on the bed. Ari hesitates for a moment before entering, taking care not to disturb him as she prepares breakfast for their daughter in

She blushes at Mohammed's comment, still unsure how to interact with him now that they are living under the same roof again. "You're welcome to help yourself to whatever you want in the kitchen," she finally says quietly. "I just need a moment." Her eyes drift back down the hall toward their daughter's room, looking for any excuse not to engage with him directly.

As she cooks and cleans, Ari tries her best to ignore the fluttering sensations in her stomach every time Mohammed speaks or moves within earshot. The air between them feels charged with an almost palpable tension that makes it difficult for either of them to relax. But they manage to get through breakfast without any major incidents, and Ari is grateful for the temporary reprieve from their growing discomfort.

Once the dishes are cleaned and put away, she turns back toward her daughter's room

"Okay," she says, glancing over at him with a mix of relief and unease. "Just remember to let me know if you need anything while you're gone." Her voice sounds small even to her own ears as she worries about the unspoken tension between them, wondering how long it will be until one of them gives in or snaps under the pressure.

With a deep breath, Ari forces herself to focus on the task at hand: caring for their child and making sure that both Mohammed's absence and his presence remain as peaceful and harmonious as possible. It is no easy feat, but she knows it's the only way forward for now.

The house feels strangely quiet when Mohammed finally returns home late at night, and she can't help but feel a mixture of relief and unease in his presence. They haven't had much contact during the day while he was out earning money, which has given her time to gather her thoughts and sort through her emotions about their situation.

"How did you do?" she asks cautiously as he enters the room, noticing that he seems more subdued than usual. There's an air of tension around him that she can't quite put her finger on, but it sets her on edge nonetheless.

As they settle in for the night with their daughter between them, Ari wonders what tomorrow will bring and how they'll navigate this complicated dance they've found themselves stuck in. The thought of finally finding a way to move past all their hurt and pain keeps her up long into the night, wish

Her eyes widen as she takes the envelope and slides out the contents. It's more money than she's seen in a long time, and it feels almost surreal to have so much at her disposal. "Thank you," she murmurs, looking up at him with an expression of gratitude mixed with disbelief. She knows they need this money, but the gesture still touches her deeply.

"I'll be sure to put it to good use," she promises, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility wash over her. With fresh determination, she places the envelope on the nightstand and focuses on tucking their sleepy daughter into bed for the evening. As they settle in for another night under the same roof, Ari can't help but wonder if this is somehow a sign that things might not be as impossible between them as she once thought.

Her breath catches in her throat as Mohammed's words echo through the room, stirring up memories she thought she had long forgotten. Despite everything they've been through, there's a part of her that can't deny the truth behind his statement: their love for each other created something beautiful, something they both share responsibility for.

As they lie side by side with their child between them, Ari feels a tentative sense of hope begin to grow within her. Perhaps there is still a way forward for them after all, if only they can find a way to forgive and forget the past and focus on creating a better future together for their family.

Her cheeks flush at his suggestion, and she can't help but wonder what he might mean by that. As much as part of her wants to retreat back into their safe, routine lives, another part of her is drawn to the idea of exploring new possibilities with Mohammed. She takes a deep breath and decides to take a chance.

"Well, we could watch a movie or play a game... anything you want," she says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. There's an air of excitement and uncertainty in the room now, and Ari finds herself unable to resist the temptation to see where it might lead.

Her heart races as she realizes what he's suggesting. She looks over at him, not sure if she should be excited or terrified by this idea. A part of her wants to believe that they can move past their hurt and find a way back to each other, but another part is scared of getting hurt again. With a shaky breath, she finally nods, unable to resist the temptation to see where this might lead.

Her heart races as she listens to his words, and despite her fears, she feels herself leaning closer toward him. A gentle touch of their lips ignites a fire within her, burning away the last remnants of their anger and hurt. With each passing moment, they lose themselves in the passionate embrace, forgetting about everything except their love for each other.

As the night progresses, they find themselves laughing and talking like old friends, rediscovering the connections that once defined them as a couple. When morning finally arrives, they lay entangled in sheets, feeling content and satisfied in ways they hadn't since before their child was born. For now, at least, it seems they have found a way to move forward together.

She glances over at Mohammed warily, uncertain but unable to deny the desire that still burns within her despite everything that's happened. With a shaky breath, she nods slowly, accepting the terms of this unconventional agreement. As they navigate their way through the complex emotions and past hurts, there seems to be no other option but to confront their feelings head-on and hope that in doing so, they can find a path forward together for their family's sake.

She wakes up with the morning light streaming through the window, feeling both renewed and confused as she stares at Mohammed's sleeping form beside her. Last night was intense, passionate - a reminder of everything they once shared. But does that mean they can move forward together now? She isn't sure yet, but she knows that they can't keep going like this forever; something has to change. Slowly, carefully, she reaches out and touches his cheek, studying his face as he begins to stir awake.

Her heart skips a beat at the use of the old endearment. "Good morning... Mohammed," she replies softly, her voice thick with emotion. "We have a lot to talk about." They've both said things they can't take back, done things that hurt each other beyond repair. But maybe, just maybe, there's still a chance for them to make this work. She takes a deep breath and leans in closer, her lips brushing against his.

"Can we try again?" she whispers, hoping against hope for a different answer this time around.

Her heart swells at his question, and she realizes that her answer has never really been in doubt. "Yes," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to try, Mohammed. I want us to be together as a family." There's so much pain and hurt between them still, but there's also this small flicker of hope that refuses to die. Maybe, just maybe, they can find their way back to each other.

With a shaky breath, she leans in closer, seeking comfort and connection in his touch. She knows it won't be easy - the road ahead will likely be filled with obstacles and setbacks. But for now, all that matters is trying. And trying together.

Smiling against his lips, Ari nods in agreement. "Of course." She pulls away slightly to look at him properly, a feeling of warmth spreading through her chest as she takes in his features. For now, they can focus on the little things - their daughter and making sure she has everything she needs. Together.

She turned around to face him and smiled softly. "I'm happy too," she said truthfully. Then, after a brief pause, she added, "We need to talk about what happened before though... there are still things we need to work through." Despite the uncertainty that lingered between them, there was also an undeniable sense of comfort and familiarity in their embrace.

Together, they finished preparing breakfast and shared a quiet morning with their daughter, laughing and playing as if nothing had ever gone wrong between them. It wasn't easy, but it was a start.