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Dead at Heart Chapter 14
"You don't know?" Betty immediately caught on, her voice sharp with irritation. "I booked a two-day retreat at Quillan's Peak for you and Jayson! When I asked him yesterday, he said he'd already given you the tickets."Ariel was stunned. Jayson hadn't mentioned a word to her.Clearly, he had no intention of going on a trip with her and had simply told Betty what she wanted to hear."Grandma, I had something come up, so—""It's the weekend! What could be so urgent? Don't cover for that brat. Listen to me. Head over there now. I've already made all the arrangements. I'll give him a push."Ariel tried to stop her. "Grandma, actually, Jayson and I—""What about you two?" Betty's tone softened again.It was obvious that she had no idea that Ariel and Jayson were about to get divorced.Jayson hadn't informed his family yet?Otherwise, why would Betty still be planning a couple's getaway for them?Ariel felt a headache coming on.Betty had unstable blood pressure and a heart condit
Dead at Heart Chapter 15
"No need. I'm heading down the mountains now," Ariel replied. She wasn't keen on sticking around and being a nuisance.Just as she was about to move away, a hand grabbed her wrist. She looked up and met Jayson's nonchalant gaze.He said, "You can stay. I'll change to another room."Ariel frowned. She was about to pull her hand away when Jayson let go first and deliberately stepped away."It'll be hard to explain to Grandma if you leave now," he said.Realization dawned on Ariel, and she asked in disbelief, "You want me to cover for you and Nancy?"She couldn't believe that he would do this just so it would be easier for him to explain to Betty. What exactly did he take her for?Jayson looked at her as he adjusted his cufflinks. "None of this would be a problem if you hadn't shown up."Ariel felt a surge of frustration rise within her. Was he implying that this was all her fault?She pursed her lips and set a condition. "Fine, but you have to approve my resignation immediately.
Dead at Heart Chapter 16
True to his words, Jayson had switched rooms. It was obvious they must have spent the night together, seeing as they left together so early.Ariel suddenly felt nauseous. She quickly avoided the two and retreated back into her room, rushing into the bathroom in an attempt to throw up—but nothing came up.Her appetite had been poor lately—perhaps her condition was worse than she had imagined.A chill ran through her as Ariel stared at her weary reflection in the mirror. She realized how fragile humans were.She could only be thankful she hadn't reached a point of no return before she snapped out of it. She still had time to find herself again.Ariel decided to redo her makeup to freshen herself up. Just as she had the guesthouse to arrange for a ride down the mountain, she received a call from her grandmother, Katie.Katie was a stern and serious woman. After her husband's early passing, she poured all her energy into raising her children. She grew even more withdrawn after the
Dead at Heart Chapter 17
Ariel clenched her fists and replied calmly, "No one exactly enjoys stumbling upon something like that, just so you know."She didn't feel the need to explain further.Jayson fixed an intense gaze on her, his expression unreadable."You're just making excuses. You would've never admitted it if I hadn't caught you!" Renee stared at her with an accusatory gaze. "How annoying. This is a guesthouse, everything's taken care of. We don't even need you here, so why did you follow me up?"For the past three years, she often went to Jayson's place whenever she wanted to escape Evelyn's nagging on weekends or during holidays. Ariel would always look after her like a dutiful mother.Having gotten used to that dynamic, Renee instinctively thought Ariel was using the excuse of looking after her to deliberately pick fights with everyone."What's going on?" Wendy and Lucas also stepped out one after the other.He glanced at Ariel, who was left fending for herself, and chuckled. "Why is the moo
Dead at Heart Chapter 18
So this was Lucas' real concern. He wasn't worried about Ariel because of their past but because of the upcoming collaboration with Bluum Corp.To him, she was still Jayson's wife. If she didn't know her place, Jayson's anger could have a significant impact.Ariel stared at him mutedly. "Is this the only thing you want to talk to me about?""No." Lucas stubbed out his cigarette and looked at her. "Wendy doesn't know what happened between us in the past. You should try and get along with her."Was he trying to tell her not to speak out of turn?Ariel suddenly felt like laughing. Everything that had happened today made her feel a tightness in her chest."Lucas," she called him indifferently. "If she's curious how you became my brother, I can chat with her about it. But is there anything else between us?"Lucas furrowed his brows but quickly smiled. He said meaningfully, "You've really grown up, Ari. You know how to keep your once openly-known feelings to yourself now."Back then,
Dead at Heart Chapter 19
Ariel instinctively gripped her cutleries tighter, suddenly nervous. "No, I'm feeling alright. I guess I was too busy and missed my meals."After she got sick, she lost a lot of weight, her appetite worsened, and she couldn't keep anything down. Jayson and Lucas never noticed anything. Only Katie, who loved her dearly, was the first to notice something was off.However, Ariel couldn't tell her anything.Katie was getting old, and she couldn't handle any more stress ever since Elena passed. Her Uncle Leonard had been in a nursing home because of liver cancer.How could they possibly cope if Ariel were to collapse too?"Are you unhappy, Ari?" Katie couldn't shake the feeling that Ariel wasn't doing well, and it made her uneasy. "Did you have a fight with Jayson?"She couldn't understand why Jayson hadn't been accompanying Ariel to visit her otherwise.Ariel placed her cutleries down and hugged Katie. "We didn't. We're getting along well, don't worry. I'll make sure he comes over
Dead at Heart Chapter 20
Janice's expression darkened when she saw who it was. "Are you crazy, Frederick?"Frederick Swanson frowned as he cast a warning-like glance at her. "Ms. Stanton came with sincerity. Why are you guys being so rude turning her away?"His gaze landed on Ariel, and surprise flashed across his face.She was tall and slim, with a graceful posture that showed her good upbringing. Her black, wavy hair framed her face, and her fair skin stood out. Even with light makeup, her strong features were still noticeable, and her eyes had a cold, distant look.Ariel was strikingly beautiful."Don't tell me your important guest is actually her?" Frederick couldn't help but laugh in surprise. "She's just a housewife that only knows how to clean and cook. Is she really worth turning Ms. Stanton away for?"He knew Ariel. After all, she was Janice's best friend.Frederick knew that Ariel was married, though she wasn't sure to whom. He'd previously looked into her for a bit due to her stunning appeara
Dead at Heart Chapter 21
Colton came to his senses and replied, "Ms. Walker didn't come up today, Mr. Larkin."That meant Ariel didn't bring lunch over at all.Jayson narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.Meanwhile, Colton burst out, saying, "I've checked with the PR department. Ms. Walker hadn't come in for work today. They said that she has officially resigned. Is she throwing a tantrum with you, Mr. Larkin?"Back then, Ariel made a point of showing up every day to deliver lunch. Jayson mostly wouldn't touch it, only asking him to deal with it once in a while.He didn't really take her resignation seriously. He knew how much she needed this respectable and high-paying job. Regardless of what happened now, he believed that she could come to her senses and return before long.Jayson casually unlocked his phone and started scrolling. He found Ariel's WhatsApp text from a week ago, asking if he was coming back for dinner. She stopped contacting him ever since the day he celebrated Nancy's birthday instead
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Dead at Heart Chapter 30
Jayson pulled his gaze away, set his cutleries down, and stood up. "I've got something to take care of. You guys enjoy."He didn't spare Ariel a glance as he strode upstairs.That look he'd given her just now was hard to read, but it left her uneasy. When was he planning to tell Betty about the divorce?Renee pouted. "Jay's lost his appetite? Then I'm done too."She left to play video games.Ariel remained calm and continued eating. What others thought of her was their problem, not hers. There was no point in wasting energy on it.After dinner, Betty took Ariel's hand and sighed. "Ari, you know how Jayson is. I know you're having a hard time, but don't worry. I'm on your side. I won't let him upset you!"Seeing the concern in her eyes made Ariel's chest tighten. Betty had always been good to her and always hoped she and Jayson would make things work. She had done everything she could to help bridge the gap between them.But there was nothing left to salvage.His heart and body
Dead at Heart Chapter 29
Evelyn's tone was laced with disdain. "You don't come from a good family, and your education is average at best. Do you really expect Jayson to introduce his wife as a housewife?"She had never approved of Ariel, not even a little.Back then, they had been forced to go with the worst possible option. She still thought Jayson had gotten the short end of the stick.On the other hand, Nancy, who had been getting close to Jayson lately, had some class, at least.Her family background wasn't up to the Larkin family's standards either, but at least she was well-educated. That was something Ariel could never compete with.Ariel understood Evelyn's thoughts. She responded calmly, "You won't have to worry about that for much longer."Evelyn frowned. "What do you mean?"Before Ariel could answer, the sound of a car engine came from outside.A tall, imposing figure stepped into the living room.Jayson's gaze swept across the room. For three years, he had watched Evelyn make things diffic
Dead at Heart Chapter 28
Perry didn't say anything, but he agreed with Matt's words.Matt turned to Jayson and said confidently, "I think Ariel is just competing with Nancy. Nancy is interested in drones, so Ariel pretends to be. Nancy takes an interest in Chad, so Ariel joins Faye Tech. Her whole goal is to get your attention."He prided himself on understanding women's little mind games.A woman who couldn't get love would only act out more.Jayson didn't respond.Just then, his phone rang. It was Betty. He got up and walked outside."Grandma, why are you still awake this late?"Betty snorted. "And what about you? Shouldn't you be with Ari?"Jayson pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm busy with work.""Don't give me that! You think I don't hear the rumors? I know who you've been spending time with! How can you do this to Ari?" Betty was livid.Jayson's gaze darkened. "Who told you that?""So, you admit it?" Betty let out a few exaggerated gasps. "Jayson Larkin! Ari is such a wonderful lady. If you
Dead at Heart Chapter 27
Ariel felt her chest squeezing tightly. She was both shocked and a little in disbelief.It wasn't until a long while later that she finally opened up to ask, "Since that's the case, then when, may I ask, do you have the time to go and…"She didn't manage to finish her sentence with "...finalize the divorce" when Jayson's phone suddenly began ringing loudly.He cast a glance at Ariel before turning to the side to answer the call. His tone was obviously softer and gentler when he spoke. "Okay, I'm coming back now."He didn't even care if Ariel still had things to discuss with him. He just turned around and started walking off in a hurry. It reminded her of how he used to treat her in the past, just as coldly as before.Initially, Ariel also wanted to ask him when he'd be available to visit Betty and tell her the truth.After seeing Jayson rushing toward Nancy without a doubt, Ariel just turned around and got into her car.Whatever. They still had the next time. She didn't have the
Dead at Heart Chapter 26
Ariel immediately turned around and was met with Jayson's dark eyes. There was a folded test report in his hand, and Ariel felt her heart suddenly squeezing anxiously.She immediately rushed forward and snatched the report away from him."Did you read it?"Jayson quietly looked at her pale face. "Why so anxious?"He had seen the paper slip out of her pocket when he came over, and he'd simply picked it up for her. He hadn't been able to peek at it yet."You're thinking too much, Mr. Larkin," Ariel said, relaxing a little before completely calming down.Jayson just looked at her as the cogs turned in his head. "You seem to like addressing me as 'Mr. Larkin' lately."Ariel hurriedly stuffed the test report into the folder and asked, "Is there a reason why you came looking for me?"She didn't explain that it was because Nancy had brought it up in the past. Also, they were going to get divorced very soon. It would be better for her to address him as "Mr. Larkin" anyway."Are you si
Dead at Heart Chapter 25
Ariel sounded calm. She no longer cared even if she had to forfeit her ability to have children.She would do whatever she could and leave the rest to fate. Faced with a highly uncertain future, she had accepted that motherhood was no longer a concern.Howard could understand how Ariel felt. He asked, "When do you plan to start chemotherapy? I recommend that you don't wait more than three months."She clenched her fists and replied, "Alright, I'll make arrangements for everything as soon as possible."Ariel and Howard ultimately came out with a temporary conservative treatment plan, which was to start with radiation therapy.She was prescribed an effective imported medication to take in order to suppress the spread of her cancer cells as much as possible.After receiving her prescription, Ariel did not go straight to get her medication. Instead, she turned and headed toward the nursing home behind the hospital.No matter how calm and composed she was, when faced with death, she
Dead at Heart Chapter 24
Ariel checked the time as she left the neighborhood—it was already 2:00 pm. It would take about 40 minutes to get to the hospital, so she'd arrive just in time.She took some medication after getting into the car. The side effects were intense, and she had been feeling extremely dizzy and exhausted lately. She needed to consult the doctor again for a new treatment plan.Ariel rested for a moment before driving away.As soon as she left, Renee walked down from upstairs. She wasn't planning to greet Ariel.Ariel used to ask her about Jayson's habits and preferences, and she'd worry about Renee wearing skirts without leggings in the winter. She'd even care about Renee's grades, as if she was capable of tutoring Renee.Renee found her annoying, so she often avoided Ariel. Ariel would never refuse her whenever she needed anything anyway.Georgia was about to deliver the insulated lunch boxes to the Larkin Manor.Renee stepped forward while humming happily. "Let me deliver them instea
Dead at Heart Chapter 23
Renee made her usual visit to Jayson and Ariel's marital home after school during the next day afternoon.She was starving. As soon as she entered the house, she called out, "Ariel?"Georgia came out and took Renee's backpack. "Mrs. Larkin isn't around, Ms. Larkin."Surprised, Renee frowned and asked, "Isn't she supposed to get lunch ready by this time?"She was also aware that Ariel had been delivering lunch to Jayson.As the house was close to Bluum Corp, she would prepare the food before work and rush home to get it done during her lunch break. She'd then ask Colton to help deliver it to Jayson.Even though he never wanted to see her, Ariel wouldn't give up.Renee came over today just to eat the food Ariel made. Ariel might not be good at other things, but she had always been a quick leaner. Her cooking was always to Renee's liking.However, her mood soured when she found out that nothing was prepared today. She couldn't help but think that Ariel was becoming increasingly ir
Dead at Heart Chapter 22
Ariel was standing next to Chad. They were talking about something, but anyone could tell that they both had matching scarves on them.What level of intimacy would compel two adults to wear matching scarves?Jayson looked up and happened to see Ariel patting Chad on the back. The two of them seemed to look close.Matt chuckled coldly. "I've truly underestimated her. She has no real skills, but when it comes to hooking up with men, she's quite experienced."Perry frowned and glanced over to Ariel. He had been at the receiving end of her cold, disgusted gaze days before. Compared to how she was looking at Chad now, it was clear that she felt differently toward him."Wait, but how did she know Chad?" Matt asked, perplexed.Although Faye Technologies was still in the early stages of stabilizing and developing, Chad had come from a strong background and had top-tier abilities.Logically, someone from Ariel's level shouldn't have had the opportunity to connect with him."Jayson?" Mat
