(JARED'S POV) Sofia's eyes flashed with anger. "What did you say?" She asked, her voice threatening. Rebecca forced a smile, but remained silent. "I thought as much," Sofia hissed, her tone filled with disdain. "I'd like to place my order now." "Of course, ma'am," Rebecca said and handed her the menu. Sofia scanned the menu for minutes, before making a choice. "I'll have the lobster thermidor, filet mignon, waffles with syrup, pasta and meatballs, seared scallops, roasted steak, and the most expensive wine you have–the Chateau margaux 1787.I chuckled, not missing a beat. “All that? You’re going big, aren’t you, Sofia?”She gave me a tight smile. “You’re a billionaire, Jared. It’s embarrassing to question something as basic as food.”I bit back a sigh, my tone light. “Not questioning, just making sure you’re not ordering half the kitchen out of boredom.” I caught Rebecca’s eye and added, “She has a big appetite; it’s best to bring smaller portions.”Sofia huffed but didn’t argue,
(ARIELLE'S POV)I paused, my hand instinctively reaching for my ring finger. It felt bare and empty without the familiar weight of my wedding ring. My eyes widened, why did it take me this long to realize it's not on my finger? If Ashley had not called my attention to it, I probably would not have noticed it was missing."I didn't take it off," I responded, while racking my brain on where it could be.Ashley's eyes lingered on my hand and them up to my face. "Did you misplace it?""I guess. I probably lost it during the accident, or while I was rushed here. Or even in the emergency room, because I remember I was wearing it before the accident.""So what are you gonna do?""Nothing. Maybe it's a sign that I should actually go ahead with the divorce. After I'm divorced, I won't be needing it anymore so it's a good thing I lost it already."Arielle nodded, and we resumed eating. For a while, my mind trailed to the ring and how it was got. Jared had gone to get our wedding rings without m
(ARIELLE'S POV)I moped at the figure, my mouth wide agape. Recognition of who she was, registering in my memory."Mum?" The word tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop it.The woman, an older version of myself, stood in doorway, her eyes locked on mine. "Arielle," she responded.I couldn't still believe my eyes that my mom was standing a few metres away from me. My gaze shifted to Ashley, who looked guilty. "You snitch!" I growled.She took a step back, hands raised in defense. "I'm sorry, I had to inform her. You need your mum, Arielle."My mom's presence stirred up different emotions within me. We hadn't spoken for years, not since I got married to Jared. Seeing her now felt awkward. I didn't think I would see her soon.My mom's eyes were sober, devoidof it's usual defiance and condemnation as she took slow steps toward me. "Arielle, my child," she whispered.I felt a lump in my throat, my stomach churning. How long has it been since she called me that? Ten years? Twenty? I
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Dwayne, right?" I asked the young man, to be sure I was not mistaken.There was a look of amusement and surprise in his eyes as he nodded. "Yes, Dwayne. I'm flattered you recognize me, and still recall my name. It's only bad I didn't get to know yours before your friend arrived and whisked you away the last time."I laughed, that was Ashley he was talking about. Incase you're wondering who Dwayne is; I met him in the garden of the hospital I was rushed to when Sofia pushed me down the stairs."So what's your name? I better get it now, before your friend arrives," he said, playfully stealing glances around.I laughed, he is so dramatic. "My name is Arielle.""A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. It's a pleasure meeting you again, Arielle.""Yeah, same," I said, accepting the hand he offered. The handshake prolonged, and I skillfully withdrew my hand."So tell me, what brings you here?" I asked, trying to sound casual."Just a few things," he replied, holding up a bag
(JARED'S POV)"What do you mean by "divorce?" I bellowed at the man seated across from me in my office.Since the last time at the hospital where I spoke to Arielle, I had not spoken or set my eyes on her again. I visited the hospital a couple of times, but still was denied access. I even tried talking to the owner of the hospital, but was told that much couldn't be done as they were merely acting on my wife's order. Not even my influence could get them to change their minds.I tried calling and texting her incessantly, but was met with silence. Realizing there wasn't much I could do, I decided to wait for her to be discharged.When she was finally discharged, weeks later, my investigator informed me. But I couldn't pay her a visit because her mother was with her at Ashley's place, which came as a huge shock to me.If I recalled correctly, the two women were not in good terms. In fact, Arielle's mother had not been in support of her marriage to me. Never had approved of me.She tagge
(ARIELLE'S POV) "Is everything alright?" Ashley asked, noticing my sudden stillness. I turned to face her. "It's Jared." Her eyes widened. "What is he doing here?" I shook my head. "I don't know." Ashley stood up, concern on her face. "Do you want to let him in?" I took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. Do you want me to stay?" "No, I'll handle this." She nodded, carried her meal and walked to her room. After she left, I exhaled sharply, before pulling the door open. I almost fumbled when I met Jared's intense gaze, but I quickly got a grip on myself. I put on a blank face, completely erasing all emotions from my face. "Hi," I said, my voice icy. Jared's unnerving gaze didn't waver, and he didn't acknowledge my greetings either. Instead, he walked past me into the house, his movements sharp and angry. I was taken aback, stunned by his audacity. I shut the door and faced him. "What the hell?" He ignored me, his eyes scanning the room briefly before settlin
(JARED'S POV)“Hell has no fury like a woman scorned in the heart.”The words reverberated in my ears over and over again, and I felt like cutting them off. I was driving home after the confrontation with Arielle, but the words won't stop replaying in my head. And each time they did, I felt shivers run down my spine. Those words were no mere words. They were the words of a woman who had changed in so many ways. Arielle had changed.My eyes trailed to the papers on the passenger seat, the words “Irreconcilable differences” staring back at me. I sighed and tore my gaze away. I had tried to convince Arielle to change her mind, to consider what people would say.So far, people who were privy to our marriage thought it to be perfect –a match made in heaven. How will they take the news of our divorce?But Arielle was adamant. She had walked into the room and returned with the divorce papers which she shoved into my hands, and asked me out of the house.I had tried to pacify her, but she th
(JARED'S POV)I went quiet for a moment, lost in my thoughts. As much as I hated to admit it, Sofia had a point. If she hadn’t left, I never would’ve met Arielle. And even if I had, we wouldn’t have ended up married. But that was life. I couldn’t go back and rewrite the past. What was the point of dwelling on what could’ve been?I shook my head as I recalled everything that had happened. “Why did you suddenly change your mind about me after twenty years?”Sofia’s expression flickered—pale at first, then quickly recovering. “It’s okay to be angry with me, Jared. You’ve always been kind to me, and I let you down. I rejected your proposal without a second thought. I didn’t respect you. I take full responsibility. And I’m sorry.”I nodded, a little moved by her apology. This was the first time in all these years she’d admitted she was wrong for turning me down. But... things were different now. Everything was different.“It’s fine.” I paused. “I forgave you, if that’s what you need. Can’t
(ARIELLE'S POV)When I arrived at the club nearly 40 minutes later, Dwayne's subordinate, Claire, was already waiting for me at the entrance. As usual, she was imposing and had a stern expression on her face. "This way, please," she said politely, but firmly. Safely guiding me through the crowded club, and expertly navigating through the body of partying people. I silently thanked Dwayne. He always had my back, even in situations like this.We walked past the bar, where a bartender was mixing all manner of drinks, ranging from the ones with weird colors to the ones that caught fire, and people flanked him on all sides, downing glasses upon glasses.As we continued walking, I couldn't help the feeling of unease that was increasingly crawling under my skin. The club was dimly lit, but bright enough to make out anyone. It was the kind of a place where anything could happen, and I couldn't help but grow even more worried for Ashley.Then, unexpectedly, I bumped into someone I never tho
(ARIELLE’S POV)Both Ashley and her mom looked up at me simultaneously, their eyes wide with surprise. Mrs Thompson's expression was that of relief, her face relaxing as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Ashley, on the other hand, was more of confusion than surprise, her brows furrowed together."I promise, I'll see what I can do," I added, trying not to give them false hope. I didn’t want to disappoint them, not after agreeing to help.Mrs Thompson nodded, her warm smile returning to her face. "I'm so grateful, thank you, Arielle," she said, her voice filled with emotions. She was on the brink of tears.And before I knew it, Mrs Thompson was pulling me into a hug. I reciprocated, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close, while trying to avoid meeting Ashley's eyes, which had a questioning look in them.After disengaging from the hug, I declared my intention to leave. "I should get going," I said, glancing at my phone. "Maverick will be worried by now, he's alo
(ARIELLE’S POV)Ashley leaned over the partition between the drivers side and passengers side, crooning her neck so he could hear her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry, but we'll have to reverse and take Margaux home, first.""Alright, Ma," the driver said, and immediately put the car in reverse. As we sped off, I was glad I was able to take care of Margaux for her grandparents. All I wanted was to get her home safely, and then Ashley and I would take a cab to her mother's place.We all settled into silence, with the gentle snoring of Margaux, and the sound of the car's engine and the occasional passing cars breaking the stillness.Soon, the car pulled up at Harrison's house, a warm and cozy Victorian home with a beautifully trimmed lawn. We sent the driver to call the butler to take Margaux in."Thank you so much, guys," Margaux said, her voice sleepy, as the butler helped her out of the car. She stretched, arching her back, and then smiled at us."No problem, take care," Ashley and I responded
(ARIELLE'S POV) Sofia even gave me a slightly apologetic glance as she passed by, holding onto Jared’s arm. I must’ve looked like a fool, standing there like that. Ashley, already rolling up her sleeve and shaking her fist, muttered, "I'll go ask him what he means by this." "Don't pull me!" I heard her protest as Roman grabbed her arm. Margaux, sighing, interjected, "Why don't we listen to what Arielle has to say first?" Ashley spun around to face me, her expression fierce. "Ari, don't worry about it. I'll find out exactly what's going on." I shook my head. "Don’t ask him. We have nothing to do with each other anymore." Ashley’s face shifted through several emotions before she finally spoke. "What do you mean?" "I mean," I paused, gathering my thoughts, "we had a fight a few days ago, and I told him that we’re done. We have nothing left between us." Silence hung in the air for a long moment. Ashley just stood there, calming down as she processed my words. Roman, seemingly
(ARIELLE'S POV)7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel."You’ve got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face.The afternoon had passed in a blur—probably because my mind kept drifting.Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself here, stuck in this awkward limbo. How hard could it be? Negotiate with dealers, help clients solve problems, assist blind dates, and maybe catch my ex-husband in the act?“If I get through tonight, I’m buying a lottery ticket,” I murmured, a bitter smile crossing my lips.I checked the time again, then left the bathroom, taking a seat closer to the table with the sea view.That’s when I spotted Margaux, the young woman supposedly the Harrisons' granddaughter, waiting for her date.She looked delicate, calm, almost ethereal in a beautiful blue dress—something straight out of a French film. She had this quiet, classical elegance about her. It was hard to believe she was the rebellious granddau
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Thank you, still," Mrs. Harrison said, her eyes persistent.I nodded, smiling warmly. "You're welcome," I said, realizing the older woman had no intention of backing off unless she heard those words.She smiled, seeming to relax now. "And Mrs Harrison," I called, my voice taking a serious tone."Yes?" she responded, looking up at me expectantly, her husband beside her. Thankfully, his complexion had returned to normal, and he seemed back to his usual self."You know, as we get older, our eating habits change. Some foods become harder to chew, so we need to replace them with softer options," I began carefully.Mr. Harrison sighed, looking a little uncomfortable. "We’re always so cautious about what we eat," he said, as if weighing his words. "Sorry if we caused any trouble."I shook my head with a reassuring smile. "Not at all, sir. Actually, we have some options on the menu that I personally designed for guests like you—things like tender meats, pureed soups, soft ri
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Mommy, Uncle Dwayne and I are taking the dogs out for their evening walk. We won’t stay long, love you!" Maverick's voice rang out from the porch.I was in the kitchen, trying to get dinner together while he was out with Dwayne, who had just shown up a few minutes ago."Alright," I called back, and soon, I heard their retreating footsteps and the happy barks of the dogs.Sighing, I covered the cooking pot of pasta and went to sit at the kitchen table. The evening was cool and lovely, sunlight streaming through the windows, but my thoughts? Not so peaceful.It’s been a week since my fight with Jared, and I hadn't heard from him since. Dwayne, on the other hand—despite his busy schedule with the whole business expansion thing—still made time every evening to take the dogs for their walks with Maverick. With three dogs now, their little routine had become part of their day, like clockwork.Every time I looked at the golden retriever puppy, I couldn't help but think about
(JARED'S POV)I felt something snap and twist inside of me. The news hit me harder than I expected, and for a moment, my anger towards her evaporated. Sofia kept talking, her voice small, apologetic. “Jared… I wasn’t supposed to interrupt you with all this, it’s my mum—she asked me to—”But she was cut off by her mother’s steely gaze. I watched as Mrs. Gold's grip on her daughter's wrist tightened, almost painfully, as if she could crush Sofia’s hand into silence. My eyes flicked back to Sofia—there was something so vulnerable about her now. It hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at her longer than I should have, unable to look away from the pain and helplessness reflected in her eyes.Mrs. Gold broke the silence with a sharp, accusing tone, her voice like the crack of a whip. “You see, Jared, we’ve been trying to get your family to help us. After all, I saved your mother’s life those years ago…”I could feel my eye twitch with the familiar irritation. There she goes again, u
(JARED'S POV)After Arielle left, I buried my face in my palms, feeling a tide of frustration and guilt was over me. I couldn’t follow her. At least. I knew I shouldn’t. She needed space, and for once, leaving her alone felt like the least I could do after everything I had said.I exhaled sharply, trying to steady my breathing, but it didn’t help. The confrontation kept replaying in my mind, each detail reminding me how I had mishandled it. How could I have let my emotions spiral like that? I had let my anger get the best of me, and now I was left with nothing but a mess of my own making.I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d ruined everything—again. As much as I was frustrated by her reluctance to forgive me, I knew deep down it wasn’t about that. She was just hurt. I had caused her pain, and I should never have lashed out the way I did.I should have been more patient, more understanding.I mean, how do I win her back if the impression I always give off is that of a man who can't