(ARIELLE'S POV)The moment Jared walked out, the dam let loose. Tears streamed down my eyes in torrents, and my body shook in unison. It was all too much to rein in. Seeing him had felt like rubbing salt to a fresh injury. So excruciating.“Hey, it's alright. Let it all out,” Ashley whispered, squeezing my hands. She had been quiet all through the exchange with Jared, and had wanted to interfere if not for my subtle signal that she remained calm. As I let the floodgate open, my emotions were heightened. Anger, sadness, and regret. Why had I held on for so long? Why had I ignored Jared's aloofness, attributing it to his personality when it was actually a pointer?I cried harder, more at my foolishness, and less at Jared's betrayal. But as I cried, something shifted in me. I realized that I couldn't keep doing this to myself. I couldn't keep loving someone who didn't love me back.Jared would never choose me over Sofia. If after two decades he still hadn't gotten over her, what were th
(ARIELLE'S POV)I puffed out air as the nurses helped me into the wheelchair. I was having my first physiotherapy session today, and the wheelchair was to aid my movement since I couldn't walk properly yet.As I sat in the chair, my emotions were a whirlwind. Fear of the unknown, and determination. The nurses helped me get settled, and Ashley stood beside me, her hand on my shoulder.“Ready?” The doctor asked, beaming at me.I took a deep breath, trying to expel the feeling of nervousness. “Yes.Ashley got behind me, pushing the chair as we made our way to the physiotherapy department.We soon arrived, and the doors opened, and we were welcomed by the lady in charge.“Welcome, Arielle,” she said beaming with a warm smile, and momentarily wondered how she knew my name. But then, I recalled that the doctor must have shared my medical file with her.“We're going to get you moving in no time. Trust us,” she went on.I returned her smile. “Thank you.”“Alright, I guess my job is here done.
(ARIELLE'S POV)After having lunch, Ashley and I engaged in a conversation. While at it, a knock sounded on the door.“Who's it?” I asked, looking in its direction.“Receptionist,” a voice replied.Ashley and I exchanged glances before I responded, “come in.”The receptionist walked in, holding two bags. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what her mission in the room was. But before I could ask, she said, “These are for you, ma'am.”Confusion formed a cloud on my face. “For me? I think you might be mistaken because I don't remember ordering for something.” And then I turned to Ashley, “Did you make an order?”“Of course not.”“It's for you, Ma,” the lady insisted.But I was still not convinced, as my eyes darted from the lady, to the bag, to Ashley. Noticing my reluctance, Ashley beckoned to the lady to bring the bags over. As she handed them to Ashley, I noticed a card pinned to one of the bags.Ashley's eyes widened as she read the card, and immediately stretched it out to me. “Ariel
(JARED'S POV)I gasped in horror as I quickly swerved the car to the side, narrowly avoiding a head_on collision. My car missed the streetlight pole by mere inches. Heart racing, I brought the car to a halt. The other driver's cusses rented the air as he drove past."That was a close one," I mumbled, grasping the steering wheel tightly.My heart pounded rapidly, and my hands shook uncontrollably. Just the thought of being involved in an accident made my heart pound.After a few minutes, I finally got a grip on myself. I turned the car on and continued driving home. Upon arrival, I found Sofia in the sitting room, her legs crossed, typing away on her phone.She looked stunning; her hair styled, makeup perfectly applied, and wearing a beautiful knee length beige dress. As I approached, I felt that familiar tug of fondness for her, in my heart."Hi," I said."Hi," she replied, flashing a bright smile."Are you going somewhere?"She rose from her seat and walked towards me. "The question
(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
(ARIELLE'S POV)After that round of activity was over, there were subsequent ones, and soon it was time for the talent show. In the talent show, parents anxiously watched as their kids and wards who were participating came on the stage. I was anxious as well, as Maverick was also participating.Minutes ticked by, and pupils trooped in and out of the stage for their performance, but there was no sign of Maverick. I shifted impatiently in my seat, wondering when his turn would be. His class teacher had earlier come to pick him up, citing that he had to get dressed in his costume in preparation for his performance, but there was still no sign of him.I was just about to turn to the others to voice my concern when Maverick emerged. He was the last to appear as others were already done with their performance. I sat up properly in my seat, curious about what Maverick would show. I turned to others to see if they were as anxious as I was, and that was when I found that Jared was no longer i
(ARIELLE’S POV)I was stunned by the question to say the least, but I braced myself. If I told him the truth, it would be hurtful. In the first three years of Maverick's life, his biological father was not present; who would he have thought to be more important back then when the only male figure he knew was Dwayne? No, I didn't think that this was a multiple-choice question because I never asked Maverick. I never saw the need to,and I don't see it now either .I didn't want to give my child such a difficult problem. But if he really had to choose, I didn't think Jared had a chance of winning either. It was just a tough path to take.As I stood there, silence hanging in the air like a cloud, I could feel Jared's eyes on me, waiting for an answer. I knew I had to say something, but the words got stuck in my throat. I didn't want to hurt him, but I also didn't want to lie to him or give him false hope about anything. Certainly not on this topic. He seemed to have realized my stance e
(ARIELLE'S POV)"So this is the situation. Can the four of us go to Maverick's Open Day together?" I inquired, holding Maverick's hand with my left, my right hand casually resting on the car door as I turned to face the company I had. In front of me stood Dwayne, who had just opened the car door with a smile that was too innocent coming from him, and for this gathering. Behind me was my mother, who was wearing a smug look that read, "I totally expected this and I warned you about it." I could sense her eyes on me as if anticipating how I would handle the situation.But there was no immediate response from either of them, and my eyes darted to Jared, who was seemingly sulking in his position, leaning on the car's bonnet and behind his sunglasses. I still couldn't fathom why he showed up in such intimidating glasses, like he was going on a deadly mission, rather than his son's school's open house party. It's been days since the scandal, and somehow, he and his PR team had done a goo
(ARIELLE’S POV)When Jared finally answered my call, I could sense the stress he was already going through from his voice."Arielle, I'm in the middle of something. Can I call you back?"I hesitated, unsure how to approach this. The news still echoed in my mind, and I could barely find the words. "I… just saw the news," I chose to ignore the part where I had heard his confession, trying to focus on what really mattered. "What's going on?"He sighed, and I could almost hear him rubbing his temples. "Everything's fine. It's just a misunderstanding. My PR team will handle it, and by tomorrow, no one will remember this made-up story."His words were a little reassuring. I tried not to stress him further, not wanting to add to his stress. "I'm not worried about you; I'm just afraid this will affect our son's open day.""Don't worry,” He smiled softly, “I have everything under control. The Open Day will go smoothly, and this scandal will blow over," he assured me.I nodded, even though he c
(Jared’s POV)I knew I had to get out of here before the situation grew worse. The frenzy was growing by the seconds, with Sofia's mother still yelling and weeping, throwing accusations at me left and right.I tried to step away amidst the crowd of reporters swarming around me, but they were relentless, shoving the mics close to my mouth, asking questions, and urging me to answer "Mr. Smith, is it true you drove your fiancee to attempt suicide?" One reporter asked, her voice loud and accusatory.“No. That’s not true.” I refuted simply, struggling to keep my composure. Every word I spoke felt like it was being twisted, and the situation was only getting worse. The best choice was to shut up.I pulled out my phone, my jaw clenched in frustration and anger. I didn’t know what the Golds were playing at, but they wouldn’t get away with this. If they thought they could destroy my reputation with lies and scandal, they were gravely mistaken.Oliver picked up on the first ring. “What can I d
(JARED'S POV) “Ma’am, you need to quiet down. You’re drawing so much attention to us,” Tiana rushed over to restrain her. “Let them hear! Let the world hear, Jared Smith, you wicked man!” Sofia’s mother screamed, her voice raw with grief and fury. “It’s your fault my daughter is in that ICU, fighting for her life! If anything happens to her, I swear to God, you will pay for this!” Her words were like a slap, each one stinging with a venom. I took a step back, trying to keep my own voice steady, trying to keep control. “Come on, ma’am, this isn’t the time for this. This isn’t the place for this kind of conversation.” “I’ll speak my mind whenever I damn well please, Jared!” she spat, her face twisted with anger. It was then that I saw him—the man standing at her side. Sofia’s father. I had no idea he was here. Wasn’t he supposed to be recovering from his illness? What was he doing here, in the same hospital as Sofia? Sofia’s father took off the oxygen mask he’d been holding against
(JARED’S POV.)The room was still covered in a cloud of smoke. I stood in a state of confusion, unsure whether to start cleaning the kitchen from the pan on the floor or the lump of burnt ginseng lying on the other side of the kitchen. Then there was the cooktop to clean out.Arielle shook her head and opened the windows wider to let out the smoke.“Oh yeah,” I cursed under my breath and beat her to open the sliding glass doors that led to the backyard.“What were you even cooking?” she asked, with an amused smile.“I was trying to cook some soup,” I replied like a child caught doing something silly.Dwayne, unbothered by the chaos, continued preparing his Caesar salad. “I told him to stick to stocks and shares, but he didn’t listen,” he chuckled, clearly finding this whole thing amusing.“This is all funny to you, right? Well, it’s all your fault. If you hadn’t riled me up I’d have kept my focus on the pan and none of this would have happened,” I pointed at him accusingly.Dwayne shr
(JARED’S POV)I couldn’t quite put what I was doing in the kitchen into the adequate words, but I felt my way through it. I pulled out a pan from the cupboard above me and placed it down on the cooktop. Moments later, Dwayne shuffled into the room.Arielle had fallen asleep on our watch— more like she’d asked us to give her space to rest from our bickering. It was always Dwayne instigating fights and bickering.“You’re not given up on seeking me out, huh?” I said to him with a little eye roll.He let out a scoff and walked past me to the other end of the kitchen. “You wish. I’m here for something better. You’re not worth my time,” he said.I bit back a sharp retort and pretended his words hadn’t sent a convulsing sting down my spine. He was clearly in the kitchen for some silly competition. But I was more than ready for him this time. Arielle was yet to touch either of our flasks which were cooling away in the fridge somewhere. So technically, we didn’t have any place making more food
(ARIELLE’S POV)I turned in my sleep. My left side was beginning to hurt from lying on it for too long. Morning sounds floated around me, and I dated a peek out the open window from my lying position. The lights hit my eye with such harshness that I shut them back and willed myself to go back to sleep. I was very grateful to be lying on my own bed, in my own room, under my own roof, far away from the smell of disinfectant and air freshener laced with a myriad of medicine smells. I felt nauseous at the mere thought. This felt good— being back in my room felt good.But apparently, fate had other plans because almost immediately I settled in for another round of sleep, the sound of the doorbell ringing through the house filled my ears and chased away whatever little tranquility I was trying to savor.The ringing didn’t stop no matter how hard I tried to will it away into nonexistence. I let out a weak sigh and gently threw the bed covers off my body. I swung my legs down to the floor wit