(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) “Friends?” I taunted him. “Best friends? Just like you and Sofia? He didn't respond, so I continued. “I have enough friends. I do not need more.” He nodded and rose to his feet. “I'll see you some other time. I wanted to scoff and tell him, “You wish,” but I restrained myself. Instead, I nodded curtly and followed him to the door. He hesitated for a moment, sparing me a glance before walking out. As soon as the door shut, the dam broke. I walked over to the couch and collapsed onto it, burying my face in my palms. Reality finally dawned on me. I was truly divorced from Jared. I was not hallucinating, it was real. I didn't realize how long I sat there sobbing, but the door going open alerted me that Ashley was home. I tried to bolt to hide my swollen face, but it was too late; she saw me. “Are you all right? My goodness, have you been crying?” She shrieked, rushing to me. I tried to hide my face by looking away, but she forcefully turned it to face her. “What h
(SOFIA'S POV)I was taken aback by Jared's cold demeanor toward me, but I refused to relent. I took a deep breath, trying to suppress my anger. In the past, it was me calling the shot, forming a miss hard–to–get, but now, the tables have turned. It was now my turn to amend things with Jared, and I needed to humble myself.I imagined a scenario where I could regain the influence I once had over him. With that thought in mind, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.“You look tired,” I said, bringing my voice to a soothing tone. “ Did you two argue?“Yes,” he responded.“Is she threatening, or trying to use the divorce as means to claim half of your assets? Be assured that I wouldn't let her. I have really powerful lawyer friends that can ensure she doesn't take a dime from you.”“Unfortunately, she's not that kind of person. She doesn't want anything from me.”I was genuinely surprised. Was she stupid? What type of a woman agrees to a divorce from a man like Jared, and wouldn't demand
(ARIELLE’S POV)I was startled by Ashley's question, totally thrown off guard. "I...I don't know," I stuttered. "For now, all I want is to return to work.""I understand," she said, patting my shoulders. "Come on, let's go back to what we were watching."The rest of the evening passed in a blur. The following days were uneventful and the cycle repetitive. Ashley went to work and returned in the evening while I stayed at home, doing almost nothing.I missed my job, and made up my mind to return to work, damning my mother's and Ashley's advice. I planned to tell Ashley when she returned from work today.As for Jared and Sofia, I had no option but to block them on all social media platforms as I kept seeing pictures of them together at every turn. I deleted Jared's numbers and blocked them. I would protect my sanity at all costs. My mom was still in the dark about the divorce, and presumably Jared's mother too. I was not going to tell either of them. I'll let them find out for themsel
(JARED’S POV.)I drove like a lunatic, merely waiting for traffic lights and shouting a lot of apologies into the air as I attracted irritated honking of car horns from other motorists. They just had to understand — Arielle was in danger and needed saving. It felt like my new life’s purpose; to make sure Arielle was safe.I was more than surprised to receive a call from Dwayne. Neither of us had any reason to reach out to the other so I nearly let his call ring straight to voicemail.Quickl, I pulled out my phone to contact a doctor I knew from one of the hospitals. I just had to put things in place and not take any chances. The number went straight to voicemail on the first ring. I felt my growing frustration with every voicemail tone I heard. I’d kept my eyes focused on the phone and failed to look ahead so when I looked up, I was almost running into the car right in front of mine.Cursing under my breath, I slammed down hard on the brakes before hitting the horn. I looked out of th
(ARIELLE'S POV)I tried to sit up again, but my body was hit by a jolt of cold sensation. I shivered terribly, and my teeth chattering in response. Fear gripped me as I realized I was alone and helpless. I couldn't call for help, as my voice was cracked and hoarse. Goosebumps invaded my skin as my mind raced with thoughts of how I ended up like this. I was fine the previous night, laughing and having fun with family and friends. Had I overexerted myself at the party? Had I stayed up too late, thereby stressing my body?Tears brimmed at the corners of my eyes as I thought about Mom and Maverick. What if I didn't make it? What if I died in this bed, alone and unattended? Fear gripped me at the thought, and I fervently prayed, begging for someone to come and find me.Just as I thought I couldn't take it anymore, a knock sounded on the door. Hope returned to me, and I tried to respond, but no sound came out."Arielle?" Mom's voice sounded behind the door.I tried to respond again, but
(ARIELLE'S POV)The drive home was quiet, save for Maverick's intermittent curious questions. "Mommy, why do the houses seem to be following us!" He asked, pointing at the houses outside the window, with wide eyes.I smiled and leaned back in my seat "They're not following us, dear. We're just driving past them," I explained, trying to stifle a yawn.Maverick nodded thoughtfully and continued to gaze out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of the passing objects. Mom sat quietly, tapping away at her phone.Dwayne, on the other hand, was fixated on the road ahead, his grip firm on the steering wheel. I sighed and took out my phone, deciding to read trending gossip on blogs to kill boredom.A few minutes later, we arrived home, and everyone alighted from the car, stretching their arms and legs. Dwayne helped with the bags in the trunk, and I asked him to come in for tea, but he declined.“I have some important things to tend to at home,” he explained, smiling apologetically as h
(ARIELLE'S POV)Everyone partied hard, and the party went on and on. The music was loud, the dance energetic, and the atmosphere charged. I took turns in dancing with everyone and it was a fun experience. In between, I had asked for Maverick to be tucked into bed. He might be surrounded by adults, but it didn't make him any less a child. Jared had volunteered to escort him to his room, and Maverick had gladly gone with his Dad. And hours later, just like everything that has a beginning has an end, the party came to an end in the wee hours of the morning. Exhausted and drained, everyone retired to their cabins. I collapsed on my bed the moment I got into my room, my body numb from all the activities. And the instant I stretched out on the bed, a blissful sleep enveloped me.I didn't know how long I slept, but I woke up to sunlight streaming in through the little outlets in the window. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and a glance at the clock showed it was noon. I gasped, how did I sleep
(ARIELLE'S POV)I blinked in disbelief as I looked using Jarred, my eyes wide with wonder. "Espejo del Corazón?" I asked, my voice quivering. I wanted to be sure I was seeing right. The object I held in my hand felt like a beautiful illusion like I was dreaming.Jared nodded, his smile affirming. "Yes."My hands trembled as I turned the object in my hand meticulously, unable to still process what my eyes were seeing. It was the replica of the hand mirror Jared had gotten me on our second wedding anniversary. He had gone on a business trip to Mexico and brought it back as a gift. Unfortunately, he had accidentally broken it months later, and I had mourned its loss for so long. I thought it was gone forever, a precious memory lost as a result of a little negligence.But here it was, back in my hands, shining with the same beauty and elegance I remembered. I felt different emotions hit me; joy, gratitude."How did you manage to get another one?" I finally managed to ask, my voice crackin
(ARIELLE'S POV)Before me was a well–decorated hall stretched out, with a reddish carpet leading up to a podium at the far end. The hall was grandly decorated with balloons, steamers, and a stunning chandelier that hung from the ceiling, casting a vibrant glow over the entire space. At the center of the wall, a large poster caught my eye –a picture of myself with the caption "Happy birthday, Culinary Queen" engraved in bold, glossy, silvery letters.On either side of the red carpet, every one of my loved ones stood beaming with smiles. My mom, the Harrisons, Maverick, Meredith, Stephen, Rebecca, Dwayne, and hold on, even Jared–everyone I cared about was there, their faces filled with affection.I was utterly stunned, my body rigid for a moment as I took in the breathtaking scene before me. Then, an overwhelming urge to cry hit me, and I covered my mouth with my hand, muttering "Oh my God," repeatedly. Tears of joy pricked at the corners of my eyes as I struggled to process the sheer m
(ARIELLE'S POV)I relished the meal, savoring each bite and enjoying the feel of each flavor on my plate. As much as I wanted to eat more of the delicacies, I had to settle for lighter meals. My stomach soon got filled, and being the minimalist I was, I had to stop. Eating beyond that point was gluttony, and I wasn't one.I covered the plates and pushed the tray aside, turning to thank Ashley. "Thank you so much, I enjoyed this.""You're welcome, even though you didn't eat as much as I wanted you to," she said, feigning a pout."Overfeeding me is not part of the plan, is it?""You're right, it isn't," she smiled ruefully and put the tray away."Now, you have to rest a little before we get down to business. We've got a lot planned for you today.""You're still not gonna tell me about this plan, aren't you?""You're right, I won't," she said, winking.I nodded, resigning to my fate. As much as I wanted to be privy to what was being planned, I also enjoyed being in the dark. It helped am
ARIELLE'S POV)As I slowly roused from sleep, I was momentarily disoriented, my mind foggy and blank. I tried to recollect where I was, and looking around, it dawned on me that I was in my room in the cabin. I sat up immediately, rubbing my eyes to get rid of the remnants of sleep. While at it, memories came rushing back like an open dam. I had been resting in my room with Ashley and Maverick when Jared came in, and Ashley had excused us. He had apologized about Sofia's antics earlier, and surprisingly, I wasn't mad at him because I was being honest with myself–it wasn't his fault. Sofia made her choices and I can't keep blaming him and letting him bear the brute of them.Even though I had earlier refused everyone's audience, Dwayne especially, citing that I wanted to rest, it was hard to ask Jared to leave. Having him sit beside me on the bed afterward, listening to me and Maverick talk, and the happy glow his presence brought out in Maverick made my hands tied. Maverick and I cha
JARED'S POVAs I walked, Arielle's cabin my destination, the weight of the conversation I had with Mrs Meyers settled heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for Mrs. Meyers to bear such a secret all these years if it was this hard for me. Indeed, some secrets were better left unsaid because of the impact they bore.I soon rounded the corner leading to Arielle's cabin, but I was stunned to find Dwayne squatting at the entrance, his eyes fixed intently on the floor. I felt curious immediately and slowed my pace, trying not to startle him."What are you doing here?" I demanded, trying to keep the suspicion in my voice away.He looked up at me, his expression unreadable. "Arielle said she's resting and she asked me not to come in.”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his response. "So you're just sitting here waiting for her?" He shrugged, seemingly unbothered by my question. "Yep, pretty much," he replied, looking away.I glanced at him, hesitating for a mo