(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
(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 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