(ARIELLE'S POV) I felt Jared's body tense beside me, his arms freezing in place. I knew I had said something I couldn't take back. The question was, how would he respond? “Oh, I think I might have used your shampoo accidentally,” Jared spoke up after a while, trying to sound nonchalant. I felt a raw searing pain in my chest. It was always painful whenever Jared lied to me, and it hurt even more because I knew he was lying to me. The fragrance of the shampoo was vanilla, and I didn't use vanilla shampoo. I used lavender. That fragrance was from no other person but Sofia. He probably got it when she leaned her head on his shoulder. “Is anything the matter, Arielle?” Jared asked. “No. Goodnight,” I replied in a dismissive tone, not wanting to talk to him anymore. Jared leaned over and pecked me on the cheek. “Goodnight.” ************* The next morning, I was awakened by the sound of a movement. It was from Jared, he had just stepped out of the bathroom. He smiled at me. “Good m
(ARIELLE'S POV)At the close of work, Jared was already waiting outside the restaurant to drive me home.“Your Mr. perfect is here,” Rebecca announced, her head peeking through my office door.“Go away, Rebecca,” I replied smiling. “Alright, alright,” Rebecca giggled and left.I hurriedly parked up as I would rather not keep Jared waiting. Walking outside, I met him leaning on his car, waiting for me.“And how was work today, Mrs. Smith?” He asked, the moment I got to him.“Hectic as usual.”“You wouldn't stop if I asked you to, right?” He teased, taking my handbag.“Not in this world,” I responded. My job was my life, and I couldn't imagine life without my profession.“Here, let me help you get in,” he said, outstretching his other hand. I took it, and got into the set beside the drivers.Jared got in beside me, strapping his seat belt in place. I expected him to start the car, but he turned to me instead, a serious expression on his face. “I know I have not been much of a good hus
(ARIELLE'S POV)I stormed into the house, and Sofia was seated in the living room watching a reality show on the TV. She stared at me momentarily and returned her attention to the TV. Well, if she wanted to play the ignore game, then I was up for it too. I continued on my way, ignoring her as well, as I made for the stairs. I was just about to ascend, when I heard her exclaim “Jared!”I stopped in my tracks and turned back around. Jared had just stepped into the living room, and she had shot up from the couch to lurch into his arms.“I have missed you. Are you okay? Are you stressed?” She fussed, trailing her hands all over his body.I was disgusted by the sight, and even more angry when Jared did nothing to caution her. My eyes met with Jared, and I quickly averted my them, hurrying upstairs.I was too tired to worry about Jared and Sofia, I decided, shoving thoughts of them aside. I shrugged out of my work clothes, and walked into the bathroom for a shower.Returning to the room, I
(ARIELLE'S POV)Awed!That was how I felt when Jared pulled into the hotel. As I looked around inside the car, I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my mouth. The building literally glittered as the soft dashboard light illuminated it.Jared chuckled and turned off the car's engine. Then he alighted and opened the car door for me. I accepted the hand he provided as I stepped out.I couldn't help it as I took in more details of the hotel's surroundings properly. The building towered above us, its clear and sleek glass glinting. The entrance was a spacious archway, decorated by sparkling fountains and meticulously manicured flower lawns. Overall, the hotel's exterior spoke of immense wealth and sophistication.“I… I didn't know your family owned this hotel,” I stuttered, unable to hold my surprise.“Point of correction, it is under the Smith's corporation, but it is mine,” Jared said, his voice bearing a hint of subtle pride.I was stunned. I knew Jared was rich, and so was his family,
(ARIELLE’S POV)Jared returned with our bag, and took it to the closet. “I don't want you stressed,” he said, approaching me.“Don't tell me you brought me here to make me lazy,” I said, feigning a frown.“I brought you here to spoil you silly,” he responded.“Umm…that sounds like something I would love to indulge in,” I said, all smiles.“Great,” Jared said, leaning away. “I will unpack our bag, and afterward, we will head to the hotel's spa for a massage session. This week has been hectic for you, and a massage is paramount in relaxing your muscles.”“You have everything all planned out, don't you?” I inquired, pleased at his thoughtfulness.“I wouldn't bring you here, if I didn't . I will go unpack the bags now,” he gave me a wink and walked back to the closet.As Jared turned his back to me, my eyes were fixated on his muscles flexed beneath his fitted shirt. Yet again, I felt that all too familiar flutter in my belly. I smiled, grateful for this getaway and how thoughtful Jared
(ARIELLE'S POV)A bile rose in the pit of my stomach after Jared left, making me lose appetite. What notification could have arrived in his phone that made his countenance change in seconds? I wondered.I turned around and craned my neck in the direction he took, hoping to get a glimpse of him, but I saw nothing. For a moment, I thought of going after him to spy, but thought against it. I would rather wait for him to return and inquire what the notification he received was about. And so I waited.“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go away for that long,” Jared's voice sounded as he rejoined me. And then he glanced at my food, and up at me. “You stopped eating?”“You didn't expect me to keep eating when I saw how upset you looked by the notification you got on your phone, did you?” I asked, displeased.“It was nothing serious. Come on, let's resume eating,” he said in a dismissive tone.“What was the notification about?” I blurted, my eyes trained on him.Jared looked surprised, like he did
(Jared's POV)“Jared, where the hell are you? Sofia just called me. She's in pain, her stomach is hurting…”I froze at my mother's words, as shivers ran down my spine. I didn't realize when an exclamation left my mouth. “What?”“You have to leave wherever you are, and whatever you're doing and go home! Nothing must happen to–”That was all I heard as I dropped the call. I was immediately thrown into a state of panic, as I scrambled to gather my clothes on the floor.“What's wrong?” Arielle’s voice sounded behind me. I hadn't realized when she left the bed. My mind was filled and racing with worst–case scenarios.“You're making me scared. What happened? Who was on the phone?” Arielle's voice broke into my thoughts again. This time, she was now standing in front of me, her face filled with worry.I tried to speak, but my words were jumbled. “Sofia…my mother called…she's in pain. Her stomach hurts.” Arielle's eyes widened in alarm. “What's happening to her?’I shook my head, my heart ra
(ARIELLE’S POV)After Jared left, I was beside myself with worry. What could be wrong with Sofia? I wondered. It was barely 24hrs Jared and I left the house, and she had developed a stomach pain?I tried to distract myself with the thought that Jared will handle the situation, but my mind wouldn't budge. For a moment, I suspected foul play. What if it was a ploy by Sofia to lure Jared back to the house as she never wanted him to leave in the first place?But I shoved the thought aside, trying not to look paranoid and insecure. If she was pretending, she wouldn't involve Jared's mother, right? The more I thought about everything, the restless I became.Then a thought struck me; what if the situation was critical and more than Jared could handle? I jerked up from the bed that instant, I needed to go home too. Just in case Jared needed help.And so without a second thought, I grabbed my clothes and threw them on. I took hold of my purse and hurried out. Outside the hotel, I booked a cab