(ARIELLE'S POV)My face fell as I scanned the empty space, realising that Jared and Sofia had gone in without me. I didn't have a problem with Sofia, but I did have one with Jared.I was his wife, and weren't couple's supposed to arrive at an event together? Hesitating for a moment, I contemplated going in on my own or calling Jared to come lead me inside.I felt really nervous walking into the bar without Jared, because despite being his wife for three years, I had never met his classmates and friends, mainly because I was busy with work, or an opportunity never presented itself.After a few seconds of indecisiveness, I decided to walk in alone. I took a deep breath, smoothed my dress, squared my shoulders and made for the entrance door.As I pushed open the door, the sounds of laughter and banter welcomed me, and I was immediately hit by the smell of expensive perfumes and alcohol.Woa! This was definitely a reunion for people that matters, I decided. I scanned the room, my eyes adj
(ARIELLE'S POV)The man's eyes dilated in shock, his mouth hung open. "You're...you're Jared's wife?" He stuttered.His partner looked equally surprised. "What? No way!"The first seemed to regain his composure, the surprised look on his face now replaced with a sly grin. "You think you can fool us, huh?" He asked, casting me a mocking look. "You're just one of those ladies crushing on Jared, and wishing for his love so badly."I gave off a low laugh, amused by the man's Ignorance. "Oh, really?" I asked, pulling out my phone. "Let me show you something, then."I unlocked my screen, revealing a photo of Jared and me on our wedding day. We were beaming with smiles, our arms wrapped around each other.The two men's eyes bulged as they took in the image. They gasped in unison, their faces paling.I winked at them, satisfied with the priceless look on their faces. "I think that settles it," I said, tucking my phone back into my purse.With that, I turned and walked away, feeling the eyes o
(ARIELLE'S POV)Gasps of shock rented the hall as Jared delivered blows upon blows on the man, that for a moment I feared he would kill him. I was stunned to see Jared in such a position; because for all the years we've been married, never for once had I seen him engage in a verbal exchange not to mention a physical scuffle with someone.I was appalled at the sight of his now red eyes, clenched fists and tightened jaws. His hair was now ruffled, and a button of his shirt had fallen off, giving him a wild and dangerous look.Regaining composure, I screamed at the people who stood on the side, watching two men fight without making any move to stop them. "Stop them!" But no one moved; it seemed like they were all scared to offend Jared."Are you all deaf? Stop them, please," I yelled. At this point, my eyes had grown misty at how battered the other man looked. Jared, on the other hand looked okay, save for his missing shirt button, scattered hair, and rumpled shirt.When no one made any
(ARIELLE'S POV) I hurried outside, running across the pavement as I rushed to catch up with Jared and Sofia. They were already seated in the cat, Jared's eyes fixed on the road ahead as he started the engine. I opened the door and slid into the backseat, trying to catch my breath. The car was silent and thick with tension as Jared pulled out of the parking lot. Sofia stared out the window, her expression unreadable. Jared on the other hand had an angry look, his grip on the steering wheel a tight. He drove so roughly that I feared for our lives. "Jared, can you slow down a bit? You're gonna get us killed at this pace," I yelled, when he almost bumped into a truck. "Don't tell me what to do," he hissed, his jaw clenching. I was taken aback by his words and the rudeness they conveyed, but I was not going to back down if I wanted to get home in one piece. "If you don't care about your life or mine, then you should care about Sofia's. She's pregnant, remember?" That seemed
(ARIELLE'S POV)Sofia's words cut through my heart like a sharp dagger, and for a moment, I was dumbstruck. I turned to Jared for help, but he averted his gaze. His silence spoke volumes, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.“How dare you?” I finally managed to whisper, my voice trembling. “You have no right to say such things to me, Sofia.”But she was unyielding. “I'm just telling the truth, and you know it. You're not the right woman for Jared. He deserves someone who knows him, who understands him.”I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn't give Sofia the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I won't let her know how far her words got to me, and how much they hurt.Without another word, I hurried upstairs, my heart aching with emotions. I got to the room, slammed the door shut, and tried to force the tears back. I won't let the fact that Sofia just reminded me yet again, how much of a stranger I was to Jared, despite being married to him.I
(ARIELLE'S POV) After Jared Left, I was left speechless. I sat numbly on the bed, staring into space, while trying to figure out what just transpired. My head was fogged, as I tried to digest the fact that Jared heaped blames on me while taking sides with Sofia. Minutes passed, and I fell asleep in that state, my mind still in shock from the argument. I woke up to the grumbling of my stomach, recalling that I hadn't had dinner. Turning to scan the room, I noticed Jared hadn't returned. It seemed he was determined on spending the night in the guest room. I tried not feel hurt as I got off the bed. I walked to the bathroom to shower, attempting to shake off the feeling of emptiness. After bathing and slipping into my nightdress, I wandered out of the room searching for food. I walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge, scanning the contents for something to eat. As I waited for my food to heat up, my mind trailed off Jared. I contemplated going to the guest room to talk to him. Li
(ARIELLE'S POV)The next morning, I got prepared and left for work early. With all I overheard the previous night, I would rather not face Jared or Sofia.As I boarded a cab to work, I couldn't stop thinking about how to come up with a plan to send Sofia away and take back control of my life and marriage.I arrived at work and tried to distract myself with tasks and meetings, while also trying to evade Rebecca's curiosity on why Jared didn't drive me to work. During lunch break, Ashley stopped at the restaurant on my plea. I really needed to talk to her in person because if there was anyone who could help me, it was her.Seated in my office, Ashley cut to the chase. “So, have you come up with a plan yet?”I shook my head, feeling frustrated. “No, I haven't. I've been thinking about it all morning, but can't think of anything.”“You have to, Arielle,” Ashley said, sitting up on the seat, her expression serious. “Before things get out of control. Sofia is already plotting your divorce;
(ARIELLE'S POV)My breath was taken away, but not in a good way. Not in the way the sight of the man one loved does, but in a way when one saw something heartbreaking and unimaginable.On the foot of the bed, sat Jared, with Sofia straddling him, her hands thrown around his neck. I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the betraying sight before me. I couldn't speak, couldn't move, couldn't breathe. When I finally found my voice, it was a barely a whisper. A pathetic whimper that I didn't recognize as mine. That seemed to get Sofia's attention, who had her back to me, and she swirled around to face me. She didn't look surprised or remorseful, instead she gave me a smirk and turned back to Jared, kissing him and making a loud smacking sound like they were in the middle of something normal.I gasped and staggered back, holding on to the closest wall for support. Jared didn't even bother to look at me, didn't say anything or move an inch from the position. I couldn't even see his face, and wh
(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
(ARIELLE'S POV)Jared seemed like a wild beast that had lost its sanity. His kisses were without any pattern, seemingly driven only by animal instinct.“Ja... Jared...” I gasped, barely able to catch my breath.I pushed against him with every ounce of strength, but it was useless. Instead, I tore his suit jacket in the process. The fire in his eyes only grew more intense, and in one swift motion, he shoved me down onto the sofa, pinning me beneath him. We had kissed before, shared a bed, but I had never seen him like this. Mad. Wild. Like a beast baring its teeth. I had always thought of him as powerful but harmless, but now, fear crept up my spine.His kisses moved lower, his mouth hot against my skin. A sharp, searing pain shot through my collarbone. Instantly, clarity returned to my mind, and I found my voice again. My hands shot to his chest, and I shoved with all my might, finally creating enough space to push him away."Jared, sober up!" I cried, my voice trembling with a mix