Trouble in paradise

(ARIELLE’S POV)

While Sofia clamped her mouth shut, startled by Jared’s sudden appearance, I slowly rose from the chair, still reeling from the shock of all I had heard.

My heart ached—it wasn’t just what Sofia had said, it was the fact that I had to hear it from her, not Jared.

I got to Jared and ignored him completely as I walked past, but he tried to talk to me.

“Arielle, please listen–” he said, trying to reach for me.

I shrugged his hand off and walked upstairs, my eyes welled up with tears. I got to the room and collapsed on the bed, numb, exhausted and disappointed.

Just then, a text arrived on my phone. It was from Jared. “I'm sorry,” it read.

I stared at the screen for a moment, then switched off my phone, unable to deal with his apologies. Sleep didn’t come easily, and when it finally did, it was restless and full of turmoil.

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed.

It meant one thing; he didn't sleep in our room last night. He probably slept in the visitor's room adjacent to our room. He always does, whenever we had a fight.

“Or, did he sleep in the same room as Sofia?” A voice whispered in my head.

I stopped for a moment to think about the possibility of that, but quickly thought against it. I might be having doubts about Jared because of recent occurrences, but I still am aware of what he was capable of.

I soon finished preparing and walked downstairs only to find Jared waiting for me at the foyer.

“Good morning,” he said, planting a light kiss on my cheek as though nothing had happened.

“Yeah, good morning,” I responded, trying to act cool too.

“Arielle, about yesterday…” His voice was calm, almost too calm. “Sofia’s just struggling with the pregnancy. It’s her first, and it’s making her… needy. Please, don’t take everything she said to heart. She didn’t mean any harm.”

Instead of softening my heart like the words were intended to, they only made me bitter at the fact that my husband was in defense of another woman.

Speaking of pregnancy, was he aware that I too was pregnant? Of course not, he had prioritized his ex over me on the day I was supposed to break the news to him.

“So? Am I supposed to just ignore the fact that my husband lied to me? That you left me to comfort another woman in the middle of the night?”

He sighed, his composure slipping just slightly. “I wasn’t lying. I did spend the night at the office. Picking her up was just—”

“A convenience?” I cut him off, my tone icy. “I don’t care about your stupid old crush Jared. But hiding things from me? That’s different! I don’t even know who you are anymore.”

His eyes darkened. “Arielle, you know that’s not true. I’m here. I’m committed to you.”

I shook my head, feeling a lump rise in my throat. “I’m going to work. And when I come home, I don’t want to see her here again. Do you understand?”

My day at work was uneventful, a blur of cooking and cleaning, and soon it was closing time. I was in my office wrapping things up when a knock echoed on the door.

“Who is it?” I called out.

“Rebecca, Ma,” my junior chef replied. “A hot man is waiting outside for you with a massive bouquet,” she announced, and I didn't miss the giggle in her voice.

I paused, confused. Did I have an appointment? I quickly grabbed my bag. “I’m coming out now.”

As I stepped outside, I was met with a familiar figure—Jared, standing by the entrance, looking as effortlessly charming as ever, bouquet in hand. For a moment, I was taken aback. Really? For god’s sake, he’s pulling the 'charming husband' card again? Trying to win me over with those looks? Guilty man.

I quickly regained my composure and turned to Rebecca with a playful grin. “Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not some mystery hunk—it’s just my husband. I know, I feel sorry too.”

Rebecca’s eyes widened. I wouldn't blame her, Jared had only visited my new place of work the day of Sofia's saga, so it’s reasonable no one here was acquainted with him.

Jared stepped forward, his smile warm but tinged with apology. “Hello, Mrs. Smith.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing here, Mr. Smith?”

“Apologizing,” he said smoothly, stepping closer, “for being a jerk. Arielle, I should have told you about Sofia a long time ago. I have no excuse, and I know I messed up. Can you forgive me?”

He glanced down at the bouquet, then back at me. “To make it up to you, how about a weekend getaway? Just the two of us. At our first house.”

The mention of our first house—the cozy penthouse we’d chosen and decorated together after our wedding—made my heart soften instantly. That place held so many happy memories. It had been ages since we’d last visited, mainly because of its distance from my workplace.

To say I was pleased was an understatement, I was beyond the moon with excitement. Finally, a gateway that will help me forget all the dramas of the past days and who knows, it could be the perfect place to break the news of my pregnancy to Jared.

“So, what do you say, Mrs Smith?” Jared inquired, looking at me expectantly.

“Mr Smith does know how to please a woman,” I blinked.

Jared chuckled softly, his gaze melting into mine before he leaned in and kissed me deeply, tenderly. “Thank you, love, for forgiving me,” he murmured, his lips brushing against mine. “And for accepting the offer.” He handed me the bouquet, his eyes twinkling.

I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of lavender—my favorite. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling the tension between us finally ease.

Jared led me toward the car, opening the door for me with his usual grace. As we drove toward the penthouse, the air between us was light and hopeful, a much-needed reprieve from the tension of the past few days.

I glanced at him playfully. “So… seriously, twenty years of crushing on Sofia? I have to say, your taste has definitely improved in marrying me hubby.”

Jared shot me a sideways glance, his expression amused but warning. “Careful,” he said in that smooth, low tone, “or you’ll be in for some punishment tonight.”

I couldn’t help but blush, a soft croon escaping my lips as I turned away, my cheeks burning.

An hour later, we pulled up at the parking lot of the house. It was located inside a reputable estate. But as we alighted, something didn't seem right.

I tried to place what it is and a few seconds of racking my brain brought it to my cognizance. There was a light on, in one of the rooms which was strange.

“Jared, I think someone is in the house,” I informed Jared as we approached the front door.

Jared halted to give me a confused look. “What do you mean?”

“Look,” I said, pointing up to the room that had its light on.

“Come on, Arielle. You are being paranoid. You probably forgot to turn off the lights the last time we were here,” Jared said, waving off my observation.

I opened my mouth to argue when, to my shock, the front door swung open. There, standing in the doorway with a bright, smug smile on her face, was Sofia.

Jared and I froze, exchanging stunned glances.

“What the hell? What are you doing here?” I snarled at Sofia, unable to control my rage.

“Take a chill pill, Arielle. I got the address of the place from Jared's mum. She asked me to live here pending when I get a place of my own, and she also said it would be beneficial for my pregnancy because the environment is cozy.” Sofia explained.

“You have no right to be here!” My voice rose, trembling with anger. “This place is ours, mine and Jared’s. How dare you show up like you own it?”

The hell, why do I keep seeing this lady at every turn I take?

“Oh, my bad, I didn't know you two would visit here anytime soon. . I'm so sorry, I'll leave right away,” Sofia tilted her head, eyes wide. Here agian, that 'sorry' look.

Jared cleared his throat softly, stepping forward. “Arielle, let’s go inside first,” he said, placing a gentle hand on my back as if trying to guide me away from the tension.

I glared at Sofia before storming inside, storming past her at the door.

Once inside, Jared turned to Sofia, his tone measured but firm. “Sofia, this place holds a lot of memories for Arielle and me. It’s special to us, and having someone else here, especially without our knowledge, isn’t appropriate.”

“I completely understand. I didn’t mean to intrude.” She paused, resting a hand dramatically on her belly. “I’ll leave now…”

Jared sighed, “It’s late, Sofia. You’re pregnant. We can’t have you out on the streets tonight.” He glanced at me, as if seeking my approval. “You can stay the night, and we’ll sort out everything tomorrow.”

Sofia put on her most pitiful expression, her voice soft and trembling. “No, I really shouldn’t. I don’t want to cause any tension between you and Arielle.”

“That will be gladly appreciated,” I said, feeling no atom of pity for her.

Jared shook his head, looking at her with patience. “You’re not causing tension. We’ll discuss everything in the morning.”

He began to pat my back soothingly again. “Right, Arielle?”

I didn’t bother responding, feeling the weight of his words as they made the situation worse, not better. Instead, I walked away without a word, heading deeper into the house to calm myself.

As I wandered through the familiar rooms, something caught my eye—changes. Decorations Jared and I had carefully chosen and placed together had been replaced! The furniture had been rearranged, and unfamiliar pieces had taken their place. My heart pounded as rage built inside me.

She’s been here long enough to make herself at home. I knew, without a doubt, that Sofia was behind it.

Seething, I stormed back to the living room, determined to confront her. As I approached, I heard Sofia’s squeal of delight. She rushed up to Jared, snatching the bouquet from his hand.

“Jared!” she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with mock gratitude. “I can’t believe you remembered my favorite flowers...”