Hello, dear readers! I want to apologize for a mistake I made with the recent updates. Yesterday, I accidentally skipped a chapter and uploaded the wrong one. I've corrected it today, so the missing chapter is now in place! If it seems like you’ve read the same content twice, don’t worry—it’s not a repeat. Please go back one chapter, and you’ll find the missing piece of the story! (I’ve also revised this chapter and made some slight edits to improve it, so feel free to give it another read!) Also, I know I haven’t updated for a few days, but rest assured, I’ve been using this time to carefully plan the upcoming chapters. I’m so excited because the story is about to get even more thrilling! Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. Thank you for your patience and continued support!
(DWAYNE'S POV)As I settled Maverick into the seat beside me, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. The sudden rush of chaos had passed, and now the room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and the low hum of conversation. Crisis averted.With the atmosphere settling back into its rhythm, I let my gaze wander around the table, subtly studying the faces of those present. The Langleys were deep in conversation with Matt, their voices rising and falling with bursts of laughter and lively debate. Jared and Tiana sat next to each other. She was trying to engage him in conversation, leaning in now and then, but Jared seemed far more interested in the food than her.I once caught him staring at Arielle with so much intensity and longing and he looked away the moment he noticed I was looking at him, too. "Poor guy," I smiled inwardly.Sometimes I really don’t understand him. Does he truly care about Arielle, or is he just angry because she's moved on and refuses to come b
(ARIELLE'S POV)As I stepped out onto the deck after dinner, the cool evening breeze swept through my hair like a soothing caress. The sky was a beautiful sight to see at that time of the day, a hue of blue and white.Beside me, Ashley and Maverick were deep in conversation, laughter spilling out between them as we walked. But soon, as usual, Ashley excused herself, shouting with a grin, “I’ve got to go scout some handsome guys for my next evaluation sheet! Margaux’s waiting for me.”I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was typical Ashley—always on the lookout for "research material," as she liked to call it. I also knew, unless the situation was really extreme, she wouldn’t willingly spend more than 10 minutes with a kid. Maverick was an exception, of course.But she was still a good sport. She bent down and offered him her hand, her voice sweet as she said, "Alright, little man, let’s get you to your grandma. I’m sure she’s waiting to spoil you rotten."Maverick grinned, his eyes twinkli
(ARIELLE'S POV)The bathroom door creaked open, and out stepped Dwayne. His hair was damp from a shower, droplets sliding down his broad, muscled chest. For a split second, we both just stared at each other, equally startled.“Arielle?” His deep voice broke the silence, his brows knitting together in concern.My mind foggy, I blinked repeatedly to ensure it was indeed him not my hallucination."What are you doing in my room?" I asked, trying to sound strong. I looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The bed, the dresser, and everything in it–everything looked like it belonged to me, but something felt off.“This is my room.” His frown deepened as he stepped further in. “I’ve been staying here since we boarded the ship.”I shook my head, a feeling of panic enveloping me. "No, no, this is my room," I insisted. "I remember vividly. I was just... just in the..." I paused and tried to recall my earlier actions, but my memories were hazy.Frustration welled up inside me
(JARED'S POV)As I stepped out of the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Arielle had disappeared, and I had no idea where she had gone. I had been looking forward to talking to her all evening, but it seemed like fate had other plans or she was intentionally avoiding me.So I decided to focus on the utmost task at hand–confronting Matt Harrison. After tricking me and going contradictory to our agreement, it was expedient that he and I had a little chat.After a little looking around, I found him smoking at a corner of the deck, the dim night lightning casting a shadow on his face. I approached him, my footsteps echoing on the wooden floor.My footsteps alerted him, and he turned to face me, a smile spreading across his face. "Ahh, Jared, I have been expecting you. Took you long enough to find me. Sigh, the murderous glances you kept casting at me; I almost swore you'd rip my heart out the instant dinner ended.""Well, it's a good thing that you know that I'm not a man
(ARIELLE’S POV)The scent of the dinner wafted through the room, as I focused on my husband, Jared. His dark hair falling just right, framing his straight nose and sharp jawline. Even in his casual clothes, the man had an undeniable presence—broad shoulders, a sculpted chest. He could’ve walked right out of a magazine, yet here he was, with me. It was our anniversary, and in commemoration of that, I had suggested that we had an indoor dinner– just the two of us.Despite his usual aloof self, Jared had created time from his usual busy work schedule, and that was a gesture I considered lovely. Especially when he looked up at me with those smoldering eyes, it was hard to stay upset. I had chosen to sit across from him instead of our usual dinning position–beside him because I wanted to see all of his reactions when I finally broke the good news to him. You see, I just discovered that I am pregnant yesterday from our family doctor, and I stalled the news, so I could break it to Jared
(ARIELLE POV) Oh well, color me surprised! I blinked severally to ensure that I was not seeing wrongly. My eyes widened in shock, my mind trying to process the scene before me. My husband, Jared, was standing beside another woman, a pregnant woman who claimed to be his wife, in a restaurant where I worked. The woman's words earlier reverberated in my ears, “my husband will have you fired!” My heart pounded, breathing suddenly becoming difficult. I felt like I had just been punched in the gut. I took a step forward, my voice raspy and barely a whisper, “Jared?” Jared met my gaze, his composure unwavering. “Hey, Arielle,” he said in a casual tone,, as if being seen in the restaurant his wife worked in with another woman who claimed he was her husband, was a normal occurrence. My eyes narrowed at him, as I expected him to offer me an explanation. Before Jared could respond, Sofia stepped forward, her face a mask of surprisement, “Oh, you must be Arielle! I’m so sorry for the conf
(ARIELLE'S POV) “Ashley, I need to go. Thank you for the information. I will call you back later.”After the phone call with Ashley, I tried my best to handle my whirling thoughts. Jared is always elegant, considerate, and even meticulous. I thought I knew this man after three years’ marriage. However, I've never seen him defend anyone in front of me, let alone break his promise twice. I sighed as I stepped down from my car. Upon arriving at home, nothing prepared me for the sight I was met with. Sofia was seated comfortably in the sitting room, and she was not alone. She was with Jared's mother, and they were conversing and laughing happily. While Jared was sitting alone on the single sofa next to them. “What's going on here?” I managed to ask, a lump forming on my throat. As I approached, Jared rose smoothly, reaching for my coat. “I brought Sofia over because Mom wanted to see her,” he explained, his tone measured. "You could have told me first," I said quietly, "
(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
(JARED'S POV)As I stepped out of the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Arielle had disappeared, and I had no idea where she had gone. I had been looking forward to talking to her all evening, but it seemed like fate had other plans or she was intentionally avoiding me.So I decided to focus on the utmost task at hand–confronting Matt Harrison. After tricking me and going contradictory to our agreement, it was expedient that he and I had a little chat.After a little looking around, I found him smoking at a corner of the deck, the dim night lightning casting a shadow on his face. I approached him, my footsteps echoing on the wooden floor.My footsteps alerted him, and he turned to face me, a smile spreading across his face. "Ahh, Jared, I have been expecting you. Took you long enough to find me. Sigh, the murderous glances you kept casting at me; I almost swore you'd rip my heart out the instant dinner ended.""Well, it's a good thing that you know that I'm not a man
(ARIELLE'S POV)The bathroom door creaked open, and out stepped Dwayne. His hair was damp from a shower, droplets sliding down his broad, muscled chest. For a split second, we both just stared at each other, equally startled.“Arielle?” His deep voice broke the silence, his brows knitting together in concern.My mind foggy, I blinked repeatedly to ensure it was indeed him not my hallucination."What are you doing in my room?" I asked, trying to sound strong. I looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The bed, the dresser, and everything in it–everything looked like it belonged to me, but something felt off.“This is my room.” His frown deepened as he stepped further in. “I’ve been staying here since we boarded the ship.”I shook my head, a feeling of panic enveloping me. "No, no, this is my room," I insisted. "I remember vividly. I was just... just in the..." I paused and tried to recall my earlier actions, but my memories were hazy.Frustration welled up inside me
(ARIELLE'S POV)As I stepped out onto the deck after dinner, the cool evening breeze swept through my hair like a soothing caress. The sky was a beautiful sight to see at that time of the day, a hue of blue and white.Beside me, Ashley and Maverick were deep in conversation, laughter spilling out between them as we walked. But soon, as usual, Ashley excused herself, shouting with a grin, “I’ve got to go scout some handsome guys for my next evaluation sheet! Margaux’s waiting for me.”I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was typical Ashley—always on the lookout for "research material," as she liked to call it. I also knew, unless the situation was really extreme, she wouldn’t willingly spend more than 10 minutes with a kid. Maverick was an exception, of course.But she was still a good sport. She bent down and offered him her hand, her voice sweet as she said, "Alright, little man, let’s get you to your grandma. I’m sure she’s waiting to spoil you rotten."Maverick grinned, his eyes twinkli
(DWAYNE'S POV)As I settled Maverick into the seat beside me, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. The sudden rush of chaos had passed, and now the room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and the low hum of conversation. Crisis averted.With the atmosphere settling back into its rhythm, I let my gaze wander around the table, subtly studying the faces of those present. The Langleys were deep in conversation with Matt, their voices rising and falling with bursts of laughter and lively debate. Jared and Tiana sat next to each other. She was trying to engage him in conversation, leaning in now and then, but Jared seemed far more interested in the food than her.I once caught him staring at Arielle with so much intensity and longing and he looked away the moment he noticed I was looking at him, too. "Poor guy," I smiled inwardly.Sometimes I really don’t understand him. Does he truly care about Arielle, or is he just angry because she's moved on and refuses to come b
(ARIELLE'S POV)My first reaction when Margaux broke the news to me was that of disbelief. I sat frozen in the lounge chair, my widened eyes fixed on her as she delivered the news."I'm sorry, but my Dad has extended a dinner invitation to the Langleys and their visitors," she announced; her face was a picture of anger and frustration, one that conveyed her disapproval of her father's decision."By 'visitors,' you’re not telling me it’s...?" I trailed off, dreading the answer."Yes, Jared Smith," Margaux finished."Why would he do that?" I blurted out, finally snapping out of my initial shock. But as the words left my mouth, I felt a flutter in my chest. It wasn’t the worst thing that could happen... but it was weirdly convenient. Jared just happened to be on the same ship? What were the odds?I glanced at Dwayne, looking for answers. Had I missed something? He just shrugged and gave me a wide, innocent grin, like he had no clue either."Oh, great! A perfect party ruined by one rotten
(JARED'S POV) After the call ended, I shoved my phone into my pocket and got off the bed, heading out of the room to wait outside the Dock for whomever Matt was sending. As I walked down the hallway, I could hear the sound of chatters and laughter coming from the room within. I quickly quickened my pace, hoping to avoid getting drawn into a conversation. But my luck ran out as I turned a corner and bumped into my mother and Mrs Langley. They were standing by the rails, sipping iced tea and engaged in a hushed conversation judging from how their lips moved silently. But Mom's eyes lit up the instant she saw me, and she smiled warmly. "Hey, dear, where are you off to?" She asked, eyeing me curiously. "I'm meeting with an important business partner," I replied, trying to sound as casual as possible. I also forced a smile, hoping to reassure her. But she frowned, not having any of it. "But you promised to keep everything concerning business away for these few days, why are you going
(JARED’S POV)I turned around with the bottle of wine in my hands and found Tiana looking at me with knowing eyes. She’d caught me staring, and I had to avert my gaze quickly.Much later in the day, the sailor turned the yacht around for the beach house. We didn’t encounter the other yacht on the way back. I kept hoping we’d run into them at some point so I could see Arielle again. But that didn’t happen, so I decided to call herThe phone rang for a while without an answer until she finally picked up.“Hello. Arielle?” I said tentatively.“Hello, little brother,” Dwayne’s voice came through the speaker. I felt my blood boil with anger at the sound of his voice.“Where’s Arielle? Why are you answering her phone?” I demanded.“Relax. She’s having a swell time with the others. It’s her birthday tomorrow so we’re treating her to a nice time,” he said. I could hear the smile in his voice. “Did you forget it was her birthday, little brother?”Of course! I mentally face-palmed myself. I did
(JARED’S POV.)I walked up the steps, my eyes fixed on Mr. Langley just so I didn’t have to speak with anyone else. I couldn’t trust my mother in situations like this. She had a way of roping me into unexpected conversations.“Mr. Langley,” I called out as I stepped up to the yacht’s deck.He was deep in conversation with a fellow I surmised to be the sailor. “Ahh. Jared. Come up here, son,” he gestured with his hand. He quickly dismissed the sailor.“Son?” I scoffed inwardly. Not when he's top on the list of the people I suspect to be sabotaging my company.“Hi, ” I nodded with a forced smile. “Quite a remarkable yacht you’ve got here,” I chipped in with a smile.“Oh it’s a rental. Cost a decent sum alongside the apartment. And to think we’re only renting for a couple of days! Crazy, I tell you,” he shook his head. “Sorry we had to drag you all the way out here.. away from your company. I know it must have cost you a lot to honor the invitation,” he said, clasping my hand in both of
(JARED'S POV)I left Arielle's office basking in the fulfillment and satisfaction. Seeing her eyes light up when she received the gift made every moment worth it. I replayed the scene over and over again in my head, her fingers tracing the outline of the sculpture, her voice slightly trembling as they conveyed her gratitude. It was a peak moment, one that I wouldn't forget in a hurry.Deep down, I wish I could spend more time with her, but I had to see my Mom. She had called earlier, asking to see me, citing that she had something important to discuss with me. Now, as I drove towards the mansion's direction, I hoped it was as important as she made it sound because she has a history of exaggerating things and making them more ambiguous than they actually were.Soon, I pulled into the compound, and I didn't bother parking in the garage as I figured I'd be leaving soon. I go inside, have the "important" discussion with Mother, say hi to Nana Jean, and I'll be on my way. Easy peasy.I got