(JARED'S POV) It was another perfect day for a professional house husband. I stretched, feeling refreshed as I swung my legs off the bed. Habit had me glancing at the other side where Maverick usually curled up, but it was empty. Right. He’d been sleeping with Arielle these past few nights. Ever
(JARED'S POV) With that thought, I turned the laptop off, pushing it aside. Glancing at the wall clock, I pushed the chair back and rose, deciding it was time to start prepping for dinner. But just then, my phone rang, disrupting my intention. It was my mother calling, and I sighed before picking
Anger and frustration immediately flooded my system. Was this what all of these meant to them? Money and inheritance? Heaven knows I'm not trying to win my family back because of any inheritance, I wasn't even interested in it. Outside the family name and affluence, I have been able to name my own
(ARIELLE’S POV) As I sat at my desk in my office, staring blankly at the computer screen in front of me, I couldn't stop my thoughts from straying. These past few days have been of constant debate about Jared's continuous stay in my house and finally it had led me to a decision –I needed to ask hi
Jared was caught off guard, his eyes briefly flicking to me before he turned them back to the road, his jaw tightening. He hadn't been ready for that. He hesitated, his voice almost pleading as he spoke. "Can I stay a little longer?" he asked, his tone soft, almost fragile. "Maverick's gotten used
(ARIELLE'S POV) The days flew by and it was soon the weekend–the time for the family dinner, and it also doubled as the day Jared was supposed to leave my house. It had been three days since our last conversation, and he had kept his distance and avoided me entirely. In return, I remained silent,
(JARED'S POV) After Arielle left with Nana Jean, I tried to keep up with conversing with Maverick, even though my mind kept wondering about what Nana Jean needed to say to Arielle in private. I pushed the thought aside and focused on Maverick, who was talking excitedly about how big the mansion wa
(JARED'S POV) At this point, my determination to learn more about the tattoo and the man tripled. I tried to connect the tattoo to the identity of the men; was it a symbol for a group or just a work of art? But before I could pursue the thought any further, Nana Jean's voice rang out from the hall
(DWAYNE’S POV.) For moments after Arielle spoke I remained silent, clenching and unclenching my fists in fury. I gritted my teeth so hardly they might have turned into fine power under the pressure. Nothing made sense. Jared opened his mouth to speak and closed it. Arielle remained silent herself,
(ARIELLE'S POV) In Flåm, a small town in Norway, I experienced the most peaceful autumn and early winter of my life. When I first arrived with Dwayne, the country was bathed in autumn colors—crisp air, golden leaves, and a quiet stillness that seemed to soften the weight of my soul. Three months p
(ARIELLE'S POV) In Flåm, a small town in Norway, I experienced the most peaceful autumn and early winter of my life. When I first arrived with Dwayne, the country was bathed in autumn colors—crisp air, golden leaves, and a quiet stillness that seemed to soften the weight of my soul. Three months p
(ARIELLE'S POV) In Flåm, a small town in Norway, I experienced the most peaceful autumn and early winter of my life. When I first arrived with Dwayne, the country was bathed in autumn colors—crisp air, golden leaves, and a quiet stillness that seemed to soften the weight of my soul. Three months p
But his expression and his stance didn't change. “I won't leave her. She needs me.” I sighed, feeling helpless. I looked to Mrs Meyers for help, but she didn't look like she could do any better than I was doing, so I decided to try all alone. “Listen to me, Buddy. You're not leaving your precious
(JARED'S POV) I remained in that position, rocking Arielle gently, until her trembling subsided and she fell asleep in my arms. I gently laid her down on the bed, making sure not to disturb her. As I stepped back, the door went open and Mrs Meyers stepped in. “What happened?” She asked, her eyes b
But his expression and his stance didn't change. “I won't leave her. She needs me.” I sighed, feeling helpless. I looked to Mrs Meyers for help, but she didn't look like she could do any better than I was doing, so I decided to try all alone. “Listen to me, Buddy. You're not leaving your precious
(JARED'S POV) I remained in that position, rocking Arielle gently, until her trembling subsided and she fell asleep in my arms. I gently laid her down on the bed, making sure not to disturb her. As I stepped back, the door went open and Mrs Meyers stepped in. “What happened?” She asked, her eyes b
“You’ve been almost non-existent for awhile now,” he began. I remained silent, my eyes still fixed on the empty nothingness before me. “I just thought the longer I waited to tell you this… I’m afraid for you, Arielle. I’m bot saying you won’t survive this. It’s just… You deserve to know the truth