(ARIELLE'S POV)I shot Jared a confused look, expecting some sort of explanation, but he just brushed me off.What the hell? Don't tell me Jared agreed to accommodate Sofia in our home without informing and discussing it with me?“Agreement?” I repeated, this time, my voice was firmer and demanding. “Tell me, what agreement, Jared.”“Watch your tone, wifey.” Jared narrowed his eyes at me before glancing over at Sofia. “We talked about it earlier.”“Talked about what?” My patience was wearing thin. “You can’t just invite someone to live here without discussing it with me first. I’m your wife!”Sofia stood up, her hand still on her stomach. To garner sympathy, I guess. “Jared, tell her,” she said, holding his hand. “We agreed that I could stay here until I get back on my feet, and get a place of my own.”“Back on your feet?” I exclaimed, incredulous. “You're pregnant Sofia, and not handicapped. You need to be thinking about the future, and not freeloading off us!”Her face flushed with
(ARIELLE'S POV) I was roused from sleep by a gentle tap. My eyes fluttered open and I saw Jared peering down at me."Dinner is served, Mrs. Smith," he said, his voice warm and teasing as he pressed a light kiss to my forehead. "Dinner? I was startled and sat up. "What time is it?" I inquired, looking at the window, and I realized outside looked dark, but the room was illuminated by the bedside lamp. Jared chuckled. "You have been sleeping for four hours. Come to think of it, you never slept this much. Are you alright?" "I'm fine," I quickly replied and got off the bed. I was sure my recent weakness and proclivity for sleep was because of the pregnancy, but I was not about to admit that to Jared. "Alright," Jared said with a nod. "Shall we?" I nodded back, and we both walked out of the bedroom. As we strolled to the dining room, I asked, "So, what's for dinner?" "Roasted potatoes, broccoli, and chicken," Jared replied with a smile. I stopped to stare at him in surprise. "How co
(ARIELLE'S POV) I knew what I was about to do was wrong, as it went against my principles, but I couldn't help myself. My hands moved involuntarily as I typed in a password. Jared had mentioned in the car that his password was my name, right? Well, it was time to find out. I typed my name, and to my amazement, the phone unlocked. I clicked on the message box, and on Sofia's messages. “Hey, are you done bathing?” “Will you come keep me company after you're done?” “Why aren't you responding? Is Arielle awake?” “Are you ignoring me?” “Jared!!!!” “I can’t sleep. Come down, and let’s go outside and look at the stars, just like we did when we were teenagers.” “You promised me at the hospital's garden that we would stargaze, remember?” Angrily, I muted the phone and dropped it back on the couch. How shameless can Sofia be? She should be asleep, and not texting a married man to go out at night to stargaze with her. I returned to the bed, disturbed. Sleep had fled my eyes at this po
(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. His voice was soft.What could I say? What was left for us to say? I could almost hear his voice in my mind if I dared to ask him. The soft pleading, the reasoned excuse—anything but the truth. I was so tired of his “good friend” routine. Tired of the endless dance we did around everything, pretending the
(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. "Arielle," he began, his voice
(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.Jared didn’t move. His voice was sharp, a command. "Stop it Sofia. Mind your actions."But his stillness only made it worse—he wasn’t pushing her away. He wasn’t rejecting her. My stomach churned.Disgust was suffocating me. My eyes met with Jared, a clear guilt in his eyes, and I quickly averted them, hurrying upstairs. I was too tired to worry abo
(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
( MICHAEL’S POV)From my seat, I watched Arielle and her team members celebrate their victory, a mix of emotions brewing inside of me. They had just won the first round of the food tasting competition; which was proper meal setting and arrangement.On the other hand, I was beginning to see her in a different light, other than the social climber and a woman who got to the point she was through the help and influence of her ex-husband, Jared Smith.I was impressed by her culinary skills, passion and the dedication she exuded. She had arrived here earlier with her team, even before her rivals did, and her setup was distinct and orderly.On the other hand, I couldn't help but wonder how a small and upcoming restaurant like hers had managed to secure a catering role alongside my own prestigious establishment , Red velvet.As I sat there, lost in thought, all I felt was disappointment at my team. Despite all the resources I had channeled into getting them prepared as I knew this event had t
(ARIELLE’S POV)Finally, it was D-day. The day for the tasting event for the Mayor's Banquet. I had woken up, cranky and nervous. I didn't know what to expect, but I hoped that my restaurant got more ratings as against our rival as that would put me in more limelight.“You don't have to worry, dear. I know you'll ace it,” Mom assured me as we had breakfast. Ashley and Dwayne had called earlier too, to wish me well. Dwayne was still in Italy, and Ashley had a function at work. But despite the reassurance from my family and loved ones, I was still agitated. I could barely eat and kept struggling.Realizing it was a failed battle, I rose to my feet and grabbed my bag on the table. “I'm leaving now,” I announced.“But you haven't eaten anything out of your plate,” Mom protested, looking up at me worried.“Yes, mommy. You're gonna fall sick if you don't eat well,” Maverick chimed, equally looking concerned.“I'm okay, guys. I have to be on my way now so I can get to the venue on time,” I
(ARIELLE'S POV) I sat in the car, my eyes fixed on the direction Jared and Big Joe had left in. I was restless, my mind racing with all sorts of thoughts of which none was good. I considered getting out of the car and following them, but the doors were locked, and I didn't want to leave the safety of the vehicle. I glanced at the clock in the dashboard, my anxiety growing with each passing minute. If they didn't return soon, I was going to call the cops. Just as I was starting to get really worried, Jared appeared, walking towards the car with a calm expression. He unlocked the door and got in, his voice apologetic. “I'm sorry I was away for so long,” he said. “It's fine,” I said, relieved that he was unharmed. “And where is Big Joe?” “He's running a surveillance check on the environment.” “Okay. So what did you find out? Who was the person?” I asked curiously. He hesitated, and for a moment, and I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. But then he spoke, his voice
(JARED'S POV)I helped her up, and gathered her belongings in one arm, while I gently steered her forward with the other. We walked down the hallway, the sound of our footsteps the only sound in the building. As we turned a corner, I spotted a figure standing in the hallway. On closer inspection, I recognized him. He was the bodyguard Dwayne had hired for Arielle sometime in the past. What was his name again? I searched my brain for a recollection and then it hit. Big Joe. I frowned as I wondered what he was doing here? How come I didn't see him When I arrived? I turned to Arielle seeking answers with my eyes. As if she knew what was going through my mind, she offered an explanation.“Big Joe's back in the job,” she said. “Dwayne rehired him before he traveled.”I nodded, taking in this new information. I gave the bulky man a once-over as we passed him. He was a towering figure, with an even sterner expression than I remembered in the past.As we walked past, he made to follow but
(JARED’S POV.)I stopped by a flower shop on my way to the restaurant. Thankfully, the storekeeper was a friendly middle-aged lady. She took me through the large shop, showing me different flowers sticking out of fancy flowerpots. The place was designed to have an infinity garden theme—it felt like a walk in paradise, with all the smells and sounds. There was a deer statue in one end and a flowing water fountain from which fishes jumped into the air on the other. A squirrel sat on a rubber tree statue in the far corner, while a bunny stuck its head out of a log somewhere else. I let my awe of the place cover up for the fact that I didn’t know what flower to get Keira.“Having a hard time deciding what to get her?” she asked with a kind smile.I nodded, scratching the back of my head in embarrassment. “Gosh. I don’t even know what which to get her. She loves Lavender, hit I want to pair it with another nice flower,” I confessed.“Well, no one ever goes wrong with a mix of lavender and
(ARIELLE’S POV.)I sat in my office for the first time since the hospital incident, and I had to keep a hard fight to keep my mental energy flying high. I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the mountain of work that welcomed me on my first day. Jared and Dwayne had insisted that I let things at the restaurant handle themselves under Stephen and Rebecca’s care. And even though they’d done their jobs very thoroughly, I still had a mountain of paperwork to sign through. Turns out the administrative expectations of the restaurant didn’t take a break like I did.I heard a knock on the door and raised my head from the document before me. Stephen walked in, his lips stretched out in a goofy smile as always. Rebecca pushed past him almost immediately.“Get out of the way, Ste…,” she began saying but paused to observe him. He’d frozen still with the smile still intact, like a mascot. “Hey. Earth to Stephen,” she snapped her fingers in his face and caused him to jump back in fright.“T
(ARIELLE’S POV.)The other parents were taking forever to get ready. The sun was going down and the skies were stained a bright orange. Jared looked at his watch multiple times and I could tell he was growing restless and would’ve disappeared if Maverick’s emotions weren’t involved.The public address system crackled to life and the principal took the stage. All eyes filed in the direction of his booming voice. “In a matter of moments, the race will begin… hold on. I’d like to acknowledge the presence of our biggest sponsors…,” he said. But we didn’t need to hear him finish his sentence.Out of the blues, Mr. Langley appeared in sight, Tiana perched on his arm. They had the facetious look of hypocrites putting on a good show for all who cared to see.“What are they doing here?” my mother asked, her face set in a skeptical frown. I looked at Jared too who was having a hard time concealing the contempt on his face. We exchanged a knowing look and I shook my head in the negative to keep
(DENZEL'S POV)The gears clicked into place in my head. I’d been missing a key detail this whole time. Of course. “Your nephew. The kid is your nephew!” I pointed out in a moment of eureka. “Of course. Jared Smith is your brother. Now you’ve made me look stupid,” I said with an animated pout."You’ve been stupid from the start," Dwayne said, amusement laced with dry contempt. "That’s your problem, not mine. Stay away from Jared and his family." My brain was racing. My lips stretched out in a smile. “You see, sir, actually I think we’ll make a good team.” He raised an eyebrow."I know how it goes with you rich brothers—fighting tooth and nail over family assets. Even if you are a Mafia godfather, so what? There's still more wealth to go around in the wealthy Smith, right? You’re using a fake identity to compete with him, which means there’s a reason. Whatever it is, I can help you." I was on a roll now, the more excitement buzzing in my veins as the more I realized. “Jared owes
(DENZEL’S POV.)I licked my lips in self-absorbed satisfaction as I watched the gears in the man’s head move. He’s a dangerous man.That’s the first thought that struck me.There’s a vast difference between how men and women look at other men. A woman might first notice the tailored black suit sculpting his broad shoulders and tapering waist, the sharp cheekbones and chiseled jaw that gave him a sculpted air.But I? I saw the quiet promise of violence beneath his composed demeanor.He stood tall, his frame lean but deceptively powerful—built for precision rather than bulk. Those weren’t gym-trained muscles but the product of relentless, high-intensity exertion. A body honed for efficiency. For lethality.A man like Jared was a lion or a tiger—the noble king of the jungle. But this man was a leopard. Not the biggest beast in the wild, but the deadliest.I made a mental note: If I could deliver someone this menacing into my grandfather’s service as a foot soldier, the old man might jus