You know nothing, Arielle.

(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