(JARED'S POV)I scribbled my signature on the last document, relieved that I had finally tended to the last of the paperwork stacked on my table for weeks. Just as I was about to put the papers away, a knock sounded on the door."Who is it?" I called out."It's Cristina, sir," my secretary replied."Come in."Cristina entered, looking a little flustered. "Apologies for disturbing your work, sir, but I'm having some trouble accessing the company's database."I nodded in understanding. Cristina is new, barely two days at the company. My previous secretary had resigned as she was relocating abroad with her fiance."Take a seat, and let me show you," I motioned to the vacant chair.Patiently, I showed her how to navigate the database. And a few minutes later, she had gotten a hang of it."Thank you, sir," she said, rising to her feet. "I really appreciate your patience.""You're welcome." As she turned to leave, I called out, "Cristina?""Yes, sir?""Are you active on social media? You k
(ARIELLE’S POV)I was getting vegetables and other cooking utensils ready when I felt a jolt in my stomach. I winced and grabbed the kitchen island, waiting for the wave to die down. I knew it would because it was a feeling I was familiar with.The feeling had started three days back, and at first, I had attributed it to what I ate. But it happened again, and again, and it's the third day already.I didn't read much meaning to it because it wasn't painful, just a sharp jolt that rippled through my abdomen like a tide of waves. And seconds later, it was gone like it never happened.Deciding it was nothing serious, I didn't bother telling my Mum or Ashley about it. They'd freak out and drag me to the hospital, and I hated hospitals. They reminded me of so many ugly memories. And so shoved the thoughts of it aside, deciding it would stop the same way it started. No need to worry anyone."Are you alright?" Rebecca inquired, looking at me closely.I forced a smile; I hadn't realized I'd p
(ARIELLE’S POV)“So, what are you gonna do with the packages?” Ashley asked when we were seated side by side on the couch watching Steve Harvey hours later.I whipped my head to face her, realizing the packages were still outside, on the porch. “I don't know,” I shrugged. “Probably send them back to her. Politely, of course.”“Um, um,” Ashley said, shaking her head. “You'll do no such thing. It's disrespectful.”“No, it's not,” I countered. “She has to know that I meant it when I said I do not need anything from her family anymore.”“Still, you should accept this one gift; maybe after it, you can tell her you do not want any more of them. Speaking of that, you should call her and let her know you saw the gifts.”“There's no point, I'm not accepting them,” I insisted stubbornly.“You already did.”“Really? They're gonna be there on the porch if you don't let me return them.”“And who said they are still on the porch? I brought them in already. They're in the store room so you better go
(ARIELLE'S POV)The words hung in the air, and I paused, momentarily forgetting how to breathe. My eyes widened, and my mouth hung open as I struggled to process the words while fighting to suck air back into my lungs. PREGNANT? How could that be? I turned to Ashley, expecting her to share my disbelief, and she looked just as stunned. Her eyes saucer-wide, and her lips parted in shock.Somehow, I managed to compose myself, though my voice trembled. "What?" I stammered, my voice a raspy whisper.Ashley's grip on my hand tightened, but I hardly noticed. I was too busy trying to process and inquire about the bombshell that had just been dropped."Doctor," I continued. "I doubt someone of your noble profession would want to joke around. Please, tell me this is a joke." I pushed the file back towards her, my hands shaking. "Here, take it and ensure it's mine." The doctor's smile never left her face. Instead, she looked at me with understanding. "I understand your shock, Arielle. Most wo
(ARIELLE'S POV)I walked numbly beside Ashley, my body present, but my mind wandering. We were leaving the hospital, and I was still dazed. The doctor had asked me to return in a few days to start my antenatal, but up until this moment, despite seeing my child through the scan, hearing its heartbeat, and holding pictures of it, I still felt like I was in a dream. One that fate has plunged me into, and sooner or later would cruelly pull me out of it. Ashley, God bless her, understood the state I was in and held me firmly by the arm. A gesture I was grateful for because I didn't trust my legs not to give in and wobble under me.We continued walking, lost in our thoughts when suddenly, Ashley's grip on my arm tightened. "Arielle, look," she whispered.I followed her gaze and my heart sank–coming from a corner in the hallway ahead of us was Jared and Sofia. From the look on their faces, they looked surprised to see us, too.Oh, no! I whimpered. This can't be happening. "Should we turn
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Leaving? What do you mean?" Ashley asked, looking stunned."I...I can't stay here anymore. I need to get away from everything. From Jared, from Sofia, from all of this," I responded.I watched Ashley's face fall, and my heart broke even more. I knew she was not going to take the news lightly, but hours ago, after crying and waking up, I had a deep thought and decided leaving was best. I doubt I would ever get the healing I deserved if I kept staying in a place that reminded me of my pain and loss."Where will you go?" Ashley asked, her voice surprisingly calm. I knew it was a facade, but I was grateful she was trying to be the stronger one compared to me, who already had tears threatening to spill down my face."I honestly don't know yet. I just know I have to leave. I can't stay here and pretend everything is okay when it's not. I want to get a new life and heal faster. I deserve peace and happiness, and so does my child.""Ummm, I don't know, but I think we have to
(ARIELLE'S POV)It's been days, and my mood has improved greatly. I was finally adapting to the reality that I was indeed pregnant, and it was the best feeling I have had in a while. I visited the hospital for more tests and pregnancy supplements and resumed my antenatal sessions.Although my decision to leave had not changed, it was pending as I had not been able to have the conversation again with Ashley. Ashley always shied away when I tried to bring it up, but I understood. I would do the same if the tables were turned. But I knew we had to have the conversation definitely. I decided it had to be at dinner tonight, we were done putting it off. I took my time preparing lunch before Ashley returned from work, making sure everything was perfect. I was setting the table when she walked in and dropped her bag on the couch. "Wow, something smells nice!" She exclaimed."Yes, I made your favorite," I replied, smiling."Hmmm," she said, giving me a mock suspicious look. "What's the occa
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Italy?" Ashley repeated, her eyes wide with surprise. "Yes, the founders of the scholarship have their academy in Italy," I responded, excitement sparking inside of me."What scholarship?" Ashley asked, her brow furrowed in confusion."The one Mr Stone, my manager, told me about," I explained. "I had turned it down, but I think it's the solution to my decision to move now.""Tell me more–"Ashley made to say, but I was already shooting out of my chair. I hurried to the sitting room and retrieved my phone from the couch, tapping on the calendar screen. My heart skipped a beat as I realized it was less than two weeks before the scholarship expired."What's going on?" Ashley called out."I have to call Mr Stone," I responded, already dialing his number."Hello?" Mr Stone's voice came through the line."Hi, Mr Stone. I'm calling about the culinary scholarship. I know I declined initially, but I'm interested now and would love to know if it's still Open.""Ah, Arielle! I'm
(ARIELLE'S POV)One of the drunken men seemed to recognize Jared. He whispered to the others, "Could these bitches know Smith?"The second man scoffed, dismissing the idea. “Impossible. They must be some pathetic women trying to cling to the riches.” His words were thick with condescension as he took a step closer, reaching for my arm. I jerked away, my voice rising in anger. “Take your hand off me!”Jared froze. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the situation.I held my , desperate for him to intervene, praying he'd come to our rescue.But I got the greatest shock of my life.Jared barely glanced in our direction. His gaze was icy, detached—like we were invisible.Oliver hesitated, his uncertainty clear, but Jared spoke first, his voice cool and calm. "We just came out to get some air, Oliver." He motioned to the chaos without a flicker of emotion. "Don't get involved in something we don’t know about."I saw the tension in Oliver’s shoulders as he clearly wanted to
(ARIELLE'S POV)When I arrived at the club nearly 40 minutes later, Dwayne's subordinate, Claire, was already waiting for me at the entrance. As usual, she was imposing and had a stern expression on her face. "This way, please," she said politely, but firmly. Safely guiding me through the crowded club, and expertly navigating through the body of partying people. I silently thanked Dwayne. He always had my back, even in situations like this.We walked past the bar, where a bartender was mixing all manner of drinks, ranging from the ones with weird colors to the ones that caught fire, and people flanked him on all sides, downing glasses upon glasses.As we continued walking, I couldn't help the feeling of unease that was increasingly crawling under my skin. The club was dimly lit, but bright enough to make out anyone. It was the kind of a place where anything could happen, and I couldn't help but grow even more worried for Ashley.Then, unexpectedly, I bumped into someone I never tho
(ARIELLE’S POV)Both Ashley and her mom looked up at me simultaneously, their eyes wide with surprise. Mrs Thompson's expression was that of relief, her face relaxing as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Ashley, on the other hand, was more of confusion than surprise, her brows furrowed together."I promise, I'll see what I can do," I added, trying not to give them false hope. I didn’t want to disappoint them, not after agreeing to help.Mrs Thompson nodded, her warm smile returning to her face. "I'm so grateful, thank you, Arielle," she said, her voice filled with emotions. She was on the brink of tears.And before I knew it, Mrs Thompson was pulling me into a hug. I reciprocated, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close, while trying to avoid meeting Ashley's eyes, which had a questioning look in them.After disengaging from the hug, I declared my intention to leave. "I should get going," I said, glancing at my phone. "Maverick will be worried by now, he's alo
(ARIELLE’S POV)Ashley leaned over the partition between the drivers side and passengers side, crooning her neck so he could hear her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry, but we'll have to reverse and take Margaux home, first.""Alright, Ma," the driver said, and immediately put the car in reverse. As we sped off, I was glad I was able to take care of Margaux for her grandparents. All I wanted was to get her home safely, and then Ashley and I would take a cab to her mother's place.We all settled into silence, with the gentle snoring of Margaux, and the sound of the car's engine and the occasional passing cars breaking the stillness.Soon, the car pulled up at Harrison's house, a warm and cozy Victorian home with a beautifully trimmed lawn. We sent the driver to call the butler to take Margaux in."Thank you so much, guys," Margaux said, her voice sleepy, as the butler helped her out of the car. She stretched, arching her back, and then smiled at us."No problem, take care," Ashley and I responded
(ARIELLE'S POV) Sofia even gave me a slightly apologetic glance as she passed by, holding onto Jared’s arm. I must’ve looked like a fool, standing there like that. Ashley, already rolling up her sleeve and shaking her fist, muttered, "I'll go ask him what he means by this." "Don't pull me!" I heard her protest as Roman grabbed her arm. Margaux, sighing, interjected, "Why don't we listen to what Arielle has to say first?" Ashley spun around to face me, her expression fierce. "Ari, don't worry about it. I'll find out exactly what's going on." I shook my head. "Don’t ask him. We have nothing to do with each other anymore." Ashley’s face shifted through several emotions before she finally spoke. "What do you mean?" "I mean," I paused, gathering my thoughts, "we had a fight a few days ago, and I told him that we’re done. We have nothing left between us." Silence hung in the air for a long moment. Ashley just stood there, calming down as she processed my words. Roman, seemingly
(ARIELLE'S POV)7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel."You’ve got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face.The afternoon had passed in a blur—probably because my mind kept drifting.Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself here, stuck in this awkward limbo. How hard could it be? Negotiate with dealers, help clients solve problems, assist blind dates, and maybe catch my ex-husband in the act?“If I get through tonight, I’m buying a lottery ticket,” I murmured, a bitter smile crossing my lips.I checked the time again, then left the bathroom, taking a seat closer to the table with the sea view.That’s when I spotted Margaux, the young woman supposedly the Harrisons' granddaughter, waiting for her date.She looked delicate, calm, almost ethereal in a beautiful blue dress—something straight out of a French film. She had this quiet, classical elegance about her. It was hard to believe she was the rebellious granddau
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Thank you, still," Mrs. Harrison said, her eyes persistent.I nodded, smiling warmly. "You're welcome," I said, realizing the older woman had no intention of backing off unless she heard those words.She smiled, seeming to relax now. "And Mrs Harrison," I called, my voice taking a serious tone."Yes?" she responded, looking up at me expectantly, her husband beside her. Thankfully, his complexion had returned to normal, and he seemed back to his usual self."You know, as we get older, our eating habits change. Some foods become harder to chew, so we need to replace them with softer options," I began carefully.Mr. Harrison sighed, looking a little uncomfortable. "We’re always so cautious about what we eat," he said, as if weighing his words. "Sorry if we caused any trouble."I shook my head with a reassuring smile. "Not at all, sir. Actually, we have some options on the menu that I personally designed for guests like you—things like tender meats, pureed soups, soft ri
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Mommy, Uncle Dwayne and I are taking the dogs out for their evening walk. We won’t stay long, love you!" Maverick's voice rang out from the porch.I was in the kitchen, trying to get dinner together while he was out with Dwayne, who had just shown up a few minutes ago."Alright," I called back, and soon, I heard their retreating footsteps and the happy barks of the dogs.Sighing, I covered the cooking pot of pasta and went to sit at the kitchen table. The evening was cool and lovely, sunlight streaming through the windows, but my thoughts? Not so peaceful.It’s been a week since my fight with Jared, and I hadn't heard from him since. Dwayne, on the other hand—despite his busy schedule with the whole business expansion thing—still made time every evening to take the dogs for their walks with Maverick. With three dogs now, their little routine had become part of their day, like clockwork.Every time I looked at the golden retriever puppy, I couldn't help but think about
(JARED'S POV)I felt something snap and twist inside of me. The news hit me harder than I expected, and for a moment, my anger towards her evaporated. Sofia kept talking, her voice small, apologetic. “Jared… I wasn’t supposed to interrupt you with all this, it’s my mum—she asked me to—”But she was cut off by her mother’s steely gaze. I watched as Mrs. Gold's grip on her daughter's wrist tightened, almost painfully, as if she could crush Sofia’s hand into silence. My eyes flicked back to Sofia—there was something so vulnerable about her now. It hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at her longer than I should have, unable to look away from the pain and helplessness reflected in her eyes.Mrs. Gold broke the silence with a sharp, accusing tone, her voice like the crack of a whip. “You see, Jared, we’ve been trying to get your family to help us. After all, I saved your mother’s life those years ago…”I could feel my eye twitch with the familiar irritation. There she goes again, u