Hi everyone, I’ve made some edits starting from the last chapter, and I’m excited to share that this is the 100th chapter of my book! It’s a special milestone, and it also marks the official return of our female lead, Arielle. This moment means a lot to me, and I hope it resonates with you too. I’ve noticed some discussions and critiques about the characters, and I’m incredibly grateful for all your feedback. Jared and Arielle, like the other characters in this story, are meant to grow and evolve. They’re not perfect, just like real people, and I hope you’ll enjoy watching their journey unfold. Your thoughts are truly valuable to me, and I’ll keep them in mind as I continue to develop the story. Please don’t hesitate to share what kind of storylines or plot twists you’d like to see as Arielle makes her return. I’ll do my best to bring your ideas to life! I promise the upcoming chapters will dive deeper into the characters and deliver some exciting surprises. Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all my readers for your patience and support. A special shout-out to Susan—thank you so much!
(Jared's POV)As I made my way through the airport, weaving through the crowds of travelers rushing to embrace their loved ones, something caught my eye. A woman, moving just ahead, her figure strikingly familiar.My heart faltered, as if time itself had paused.Arielle?No, it couldn’t be. My logic
(JARED'S POV) As I struggled to stay awake and fight off Sofia, my mind began to drift into a dreamlike state. And then, as if a door in my mind opened, I found myself in a different place—a warm, inviting room bathed in soft light. It felt familiar, safe, like something I had lost long ago but n
I missed Arielle so much it hurt, a constant ache that never went away. But I couldn’t admit it, couldn’t confess to myself that she wasn’t coming back. Not now, maybe not ever. And forgiveness? That was just another dream I couldn’t let myself believe in.And with that, I walked off. (SOFIA’S POV
(SOFIA’S POV) I arrived at "Elegance," a popular unisex fashion clothing shop patronized only by the rich. Being a regular caller, I was treated well as I walked to the female section to shop for new arrivals. "Welcome back, Sofia, "Jenna, the sales manager said, approaching me with a smile. "H
(JARED'S POV)I was buried in work when Sofia’s call cut through the silence, pulling me from my focus.Ok what happened this time? When could she stop causing trouble? I sighed and suppressed my anger as I listened to her crying on the other end of the phone. She lived under my roof; her safety was
But I didn't say a word, I merely led her to the car I arrived in, opening the door for her. As she settled in, I got into the driver's seat and turned in the car's engine. This wasn't over. We'd talk about the car later, but for now, I just wanted to ensure she was safe. The drive home was in
(JARED'S POV) I blinked and went over the headline again, ensuring I was not reading wrong. But the words did not go away. They were there, as bold as ever. Then I swallowed hard, forcing my gaze down to the picture below, and my breath hitched. It was her. Arielle. The same lady at the airpor
(ARIELLE'S POV)It was my first day back since returning home, and a sense of excitement and nervousness buzzed under my skin. Today, I’d be visiting my restaurant site and attending a pivotal meeting with delegates from the prestigious Paradiso Culinary Academy—my alma mater—for the ambassador endo
I rolled my eyes and tried to rise to my feet. But he pulled me back. “Can I get one more drink? Please,” he said softly. His voice was silky and enchanting, like that of an experienced spell caster and it took all the self-control I could muster to break away from him. “I’ll go check the kitche
(ARIELLE'S POV) A couple of shots later, the air was more loose around us and we were both laughing at a silly joke he’d made. I couldn’t remember what it was but I laughed so hard my insides began to hurt. “I think my intestines just exploded inside,” I joked, and we broke into another round of l
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The room remained silent, all eyes trained on the couple whose eyes were misty in solemn gratitude. I remained lost for words, my tears already rolling down my cheeks, burning hot with gratitude and hope—hope that their procedure would give me the cure I so desperately wanted. Ma
He must have noticed my facial expression because he turned to me, his bespectacled eyes holding surprise. “Don't tell me you don't know them,” he whispered incredulously. I shrugged, they were probably medical personnel just like everyone else in this room beside me and Jared. Like he could read
(ARIELLE'S POV) The rest of the day flew by in a blur. Jared returned from the call, and we spent some time talking, catching up on everything except the looming summit. I called my Mom and Maverick when I retired to my room, and the sound of my son's cheerful voice filled me with so much warmth an
“It is,” he agreed, nodding enthusiastically. “And how are you enjoying your…time?” "It's been relaxing so far," I said, keeping my tone nothing short of neutral. He went on to ask me a series of generic questions about my life and interests, but it quickly became clear that we had very little in
(ARIELLE'S POV) I woke hours later, feeling much better. The jet lag had subsided, and I felt refreshed. I sat up, stretching my arms above my head, and glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was pre–noon, and I remembered Jared mentioning brunch. Swinging my legs off the bed, I stood up, m
(ARIELLE'S POV) I felt Jared freeze on me, and then he relaxed, accepting the hug. We stayed that way for seconds, no words uttered, just silent communication. A few seconds later, I disengaged from the hug feeling much better. It felt like the soothing balm I needed. And without a word, I grabbed
(ARIELLE'S POV) After I left Dwayne at the bar, I had left for the location Jared and I were meeting, and we had both boarded the jet together. We sat side by side with each other, and I awkwardly realized that it was the first time in months that I had been in such close proximity to him, and I fo