(JARED'S POV) When Arielle had left with the man on shades, I hadn't really paid attention to him, but now, as they made for the exit door, I couldn't help but stare. One would think I was staring at Arielle, but In reality, I was focused on the burly man. Now this wasn't about me feeling jealou
(ARIELLE'S POV) "Goodness, why did I miss such a show?" Ashley exclaimed, her eyes dancing with amusement. She was in my office with Rebecca, as we recounted the encounter with Sofia earlier. "You needed to see the look on her face when she discovered Arielle was the owner of the restaurant. I
(SOFIA’S POV) I turned round another street corner, my mind occupied with nothing but pure rage and hurt at the way things turned out moments ago. Did it really take nothing for my whole life to collapse underneath me? Only after leaving the restaurant did I realize that I had left my car behind.
(ARIELLE’S POV) After the awkward interview with Stephen Stone — which Rebecca and Ashley didn’t stop teasing me for, I stepped out of the restaurant to get Maverick from school. If traffic and the weather were forgiving I’d make it just in time to redeem myself for picking him up late. I hurri
(JARED’S POV) “I hope I’ve made myself clear? Because I won’t be as nice the next time!” Arielle’s mother hissed through gritted teeth. One look at the fire in her eyes and I knew right away that she wasn’t joking about her threat. The spot where her palm has struck my cheek stung like it had be
JARED’S POV) I killed the engine of my car and sat still, deep in thought. There was a battle raging in my head as I sat in the car space. I stole a glance at my reflection in the rearview mirror. Arielle’s mother’s fingers were still clearly imprinted on my face like an awful tattoo born from the
(ARIELLE’S POV) I sat across from Mom at the dinning table. We’d just put Maverick to bed and decided to stay up a little longer just to catch up on each other’s days while we shared a bowl of fresh fruit salad. “It’s getting so overwhelming doing this on my own, mum. I mean, with things like toda
“He’ll find his rhythm. Kids are resilient like that,” Dwayne said with quiet confidence. Hearing him say that, so sure and calm, I almost felt like I was… reporting to someone checking in with me after a long day? It was a strange sensation, one that crept up on me so suddenly that I had to shake
The possibility of getting to cook again filled me with strength. “Let’s make a stop at a grocery shop,” I said to Ashley. “Of course. We’d also pick up something for you to eat as well. You haven’t..” “No!” I said more sharply than intended. “Please. I’ll eat when I’m done cooking,” I maintained
(ARIELLE’S POV.) It felt like stepping out of a dream. A long one. The world was a blur around me, full of bright colors swirling into each other in a dizzying dance in the corners of my eyes. Slowly, my vision settled and the colors faded into the fluorescent bulb hanging down from the ceiling. I
(JARED’S POV) The next day, I pulled out of the hotel's driveway, Arielle and Ashley chatting away in the backseat. The atmosphere was lively, with Arielle's infectious laughter and Ashley’s bright smile. I was glad to see Arielle so carefree, even on a day like today. Ashley's presence was a bless
“Okay, how about… the bartender from that rooftop dinner we went to?” “Arielle!” Ashley exclaimed, feigning offense. “Seriously? A random bartender?” I shrugged. “Hey, you never know. Besides, you said it yourself that he was your type.” She rolled her eyes and didn't say a word. I continued the
(ARIELLE’S POV) I halted, my mind going blank. Pregnant? Ashley? It felt unbelievable. The Ashley I know would never let a man knock her up without marriage, she was that uptight. My eyes darted from her beaming face to the hand she was now placing on her stomach. “Pregnant?” The word escaped my l
(ARIELLE'S POV) “Surprise!” She exclaimed, her face beaming with smiles as she stepped fully into the room, pulling a small suitcase behind her. My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened. She looked tired from her trip, but her radiant smile masked it well. “Ashley, what are you doing here?” I asked, st
(ARIELLE'S POV) Back in my room at the hotel, I sat in front of my phone that was placed on the bed’s dashboard, waiting for my mom to answer the phone. Excitement coursed through my system like an unending river, and I couldn't wait to share the good news with my loved ones, my mom topping the cha
“I won’t be long in the shower,” he promised as he dashed into the bathroom. I picked up my phone and found a couple of missed calls from Michael Langley. A little frown crossed my face until I realized he might’ve worried after checking on me at my suite. I didn’t owe him any explanations of cours
(ARIELLE’S POV) I was awake—eyes closed, but very much aware of my surroundings. I could feel the gentle early morning breeze dance over my skin as it traveled across the room. The warmth of Jared’s skin against mine, his spring arms wrapped around me like a second blanket, brought back very vivid