(ARIELLE'S POV) I puffed out air as the nurses helped me into the wheelchair. I was having my first physiotherapy session today, and the wheelchair was to aid my movement since I couldn't walk properly yet. As I sat in the chair, my emotions were a whirlwind. Fear of the unknown, and determination
(ARIELLE'S POV) After having lunch, Ashley and I engaged in a conversation. While at it, a knock sounded on the door. “Who's it?” I asked, looking in its direction. “Receptionist,” a voice replied. Ashley and I exchanged glances before I responded, “come in.” The receptionist walked in, holding
(JARED'S POV) I gasped in horror as I quickly swerved the car to the side, narrowly avoiding a head_on collision. My car missed the streetlight pole by mere inches. Heart racing, I brought the car to a halt. The other driver's cusses rented the air as he drove past. "That was a close one," I mumbl
(JARED'S POV) Sofia's eyes flashed with anger. "What did you say?" She asked, her voice threatening. Rebecca forced a smile, but remained silent. "I thought as much," Sofia hissed, her tone filled with disdain. "I'd like to place my order now." "Of course, ma'am," Rebecca said and handed her
(ARIELLE'S POV) I paused, my hand instinctively reaching for my ring finger. It felt bare and empty without the familiar weight of my wedding ring. My eyes widened, why did it take me this long to realize it's not on my finger? If Ashley had not called my attention to it, I probably would not have
(ARIELLE'S POV) I moped at the figure, my mouth wide agape. Recognition of who she was, registering in my memory. "Mum?" The word tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop it. The woman, an older version of myself, stood in doorway, her eyes locked on mine. "Arielle," she responded. I couldn't
(ARIELLE'S POV) "Dwayne, right?" I asked the young man, to be sure I was not mistaken. There was a look of amusement and surprise in his eyes as he nodded. "Yes, Dwayne. I'm flattered you recognize me, and still recall my name. It's only bad I didn't get to know yours before your friend arrived an
(JARED'S POV) "What do you mean by "divorce?" I bellowed at the man seated across from me in my office. Since the last time at the hospital where I spoke to Arielle, I had not spoken or set my eyes on her again. I visited the hospital a couple of times, but still was denied access. I even tried ta
“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
(MICHAEL’S POV) I was on a zoom conference call with my strategy team back home when my phone rang. Normally, I’d just ignore it and let it ring out until whoever it was on the other end got the message. But when I looked at the caller ID, I thought better. “Jared. Is everything okay?” I asked my
“That bounce in his step? You’ll only ever find it in a man who’s in love. And you.. your skin has a different glow this morning. Plus you arrived an hour late for our appointment,” Ellen finished with a shrug. “Morning, Dr. Keystone,” Jared nodded as he walked into the room. “Good morning, Mr. Sm
(ARIELLE’S POV) I woke up in his arms, this time, fully aware and hardly willing to break the contact between our bodies. I slowly turned around to look at his face, to be sure none of it was a dream. Jared’s lips stretched in a smile and his eyes peeled open gradually. “Hey,” he said. “Hey,” I e