(ARIELLE’S POV) I was startled by Ashley's question, totally thrown off guard. "I...I don't know," I stuttered. "For now, all I want is to return to work." "I understand," she said, patting my shoulders. "Come on, let's go back to what we were watching." The rest of the evening passed in a blur.
She paused rummaging her closest and turned to face me. "That's exactly why you need to come. You've been cooped up in this house for weeks. It's time to get out and have fun." I sighed, knowing my resistance was futile when it came to Ashley. "Fine, but if I get bored, I'm leaving." "Fine, deal."
(ARIELLE'S POV) The young man chuckled and took off his shades, revealing piercing eyes that sparkled with amusement. "Alright, there was a catch. How're you, Madam?" I was stunned, my eyes widening in surprise. Dwayne? Of all people? Before I knew it, laughter bubbled up from my chest, and I burs
(ARIELLE'S POV) "You will be fine, won't you? And hey, promise me you won't overwhelm yourself," Ashley said, concern perched on her face. We were parked in the restaurant's parking lot. It was Monday, and I was resuming work. Ashley had driven me as she wouldn't let me board a cab or Uber. "I pr
(ARIELLE’S POV) The moment I heard those words, I knew I was in trouble, and had a lot of explanation to do. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation. “Calm down, Mom. Can we talk about it in person?” “In person? No, we're gonna talk right now, over the phone!” “Fine,” I puffed
(ARIELLE'S POV) "Let's keep walking," Ashley whispered, tugging at my arm. But Sofia had already spotted us and was calling out. "Arielle! Ashley!" "Ignore her," Ashley whispered again. But it was too late; Sofia was already rushing towards her. "Hold on, you two." To avoid a scene, as people w
(ARIELLE'S POV) As we turned around to find out why Sofia was screaming, our eyes widened in surprise. Sofia was bent, clutching her stomach, her face contorted in pain. "Are you okay?" I rushed to her, concern on my face. Sofia didn't respond; she just kept groaning. I grew scared and beckoned A
(ARIELLE'S POV) "I still can't wrap my head around what happened," Ashley huffed, flinging her handbag on the couch the instant we stepped into the living room. "That woman is unbelievable!" "Ash, just let it slide," I sighed, slumping next to her. "I'm alright, and that's all that matters." Ashl
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