(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
(ARIELLEโS 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. โCalm down, Mom. Can we talk about it in person?โ โIn person? No, we're gonna talk right now, over the phone!โ โFine,โ 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
(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 replie
I exhaled tiredly. "Alright, why are you here?" Her eyes lit up as she began to speak. "There's a charity event coming up, and I'd love to attend and donate too. Also, I need new outfits and accessories to attend." I was stunned, angry, and amused at the same time. "So you left the house to come h
(ARIELLEโS 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
The possibility of getting to cook again filled me with strength. โLetโs make a stop at a grocery shop,โ I said to Ashley. โOf course. Weโd also pick up something for you to eat as well. You havenโt..โ โNo!โ I said more sharply than intended. โPlease. Iโll eat when Iโm done cooking,โ I maintained
(ARIELLEโS 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
(JAREDโS 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 Ashleyโs bright smile. I was glad to see Arielle so carefree, even on a day like today. Ashley's presence was a bless
โOkay, how aboutโฆ the bartender from that rooftop dinner we went to?โ โArielle!โ Ashley exclaimed, feigning offense. โSeriously? A random bartender?โ I shrugged. โHey, you never know. Besides, you said it yourself that he was your type.โ She rolled her eyes and didn't say a word. I continued the
(ARIELLEโS 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. โPregnant?โ The word escaped my l
(ARIELLE'S POV) โSurprise!โ 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. โAshley, what are you doing here?โ 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 bedโs 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
โI wonโt be long in the shower,โ 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 mightโve worried after checking on me at my suite. I didnโt owe him any explanations of cours
(ARIELLEโS POV) I was awakeโeyes 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 Jaredโs skin against mine, his spring arms wrapped around me like a second blanket, brought back very vivid