Okay so let me get this straight, with good looks, adorableness, that weird winking thing stubbornness also runs in these Arnolds' veins.It's like they are on the same wavelength, the only difference being the age factor."Mama.", I tried to reason with his mother, but by now her stubbornness had become almost irrational." How can I stay at his penthouse? I mean-", I turned my face to him giving a warning look but that, that overly gorgeous man just gave me a shrug. He was enjoying this more than he should be."I don't get what's the problem.", she huffed."It's not like I'm leaving you guys alone, unless..."My cheeks heated when she gave me a knowing look." I know Nico can be a real pain in the arse sometimes but my son is no trouble. He would always try his best to be helpful and not just his best, but the best he can do.", she ended with a proud smile."Wow, thanks for praising me so generously, Mama.", he said sarcastically, an angry scowl etched on his gorgeous face.Damn! I'm co
Happiness and contentment had similar meanings for me. They all started with family.It's so hard to find happiness. I've been looking for happiness for the last four years.But today, I can say I found it.The smiling faces in front of me made me believe in this theory. It made me think that the universe has a plan, if it snatches something from you, it is bound to return to you in some or the other way."What do you think, my child?", Mama asked me and I couldn't help but laugh mentally at how cute all of them were."You're not wrong, Mama.", I shook my head, as much as I wanted to stay with them more. The medicines were taking the best of me. I needed sleep but I wanted to stay here and talk to them."Come on, everyone. Out, now.", my sleepy eyes shot open when I saw Nicolas kicking Aiden and Evans out. Both of them looked at each other and then whispered something to him who in return punched their shoulders pushing them out.I wanted to stop them but they already left smirking al
I never thought I'd say something like that but today I can't help myself but say, Nicolas Arnold was the most thoughtful and understanding person I'd ever met in my life.After that little conversation we had in my bathroom, he told me to freshen up and come outside and when I did, I was left stunned. He and Kia were cooking something."... our Ari is a little upset today, we need to lighten her mood.", I heard him say when I stepped near the kitchen.Our?I don't know but that single world made me grow all warm.I glanced at him who had an apron on over his clothes, his eyes fixed on the stove as if he looked away for even a second, he'll screw up the whole food. Kia was troubling him by putting ingredients here and there or on his face.And in return, he'd just scowl at her. He never shouted at her."Isn't my Nicky uncle a perfect hubby material, Ari?", Kia's words rang in my ears and I couldn't help but agree with it.He was indeed perfect in every possible sense.As if he knew so
Have you ever lost something? If you have, you know what it's like, the hollowness, the constant reminder of not having that particular thing.But what if someday you find it again, there'd be the rush of joy, and the thrill of an ending, and relief that it was all over.Nicolas and his family made me go through that rush of joy and thrill of happiness.I can swear on my life, after Mumma left, this week was the best week of my life. I felt like I was the only one. Nicolas treated me like I was a queen and Mama as if I was a princess. It felt so strange, I was not her daughter, hell she hardly knew me then too she made me feel like I was one of the most important part of her life.I had the time of my life, during the daytime I'd enjoy myself with Mama. Shops, parks, movies with Mama, all of that. But at night I'd be waiting for him. In the middle of the night, he'd come and I'd get the thrill of my life like I knew it was going to happen ever since I was a little kid.I changed my di
The next morning when I woke up I felt light as if a lot of weight had been lifted off my shoulders, I could not describe the feeling I experienced when I saw his head resting against the headboard just like last time but this time my head was in his lap. My hand was still in his hand and his fingers were still on my hair. I felt so cosy as if all my fears evaporated right then and there.I cautiously got up from my bed and went to the bathroom. I washed my face and brushed my teeth with a careful hand. I did not want to wake him up, I'd once again spoiled his night. He was too generous to be real.As I made my way to the kitchen, the balloons made me remember last night and Kia's hurt face. I sighed as I sat at my dinner table with my head down. The next moment I felt a hand on my head. I was about to jump up from my seat when I saw it was Mama. She gently took my hand pulling me towards the couch."Come sit with me, dear." I felt so safe with her. Just being with her made me feel c
Every year since that night, I dreaded my birthday. For the past four birthdays, all I did was cry on being alive for one more year. Her screams, how my ex-best friend shoved her down the stairs, how I held her lifeless body in my arms were the only things that would revolve in my brain.My Mumma always told me whatever I wish for on my birthday would come true, and every f*cking birthday I wished for death. I had been waiting for death for the past four birthdays. Her screams haunted me every time I closed my eyes and I just wanted to bring all this misery to end.But for the first time, I didn't wish for death. Rather I thanked God.I thanked God for not fulfilling my wish for the past years. I thanked God for keeping me going, for keeping me alive.And for sending Nicolas in my screwed up life.He was the first person who didn't question me but stood by my side without any condition or expectation. The first person who made his way into my life without making me a prisoner. The fi
I never thought my twenty-fifth birthday would be so beautiful. I felt like God had showered all the happiness on me within a single day. I just couldn't stop smiling. My smile never stopped, even as I went to sleep.After we came from the orphanage, I couldn't stop smiling and ranting about how those precious kids made me feel. During the whole ride, I kept on speaking and appreciating their gestures and my lips always curl in a smile whenever I think of how Nicolas without saying a word kept on listening to me for the whole journey.To be frank, If I were in his shoes, I'd have snapped at myself but bless the man, he didn't stop me even for a second.When we reached his penthouse, I, first of all, apologized to Kia and everyone. But again, bless their precious souls they hugged me without a word.Once again I couldn't help but thank God for sending such people into my life.And I'd be lying if I say I've not been keeping happy since that day.Actually, more than I should.Every day
Valentine's was one of the biggest events in NYC.Love is in the air wasn't a figurative statement. It was a literal one when it came to NYC.The air had a sweet smell and a hint of romance. People were celebrating love in every way.And seeing all these people so happy and in love, made my feelings for a specific man go out of control. Nicolas Arnold, curse that man, he was making it more difficult. He'd been avoiding me a lot for the last two days and that was really irritating me but again I didn't confront him.I loved him, he had feelings for me but damn us, we both were scared to confess. The longer we avoided the truth, the more restlessness my mind and heart felt.I looked at Evans and Tara, the couple of the house, their smile and happiness made my heart sing. Evans was beaming, apparently, he had asked Tara for her hand in marriage in the morning and she said yes.I was genuinely happy for them. The way Evans looked at Tara was enough to make it clear how much he loved her.
Arielle's POVItalics: Flashback"Mumma, please don't leave me." Tears streamed down my face as I held onto her hand with a death grip. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, were now dull and lifeless, pools of sorrow reflecting the storm within her. I leaned in closer, my heart aching with a pain so deep it felt like I was on the verge of a heart attack. "Mumma," I whispered, my voice a mere breath against her cheek. "I can't live without you."The sterile hospital room was a tomb, the hum of machines a relentless dirge.I felt the cold, hard grip of her hand, my trembling like a leaf caught in a cyclone.Her words echoed, a haunting melody of regret and sorrow. "My Ari,""Mumma, please," I begged, my voice a desperate cry. "Don't give up. Please fight."She closed her eyes and smiled painfully, breathing, a difficult dance with death. I squeezed her hand tightly, my heart a heavy stone in my chest."I would fight wars for you, my child," she whispered, her voice a fragile thread in
Something seems amiss. I can't shake off this persistent sense that an unforeseen event is looming on the horizon.Something dreadful. The feeling is like a stubborn itch that won't go away. I cannot keep happiness in my heart as this sense of impending doom looms. The looming sense of impending doom creates a cloud of uncertainty that casts a shadow over my present and with me, my husband's happiness.He has tried to talk to me but how do I explain this feeling to him when I, myself am not sure about it.I don't know why.Why am I feeling this way?Everything has been going fine.These past eleven months have been smooth sailing, without a single hiccup. Then why am I feeling this way?Maybe I am just overthinking.It was Nick's and I's first wedding anniversary and the whole family was pretty excited for the same. That's a low-key term to define their excitement.They resemble cumin seeds in oil, bubbling with happiness and anticipation. I, on the other hand, could not shake off
"Nick you can't hide like this, I'm telling you. Once I find you, you will regret starting this game." I shouted as I searched for all the places he could hide. "With you, I've never regretted anything, my love."The echo of his words bounced off the walls, making it difficult to pinpoint his location. The anticipation grew within me, fueled by anger, excitement and curiosity. I knew Nick was skilled at hiding, but I was determined to find him. I mean, who does he think he is? He can't just use the charm of his words and melt me all the time. He'll be punished this time and that's final. No more letting his words melt me. I need to toughen up and stand my ground. This game of hide-and-seek has turned into something more, a war. And Arielle Summers Arnold, you'll not be easily swayed this time. "Amore you won't be able to find me."It was clear that the game of hiding and seeking had taken a romantic turn for him. Nick's words, both teasing and affectionate, echoed through the room,
I officially hate my friends.Here I was in a crisis and they were messing around. It was the worst time for them to joke around and not take things seriously.I had never felt so betrayed in my life.My friends were laughing hysterically, but I was in no mood for their antics."This isn't funny, idiots." I shouted as I walked to Mama and laid my head on her lap as she glared at the two of them."Both of them, if you don't stop now I will kick your asses out of here."This made them shut up."I'm still unable to wrap my head around the fact that you, a charmer managed to get a girl so angry she slapped you... twice.", My face twisted in shame and embarrassment as the morons started to laugh again."Two slaps and a punch in the gut, Mama.", Nicolas F*cking Arnold, as Arielle used to say in the past, seemed perfect for the moment to me.Bastard!The reason I was so mad was not just because they were making fun of me, but also because, f*ck I felt too furious, how could that woman, that st
It has been two years and five months since our marriage. Life with Arielle has been full of loving and memorable moments. Although I've said it before I can't help myself but say it again, I'm blessed to have such a wonderful wife.I'll forever be grateful to my Mama for giving me the wisdom to wait for the right woman.Arielle is the one, and I love her with all my heart.I looked at my wife's face which was tucked into the nape of her neck, and with the tip of my finger, I traced the outline of her face. I reached up to run my fingers through her hair, I can't seem to keep my hands off her.A small whine left her lips and I felt a rush of love for her again. She is so responsive, so giving. I leaned down to place a soft kiss on the top of her head. I softly massaged her neck and shoulders as she quietly snuggled in closer to me. I breathed in the scent of her hair. I feel a sense of comfort in being wrapped up like this. It's something so simple but it feels so right.I pressed my
Peace.It's been peace with him. Every single day has been a reminder of how lucky I'm to have a great husband like Nick.How these six years passed, I couldn't know. It's not like it was a straight line. It was more like an unpredictable track. I guess it was the best part of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.I was really proud of my husband. He had successfully overtaken his other company and his vision of getting Arnold empire back in Mama's hands was completed. And as much as I was feeling bad for his father, he hurt Mama and however hard we try, it's impossible to forgive his deeds.Anyway, Caleb and Kia's bond had grown, Kia had always been smart and intellectual for her age but as she grew up, she accepted him as her father but that doesn't mean it affected her relationship with her Nicky Uncle, all it did was get stronger.He was genuinely happy when Kia told him that she accepted Caleb as her father doesn't mean she loved him more.He was the one who gave her the l
Today I learnt a new emotion about human beings.JEALOUSY.Jealousy is an emotion that can consume a person entirely, leaving them blinded by their insecure feelings. It can be as simple as wanting to be more beautiful, or as complicated as wanting to be better than someone else.But right now, all I wanted was to rip that clingy woman off my husband and crush her with my bare hands. Woah! Arielle, crazy much. Relax, she's just a random woman and you're his wife. His legal wife.Nick loves you, why are you being so violent?Nick and I had arrived at the birthday party of one of his closest friends, the owner of Halcyos. Nick was dressed in a black suit, looking hideously dapper. I was dressed in a black off-shoulder gown. We came inside and Nick got indulged with a business friend, we didn't even get to meet the person for whose birthday we came, I'd just stepped to a side to admire the decoration when that woman came along. I tried to ignore her, just like I ignored all the other w
It's been three weeks since our wedding and I've been the happiest since then would be an understatement.These weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions and I think I've been on cloud nine more times than I can remember. I feel so blessed that I get to wake up next to the man I love every single day.My husband is the most amazing man I've ever met in my life, sometimes I feel I'm living my own fairytale with him. He not only respects my choices but also my emotions. I don't think I've ever felt so loved and accepted by anyone. And sometimes I genuinely feel that he's too generous to be real.Just to make sure I don't get uncomfortable, he waited for a whole bloody week before making a public appearance with me which was a big deal since along with it, he was also going to announce the company he built in name of Kia and Amara."Arielle Summers Arnold, my wife." His words are still fresh in my mind and it makes me smile. The look of pride he had when announcing the same was something I
I was anxious, nervous and excited as I entered Nick's room, now mine too. It was not the first time I'd entered his room, but today I didn't step in as Arielle Summers, his love.Today I stepped in as Arielle Summers Arnold, his love as well as wife.My heart was beating so wildly that it was almost painful. I could feel my cheeks burning as I walked up to the mirror and stood in front of it. I had never been tenser in my life. It's not like I haven't slept with him before, but he never tried to start anything with me.He always kept me before himself, my comfort, my feelings and as much as I was ready to give all of me to him tonight, a major part of me felt scared.I looked at the gifts in front of me, I couldn't help but smile. I picked up the black box with gold lettering and walked towards the bed. I stopped in front of it and opened the box. I took the ring out of the box and held it in my hands, it was so beautiful.It was given by Mama. I smiled as the precious gem sparkled i