Chapter 6

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I retired to the room upstairs, my head throbbing with a migraine.

I couldn't believe what had just happened in the dining room. Jared didn't even scold Sofia for insinuating that I poisoned her. He knew me too well, that I wouldn't hurt a fly, not to mention a human being.

I didn't like Sofia, alright, but the last thing I wound ever do was hurt her. I wasn't even aware that she was allergic to milk, not to mention putting it in her meal just to harm her.

She must be rejoicing now, knowing that her plan to cause a rift between me and Jared had worked. We couldn't even have dinner in peace. Her presence is always disrupting the peace of my marriage.

I sighed and collapsed on the bed, wondering what to do to get Sofia out of Jared and I's life.

Realizing that I was feeling sleepy, I got off the bed and walked into the bathroom for my night shower. After I was done, I slipped into a comfortable night robe and slumped on the bed in exhaustion.

I didn't know how long I slept, but I woke up with a dry throat and a thirsty tongue yearning for water. I got off the bed, slipped my legs into my flip-flops and made my way downstairs, to the kitchen.

I had just ascended the stairs and was about to take the hallway that led to the kitchen when I heard voices. On inching closer, I realized it was Jared and Sofia conversing.

My face frowned in disapproval as I looked at the grandfather clock at the far corner, and it read 11 o'clock at night. Why the hell was Jared up by that time and talking to her? He was supposed to be in bed with me.

Just then, Sofia's voice filtered to my ears, it was not just her voice, but her words. I stopped in my tracks as I listened to her.

“What were you thinking when you got married to such a tough woman like Arielle., Jared? She is mean and lacks human sympathy. Didn't you see how she was unconcerned about having me thrown out, at night? She is not only mean, but inconsiderate too for making you pick her up late from work. You should be resting after a stressful day at work and not playing the role of a driver to her.”

“She didn't ask me to, Sofia. I did it willingly. She is my wife so mind your words.” I heard Jared say.

I scoffed, at least he said a word in defense of me this time.

“You have changed, Jared. This isn't you. What has that woman done to you?” Sofia's shrill voice cried out.

“Stop it. You have no right to talk about the past. And for someone with a failed marriage, you have no right giving hot takes or interfering in mine. The old days are gone, kindly let it remain so—”

“But I divorced my husband because of you!”

My eyes widened. What the hell? What did Sofia mean by that?

“No, you didn’t! Don’t drag me into your divorce story!” Jared snapped, his voice laced with fury. I could feel the heat of his anger—it didn’t ease the weight in my chest. I had ever seen him act like this, so much of… rawest emotion.

I heard a sob escape Sofia's throat. There she goes again with her emotional blackmail, and I pray Jared doesn't fall for it.

Then I heard a sob escape Sofia’s throat. And soon, her sobs grew into a cry. I moved closer. To my consternation, Sofia had moved into Jared’s arms, crying, as she held on to him tightly.

I was infuriated and disgusted when I saw Jared wrap his arms around her, consoling her.

Anger boiling inside me, I hurried back upstairs and began to pack my things. I needed to leave because I have had just enough of Jared and Sofia's excesses.

After parking, I slipped out of my robe into a more decent clothing before grabbing my handbag and making my way out.

I walked towards the stairs, and just at the entrance, I saw Sofia standing, obviously waiting for me. There was a smirk on her face, and a malicious glint in her eyes.

I decided to keep my emotions in check and maintain composure. I will avoid confrontation with Sofia as much as I can. All I was concerned about was leaving.

I ascended the stairs, and as expected, Sofia blocked my path.

“I have no strength for this, Sofia. Kindly leave the way,” I said, my voice firm.

“And if I don't? You think you can try to kill me and go Scott Free?” Sofia asked, hands akimbo.

“Come off it, Jared is not here, so you might as well drop the act. There was no milk in the food, and what you did back there at the dinning was merely a stunt to draw Jared's attention to yourself, like the attention starved kitten that you are. Now, leave my way, I have no time for your drama.”

“You just refused to see the reality didn’t you? Alright, you may pass,” Sofia said and made way for me.

I sneered and walked straight past her.

“If we were both in danger, who do you think Jared would save first?” Sofia suddenly asked.

“What?”

I didn't have the time to process what she meant, because the next minute, I felt a push on my back and lost balance, skidding off the stairs to land at it's base.

I let out a loud guttural scream, and Sofia must have heard Jared's approaching step because she quickly rushed to me and laid down beside me, making groaning sounds like we fell together.

God, this woman was despicable! I wanted to shout, to expose her, but the pain was too intense - especially in my abdomen. Oh God, the baby!

Panic surged through me, and another scream followed. Sofia echoed my cry, louder, trying to steal Jared’s attention.

Jared rushed in. His eyes flicked back and forth between us, confusion written all over him. I couldn’t speak, but my eyes begged him.

Please, help me. Help our baby.

For a moment, I thought he understood. He immediately rushed to me, but just as I was expecting him to carry me up, he halted and turned to Sofia instead.