(ARIELLE'S POV)I walked into the house, exhausted from a long day at the academy. All I craved for at that point was a light lunch and a long nap. But as I entered the kitchen, a sudden pain struck me in my abdomen."Ah!" I gasped, clutching my stomach.What was that? I thought, suddenly panicky. W
(ARIELLE’S POV) "I didn't know how to tell you," I said softly. "It wasn’t something I hid on purpose. I was afraid of how the academy might react if they found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if they would still accept me." Dwayne’s expression grew somber, his eyes filled with a mixture of unde
****Three years later**** "And the overall best graduating student and winner of this year's $100,000 scholarship grant is Arielle Meyers!" I gasped at the announcement, unable to believe the event anchor's words. It was not only after the hall erupted in applause, and people were glancing at me
(ARIELLE’S POV)I felt my face heat up in embarrassment, and when I looked at Dwayne, he was already watching me, amusement dancing in his emerald eyes. His smile was slow, almost teasing, as if he enjoyed how flustered I’d become.“Um,” I stammered, regaining a bit of composure. “Maverick, baby, ca
(JARED'S POV) "Come on Sofia, we'll be late," I called out. It was a Sunday evening, and we were preparing to leave for my mum's place for dinner. Since the return of Sofia's parents, Mum had made it a ritual that we all had dinner with the Golds at her place every Sunday. As much as I would rat
(ARIELLE’S POV) "Can we talk?" Dwayne's deep voice came through the phone. I paused for a moment, before responding, "Sure." "I don't mean at your place. At a restaurant or somewhere outdoors." "That's fine," I responded. "Alright, I'll come pick you up in two hours." "Alright," I said, and th
(Arielle’s POV) I was genuinely touched by his kind words, and tears welled up in my eyes in gratitude. Before I could stop myself, I was up on my feet, hugging him." "Dwayne," I whispered, my voice trembling. His arms wrapped around me, holding me close. " You don't have to thank me. These are w
(JARED’S POV) "The greatest pain of love is the pain of its loss, and the greatest loss is the loss of self." I sighed and tore my gaze from the quote in the book I have been forcing myself to read for minutes now. It's funny how it resonates so well with my current state of life. Sighing aga
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