(SOFIA'S POV) After storming out of the room in anger, I grabbed my car keys from the coffee table downstairs and drove out, my destination clear in mind–my parents’ place. I needed someone to talk to, and my mother was that someone. The argument with Jared had shaken me to my core. The emotion
(ARIELLE’S POV) In the following days, things kept falling into place. My new life was taking a new shape soon, and I couldn't be more excited. The house, the restaurant, everything was coming together for food. Just as Maverick and I were building towers with his blocks, my phone buzzed. “Girl!
(Arielle's POV) The day of our return had finally arrived. I stood in my room, taking one last look around. I had gotten ready earlier, packing all my belongings and Maverick's, into the suitcases Dwayne had gotten us. "Are you ready?" He called out, standing at the doorway. "Yes, I think so,"
(Jared's POV)As I made my way through the airport, weaving through the crowds of travelers rushing to embrace their loved ones, something caught my eye. A woman, moving just ahead, her figure strikingly familiar.My heart faltered, as if time itself had paused.Arielle?No, it couldn’t be. My logic
(JARED'S POV) As I struggled to stay awake and fight off Sofia, my mind began to drift into a dreamlike state. And then, as if a door in my mind opened, I found myself in a different place—a warm, inviting room bathed in soft light. It felt familiar, safe, like something I had lost long ago but n
I missed Arielle so much it hurt, a constant ache that never went away. But I couldn’t admit it, couldn’t confess to myself that she wasn’t coming back. Not now, maybe not ever. And forgiveness? That was just another dream I couldn’t let myself believe in.And with that, I walked off. (SOFIA’S POV
(SOFIA’S POV) I arrived at "Elegance," a popular unisex fashion clothing shop patronized only by the rich. Being a regular caller, I was treated well as I walked to the female section to shop for new arrivals. "Welcome back, Sofia, "Jenna, the sales manager said, approaching me with a smile. "H
(JARED'S POV)I was buried in work when Sofia’s call cut through the silence, pulling me from my focus.Ok what happened this time? When could she stop causing trouble? I sighed and suppressed my anger as I listened to her crying on the other end of the phone. She lived under my roof; her safety was
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