(JARED'S POV) My phone rang, breaking the silence in my office. I glanced at the screen to see my investigator's name flashing. "Talk to me," I answered. "Do you have an update?" "Yes, I do," he replied and hesitated. "Go on," I urged. "Unfortunately, I was unable to trail her to her house
(ARIELLE'S POV) My restaurant, A and M, an initial for Arielle and Maverick, had finally opened its doors to the public the previous day, and today, I was hosting a meeting with potential shareholders of my restaurant. The response and turnout has been overwhelming, and I was excited to discuss the
(JARED’S POV) I blinked at her words. Huh, what entertainment? When I decided to come here, I knew talking to her wasn't going to be a walk in the park. What was I expecting, that she would warm up to me on the first day we met, three years after I wronged her? She looked... different. More than
(SOFIA’S POV) It was noon, and I was hungry, but being my lazy self, I didn't have the strength to make food. Pizza, my favorite food, was out of the question as I had been having it non-stop for a week. Scouting for a nice restaurant to have a decent lunch seemed like the best option. And so I go
(SOFIA’S POV) I froze, shock flooding my entire system like ice water. My eyes widened and I feared they would fall out of their sockets, and my breath paused in my heart, making it hard to breathe properly. The scene felt eerily familiar; by this time, the power dynamics seemed to have changed dr
(JARED'S POV) When Arielle had left with the man on shades, I hadn't really paid attention to him, but now, as they made for the exit door, I couldn't help but stare. One would think I was staring at Arielle, but In reality, I was focused on the burly man. Now this wasn't about me feeling jealou
(ARIELLE'S POV) "Goodness, why did I miss such a show?" Ashley exclaimed, her eyes dancing with amusement. She was in my office with Rebecca, as we recounted the encounter with Sofia earlier. "You needed to see the look on her face when she discovered Arielle was the owner of the restaurant. I
(SOFIA’S POV) I turned round another street corner, my mind occupied with nothing but pure rage and hurt at the way things turned out moments ago. Did it really take nothing for my whole life to collapse underneath me? Only after leaving the restaurant did I realize that I had left my car behind.
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