“He’ll find his rhythm. Kids are resilient like that,” Dwayne said with quiet confidence. Hearing him say that, so sure and calm, I almost felt like I was… reporting to someone checking in with me after a long day? It was a strange sensation, one that crept up on me so suddenly that I had to shake
(ARIELLE'S POV) A few days later, I was at work, with the incident with Jared pushed behind me, and long forgotten. I had hired Stephen the day after his interview, despite his cringe-worthy attempts at flattery. “Love at first sight,” he’d said, which I brushed off as nothing more than an embarr
(STEPHEN'S POV) As I walked into the dining area to discuss some document details with Arielle, I was completely unprepared for what I saw. There she stood, laughing softly with a strikingly handsome man. I tried to dismiss the thoughts swirling in my head, convincing myself he was just a custom
(ARIELLE’S POV) After leaving the restaurant, Dwayne and I strolled through the city, enjoying the feel of the warm sun on our skin. I still couldn't believe he was really here, walking beside me. Our daily calls and messages weren't the same as having him physically present. "I'm still in shock,
(JARED'S POV) I was seated in the cafe, glancing at my wristwatch for what felt like the hundredth time. Arielle hasn't responded to my recent call or text. I was starting to get worried. Has she changed her mind about meeting me? Just as I was about to call her again, someone walked into my line
(ARIELLE’S POV) I returned home feeling a whirlwind of different things in my mind. My eyes were open, but not quite focused on anything in particular. It felt like I stood at a crossroads, burdened by the weight of past choices and the one glaring decision looming ahead. I sighed with relief, t
I shook my head sadly as my eyes welled up with tears. “Woah, honey. It’s okay,” my mother said soothingly as she sat beside me on the sofa and took me in her arms. “You’re okay. Do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly. “It’s all just so overwhelming,” I began. I narrated everything that h
(REBECCA’S POV) I showed up to work with a ready smile on my face, not for anything in particular —because the day was just as ordinary as any other. I moved through the motions of my role at the restaurant with efficient muscle memory for most of the day. “Who’s taking the order for table eight?
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