(JARED'S POV) The engine of my car hummed, my heart churning with dread. I was leaving the city, its bustling ambience now gradually swallowed by the deserted path that led to the warehouse. As I drew nearer, my grip on the steering wheel tightened. This whole thing still didn’t feel right. Some
Denzel chuckled, shaking his head. "This is my game, Jared, you don't get to call the shots. Business first, sentiments later. Hand me the briefcase, and I'll let the kid go." I nodded and opened the briefcase, praying Denzel kept to his own bargain. With all he has done, I know he's not one to be
(ARIELLE’S POV) I sat huddled on the couch in the dimly lit living room downstairs, my heart pounding in my chest, my hands trembling so violently I could barely hold them still. Thirty hours. Thirty hours since the last time I saw my son, and I hadn’t slept a minute. Not a single second of rest
"Are you all right, baby?" He nodded, clinging to me tightly. "I was scared, Mama. But my Daddy came to rescue me," he said those last words, with a proud gleam in his eyes. "Your Daddy?" I couldn't help but ask, even though I knew he was probably referring to Jared. "Yes, the handsome man who w
ARIELLE'S POV) It's been days since the kidnap incident, and I'd been trying to move on, getting back to my life. Though the experience still lingered, I took preventive measures to ensure it didn't repeat itself. I’d taken the week off, leaving the restaurant in the capable hands of Stephan and
In the end, I settled on Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Pizza Casserole, King Ranch Mac and Cheese. Comfort food. Neutral. At exactly 6 p.m., the doorbell rang. I wiped my hands on a towel, took a deep breath, and opened the door. Jared stood outside, a bottle of wine in his hand. "Hi," he beamed at me
(ARIELLE'S POV) Maverick’s curiosity was boundless, and Jared answered each of his questions with a patience that somehow irritated and intrigued me. But then Maverick dropped a bombshell. "Dad, will you stay the night?" Maverick asked, his eyes gleaming expectantly. Heat shot up my face, and
“What is your problem?” I muttered, hating the unsteadiness in my voice. “You need to leave.” His grip loosened, but his eyes searched mine, dark and unreadable. “Arielle,” he murmured, his voice dropping an octave. “All I’m asking for is a chance. Let me prove it to you. To him.” I shook my hea
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