(ARIELLE'S POV) The next day was a Saturday, and Maverick was not going to school. I woke up early, feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. It would be my first time leaving Jared alone with Maverick for the day, and I couldn’t shake the nagging worry that he might—well, not exactly cause troub
I smiled, her words settling some of my nerves. “Thanks, Ash.” As I stepped out of the car, she called after me. “And keep me posted! I want all the updates!” I waved to her with a laugh before stepping into the restaurant, greeted by the warm smiles of the staff. The soft clatter of dishes, the c
(ARIELLE’S POV) So this was it—The Velvet Fork, our rival restaurant. “We’re going deep undercover,” Stephen declared, adjusting his fake mustache and patting down the ridiculous green wig perched on his head. I sighed, already regretting agreeing to this. “Are you sure that disguise won’t just m
Rebecca chimed in, her tone sharp. “Maybe we should take a sample to a lab. You know, for ‘research purposes.’” Stephen tried to keep a straight face as he added, “Or a journalist. ‘Velvet Fork serves rare chicken—literally.’” The waiter glared at us, but before things could escalate, I stood, car
(ARIELLE'S POV) Exhausted from the day’s chaos, I pushed open the front door, desperate for the comfort of solitude. Between the rival restaurant’s sabotage and Stephen and Rebecca’s antics, my nerves were frayed. All I wanted was to collapse in peace. But the sight that greeted me was nothing sho
(ARIELLE'S POV) The rest of the dinner passed in an uneasy silence, heavy and suffocating. I focused on my plate, determined to avoid Jared’s gaze and suppress the memories threatening to rise. It was the scene—the warmth of a family dinner, the kind of moment I’d once dreamed of—that had unrave
“I do have expensive taste,” he admitted with a grin, leaning into the camera. “But seriously, Ari. Need any advice? I’ve learned some cooking after all.” Learned some cooking? I almost rolled my eyes at the understatement. This man and his false modesty—like he isn’t the same guy our master chef c
(ARIELLE’S POV) I froze in place, hands instinctively flying to cover my mouth as if that would somehow undo what just happened. My eyes squeezed shut for a moment, though the damage was already done. My mind went blank, like an error screen flashing in my head. My body froze, but my face? That b
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