(DWAYNE 'S POV) My head snapped back from the forceful impact of Arielle's punch, my calm demeanor briefly shifting as I tethered on the brink of losing my cool. But I steadied myself; the impact of her fist on my face was intense, and I could tell my face had turned red, but I have been in tougher
(Arielle’s POV)Dwayne gestured to the bench, and we both sat down, our shoulders brushing as we settled into the space between us. A heavy silence hung in the air, neither of us speaking. I didn’t want to pressure him, but being near him made me uneasy, especially when I knew he was hiding somethin
I felt a cold tear fall down my cheek, something I hadn’t felt in years. I wasn’t supposed to cry. In my world, tears were a weakness, and I’d long buried that part of me. But I wiped it away quickly and carried on.Arielle’s hand found mine, and she cupped my face gently, forcing me to meet her eye
(ARIELLE’S POV) I watched Dwayne’s eyes grow dark with a hatred I couldn’t describe. It sent a wave of goosebumps sprouting up along my arms and on the ridge of my neck. I felt my eyes tear up and I had to exercise restraint to make sure I didn’t cry in front of him. “There must’ve been a reason…
He paused, his eyes locking with mine. And suddenly, it all clicked. I understood why Dwayne kept so much to himself. Why he hid behind walls of silence and secrets. Why he created a world so separate from everyone else. He’d called Jared a kid, but when I did the math, I realized Dwayne had been b
(ARIELLE’S POV) Dwayne’s gaze locked onto mine, sharp yet somehow tender, as he let out a measured sigh. “On one hand, I’ve just navigated a major shake-up in Italy. We need a foothold in New York, and the timing felt right. On the other hand…” He hesitated, as if weighing the gravity of his next
“Easy for you to say,” I shot back, “You spin lies and secrets like it’s second nature.” My voice cracked, and I buried my head in my hands. For a moment, the only sound was the rustle of leaves in the cool night breeze. Dwayne shifted closer, his grip on my hand firm but not forceful. “Sorry I’ve
(ARIELLE’S POV) After what felt like an eternity, dinner finally ended. I thanked Nana Jean and Jared’s mother with my best polite smile, though I was practically vibrating with the urge to bolt. As I rose from the table, Jared was already at my side, like a shadow that had been waiting for its c
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