I checked on the pasta—it was cooked perfectly—and then pulled the chicken out of the oven. As I did, I made a mental note to bring up Jared with Dwayne again, and this time, I wasn’t letting him bail out on me. Minutes later, I was done cooking, and I set the table, after which I sat back to wait
(ARIELLE'S POV) "Thank you, still," Mrs. Harrison said, her eyes persistent. I nodded, smiling warmly. "You're welcome," I said, realizing the older woman had no intention of backing off unless she heard those words. She smiled, seeming to relax now. "And Mrs Harrison," I called, my voice takin
Her words slapped me directly to face my own past. I used to believe my marriage with Jared was something special. I was just a chef, and he was a billionaire. Nana Jean had always been supportive of us, but honestly, no one else really was. His family had doubts, especially his mother, though she
(ARIELLE'S POV) 7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel. "You’ve got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face. The afternoon had passed in a blur—probably because my mind kept drifting. Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself
The man, who had remained silent up until now, finally spoke, his tone calm and controlled. “It’s more convenient this way.” That was clearly the wrong thing to say. Margaux’s irritation flared, but Ashley quickly stepped in, trying to ease the tension with a forced cheerfulness. “So, ladies, how a
(ARIELLE'S POV) Sofia even gave me a slightly apologetic glance as she passed by, holding onto Jared’s arm. I must’ve looked like a fool, standing there like that. Ashley, already rolling up her sleeve and shaking her fist, muttered, "I'll go ask him what he means by this." "Don't pull me!"
I was stunned for a moment and didn't know what to say. Ashley, who had been silently observing the conversation, raised her eyebrows and shook her head in disapproval. "Excuse me, Miss Harrison," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can I just call you Margaux? Why are you so gossipy at su
(ARIELLE’S POV) Ashley leaned over the partition between the drivers side and passengers side, crooning her neck so he could hear her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry, but we'll have to reverse and take Margaux home, first." "Alright, Ma," the driver said, and immediately put the car in reverse. As we sped
He took deep breath, and slowly knelt down on one knee. He let go of my hand momentarily and the other arm which he’d had behind him the entire time produced a velvet box. He gently opened it and nestled right inside the box, sitting on a black velvet pad, was a diamond ring, resplendent and breatht
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The air in the kitchen was calm and peaceful. Ashley stepped out of the kitchen at some point, so I was now all by myself, still drowning in the euphoria of my new joy. I wanted to eat and taste everything in the kitchen and yet at the same time, I was a little too overwhelmed to d
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