“Roman is the third party I’m discussing business with tonight,” Dwayne explained, his voice low. “When he arrived, he called Ashley several times, but she didn’t answer. That’s when he knew something was wrong, and we all rushed over.” I winced inwardly, knowing that Ashley was in for a lot of sc
(ARIELLE'S POV As we drove along the road, I leaned closer to the window, my gaze fixed outside. It wasn’t the scenery that held my attention but the way my thoughts felt heavier with every mile. Then something caught my eye—QuickFix Auto. At first glance, it was just a car repair shop. Ordinary,
“No matter where you’re going,” he said gently, his voice steady yet soft, “it’ll be faster and safer if I take you there.” His tone wasn’t just reassuring; it was firm. It was as if he could see right through me, knowing I was teetering on the edge. “I know the owner of this shop,” he added. “He
(ARIELLE'S POV) I relied on my memory to remember the box Jared had been in earlier. My heart was beginning to race, and I could feel my hands growing sweaty. I wiped them on my dress, trying to calm myself down. For a moment, I hesitated in front of the door. I hadn’t planned out exactly what to
All eyes turned to me. Jared’s head snapped in my direction, his face paling as his gaze locked onto mine. My whole body felt ice-cold, the blood draining from my face until I was certain I looked like a ghost. My heart clenched painfully as his words replayed in my head. He said it didn’t matter
(ARIELLE’S POV) The air had grown colder, the chill creeping into my bones. Dwayne wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. “Are you cold?” he asked, his voice soft with concern. I wiped my tears, shaking my head. All I could feel was exhaustion. My mind had turned to mush, too drai
Did he even realize the simple fact that he was with Sofia was enough to tear me apart? She was the source of my pain for three years, and now he was with her, again. Why? Why?! Argh! A silent scream tore through my mind. I grabbed my head in my hands and rocked back and forth. I moved a little to
“Good night, ostrich,” he said softly and walked out of the room. I let out a long sigh and stared up at the ceiling, the hours blending together in a haze. My thoughts were a tangled mess, each one spinning faster than the last. For a moment, I imagined there were tiny dots on the ceiling and the
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