“Isn’t it?” he replied with a slight raise of his brows. I stood there, frozen for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. What was he really asking me? Was this about more than just helping Ashley? I didn't know how to respond, didn't know how to articulate the swirling emotions inside of me
(ARIELLE'S POV) After a complicated, chaotic day, I finally managed to get some barely decent sleep and was ready to start the new day with a solid dose of confidence. No more chaos. No more emotional turmoil! At least, that was the plan… Until... “Explain. This.” That was the first senten
(JARED'S POV) I smirked inwardly as Arielle gave in. I shouldn’t be so quick to admit it, but her reluctant response was like music to my ears. Of course, my real motive was far from what she thought it was. It was far simpler than she could ever guess. I just wanted to be close to her again. T
Well this wasn't part of my plan! Arielle looked at me, asked. "Any problems? I mean, since the famous Jared Smith is skipping work just to deliver a priceless lecture, I thought it’d be a good idea to maximize the benefits. After all, my best staff should be thrilled to join in, right? You wouldn
(ARIELLE'S POV) After Stephen blushed and promised he wouldn’t disrupt the class again, Jared finally let him go with a scowl that could melt steel. I tried to keep it together while Stephen showered me with compliments. Honestly, it was nice to hear, but after a while, it started getting a little
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Mommy, you seem really happy about work lately," Maverick said, his voice filled with curiosity. "What's going on?" I blinked, taken aback by his sudden observation. We were in the car, on the way to school, and I hadn’t expected such an out-of-the-blue question from him. I hadn
Once again, I was amazed at my son's observation skills and glad that I did not choose to lie. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my words. "Well, we’ve had some disagreements. Some stuff that might take a little time to sort through. And honestly, I’m still working through my own feelings, to
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The air around grew awkwardly thin and very silent. Neither of us knew how best to react to the situation. I looked around the parking lot for no reason in particular, marking the time until it was okay for me to leave without looking any silly than I felt for walking up to their
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