(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
“Arielle? I didn’t say you could answer,” Jared said as he turned to me. “What’s the big deal? You’re the one who said your time is valuable, so why don’t we just get to it?” I replied, keeping my tone light. He gave a small, knowing smile, but the atmosphere shifted slightly. He leaned back, cros
(ARIELLE’S POV.) I could feel the heat of both Stephen’s and Rebecca’s gazes on me. “Is any of that really necessary?” I asked, a frown pulling at my lips. Mixing business with personal life was a line I didn’t like to cross. Especially not with Jared, who clearly had an agenda. Jared straighten
Stephen frowned, clearly still puzzled. “But you didn’t say anything wrong. Isn’t this just an academic discussion?” Rebecca gave him a light tap on the head. “You big idiot, just shut up.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, alright. Enough with the drama. Get back to work, both of you.” After
(ARIELLE’S POV.) His words hung in the air. He leaned in a little closer, his expression intense. I could feel my cheeks flush, and I hated myself for it. His words were like an emotional punch to the gut, stirring up feelings I wasn’t ready to face. I watched him carefully as he waited for my re
Her words pierced with the intensity of a judge reeling out the crimes of a serial offender, one who was without any argument undeserving of mercy. It was almost like she’d sworn not to listen to a word I’d said. At least not in the way that I’d meant for her to listen and understand. All she could
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