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
(ARIELLE’S POV) We both remained silent for moments after he’d finished speaking. Our eyes were fixed on each other. I searched for the words to say but every time I opened my mouth to speak nothing came out. Just my ragged breathing. I would have believed it if someone told me I’d just run a mar
“What the hell are you trying to do?” “I was asking a question,” he shrugged with an air of mischief. I rolled my eyes in exasperation, my fingers digging into my palm to ground myself. The door swung open and this time it wasn’t my mind playing games with me. My heart sank down my stomach instan
(SOFIA'S POV) I huffed and puffed, trying to control the rage threatening to burst out of my chest. My eyes shone with fury as I stood outside the restaurant's building, fighting hard to regain composure after the security guards pulled me aside. The humiliation was suffocating me. I couldn't bel
(ARIELLE'S POV) I pushed open the door to my office, and as usual, the feeling of anticipation I always receive whenever I arrive in it enveloped me. It was a new day, and I was looking forward to the activities it had in stock. But as I strode inside, my eyes landed on what had come to be a famil
(ARIELLE'S POV) He flashed a charming smile my way, and I felt my heart skip. Can he stop with the annoying boyish charms already? Rebecca and Stephen returned the greeting, taking their seats respectively. I followed suit, trying to compose myself. "Today's session will be the last we're having
I blinked again, silently pinching myself to ascertain that I had not been plunged into one of my noon daydreams. What's going on? “And just so you know,” he added, leaning back in his chair with a small sigh, “I won’t interfere in your business anymore unless you ask me to. I’m sorry for the times
(ARIELLE’S POV) I walked towards my car, handbag slung over my shoulders, jotter tucked securely under my armpit, its edges poking out slightly from the confines of my arm. On my other hand, I clutched an important file; it contained a mix of the new business plan I had drawn courtesy of Jared's cl
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