(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 call ended, and I let out a sharp breath, my chest practically buzzing with excitement—and a pinch of nerves. Contracting a dinner on a ship wasn’t exactly uncharted territory for me. I’d learned all about it during my time in Italy: you have to contact the cruise line or ship operator, hammer
(ARIELLE'S POV) The drive to the Harrison beach house was quiet and a bit long. The driver barely spoke, keeping the ride uneventful. After an hour, we arrived at a massive iron gate, which opened immediately as the car stopped. The driver pulled into the driveway and parked. "Here, let me help yo
I blinked in shock, pieces falling into place. So the driver who brought me had been part of this evil plan all along, deliberately taking the long route so everyone could arrive first. “So, this wasn’t a business meeting at all,” I said slowly, shaking my head in disbelief. “You all kidnapped me f
(ARIELLE'S POV) As the party got underway, I insisted on stepping aside for a moment to call Rebecca and Stephen. I needed to let them know about my decision to take two days off. They readily agreed, assuring me they’d keep things running smoothly at the restaurant in my absence. Relieved, I than
I let out a quiet sigh, grateful for her understanding. But before I could respond, she shifted the conversation back. “But then, what about Jared?” she asked gently. “If Dwayne isn’t the right one… does that mean you’ve already made up your mind? Is Jared the one? How’s it going with him these day
(JARED'S POV) I left Arielle's office basking in the fulfillment and satisfaction. Seeing her eyes light up when she received the gift made every moment worth it. I replayed the scene over and over again in my head, her fingers tracing the outline of the sculpture, her voice slightly trembling as t
But I shook my head, already heading for the door. "No, thanks.” ******** The next morning, I was roused from sleep by the incessant ringing of my phone. Groaning, I leaned towards the table to retrieve it, regretting why I didn't put it in silence last night. Sleep instantly fled my eyes the ins
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