(ARIELLE'S POV)A bile rose in the pit of my stomach after Jared left, making me lose appetite. What notification could have arrived in his phone that made his countenance change in seconds? I wondered.I turned around and craned my neck in the direction he took, hoping to get a glimpse of him, but
I blinked, already knowing—he’s misunderstanding, but his kiss swallowed any protest I had left.The heat between us flared instantly, raw and untamed. His hands roamed over my body, kneading, exploring, setting fire to every nerve ending. My back hit the wall as he pinned me there, his hard, muscle
(Jared's POV) “Jared, where the hell are you? Sofia just called me. She's in pain, her stomach is hurting…” I froze at my mother's words, as shivers ran down my spine. I didn't realize when an exclamation left my mouth. “What?” “You have to leave wherever you are, and whatever you're doing and go
(ARIELLE’S POV) After Jared left, I was beside myself with worry. What could be wrong with Sofia? I wondered. It was barely 24hrs Jared and I left the house, and she had developed a stomach pain? I tried to distract myself with the thought that Jared will handle the situation, but my mind wouldn't
(ARIELLE’S POV)I paused, trying to assimilate Ashley's words. Slowly, I locked my gaze with hers. “You're kidding, right?”“Do I look like I am?” Ashley retorted, her voice firm and serious.I took a breath, trying once again to make sense of her suggestion.Divorce Jared? Somehow the very idea fel
(ARIELLE'S POV) The next day was Sunday, and I was grateful it was not a work day. When I roused from sleep, all I did was shower, have breakfast and watch TV as Ashley wouldn't let me raise a pin. “Hey,” she squeezed my shoulder gently, sliding onto the couch next to me. “What's up?” “Hey,” I
“Don’t mention it, girl.” She squeezed my shoulder affectionately. “You know you deserve the best. Always.” ******** And before I knew it, it was Monday. And Monday marked the beginning of a new working day. After showering, having breakfast and getting dressed in one of Ashley's dresses, she dr
(ARIELLE'S POV) At the sound of Jared's voice, Sofia quickly withdrew her hand and swirled around to face him. The coldness in her eyes was now replaced with warmth, and I wondered how she effortlessly switched personalities. “Nothing Serious. Arielle , here, just arrived and I was informing her
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