I barely registered what happened next—the blur of movement, Dwayne’s body still radiating heat as he carried me into the bathroom. The sharp scent of his aftershave mingled with the steamy air, and I felt my pulse quicken coursing through me. He set me down gently, his touch lingering just a fracti
She must have thought the drug was already in full effect, so she’d walk in the perfect time and catch us tangled together on the bed, naked, exposed. I turned to Dwayne, and the look on his face mirrored my thoughts. His jaw was tight, but he gave nothing away. I could feel my hands tremble as ang
(JARED'S POV) As I stepped out of the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Arielle had disappeared, and I had no idea where she had gone. I had been looking forward to talking to her all evening, but it seemed like fate had other plans or she was intentionally avoiding me. So I deci
That’s when I felt Tiana’s gaze was fixed on my back now. I took a breath, trying to calm myself. “Sofia, whatever it is, this isn’t the way to handle it. I could help, just don’t drag everyone into your personal issue okay?” I tried to keep my tone neutral, but I couldn't help my rising anger. Why
(JARED'S POV) I stood there, my heart pounding, my mind filled with chaotic thoughts. No, this didn't feel right. My heart sank at Sofia's words, but my instinct told me that her face—the way she was acting, like she had some big revelation—felt off. I’d dealt with her enough to know when she was
I rubbed my temples, fighting to keep my patience. "Sofia," I said, my voice low but cutting. "One last time: Get out, or I’ll have my people escort you out." Her face crumpled with fake hurt, but I wasn’t interested in her drama anymore. I was done. I stepped closer to Arielle. This was the first
(SOFIA'S POV) I stood frozen, my heart hammering in my chest as the sting of Dwayne’s slap lingered on my cheek. The pain itself was nothing compared to the fear that followed crawled up my spine, seizing my chest with an icy grip. It wasn’t the slap that unsettled me. It was the calm that followed
(DWAYNE'S POV) Turning my attention to Arielle, I saw that she seemed dazed. She was rigid, flustered, her eyes distant, as if she was looking at something but seeing nothing at all. My expression softened without thinking. I knew Arielle too well. She was tough—tougher than anyone gave her credit
(JARED'S POV) I left the hospital hesitantly, my mind hazy with worry. I was tired myself. I sat behind the wheel and looked into the rearview mirror. I let out a sigh and steered the car onto the road. I struggled to maintain my concentration as I drove. I resorted to driving slower than usual, a
(JARED’S POV) For the rest of the evening, I couldn’t help but feel guilty about forgetting Maverick’s birthday. It beat my imagination how I’d forgotten something as important as that. I never forgot important dates, especially not my son’s birthday. I smiled through the call and even instructed
He took deep breath, and slowly knelt down on one knee. He let go of my hand momentarily and the other arm which he’d had behind him the entire time produced a velvet box. He gently opened it and nestled right inside the box, sitting on a black velvet pad, was a diamond ring, resplendent and breatht
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The air in the kitchen was calm and peaceful. Ashley stepped out of the kitchen at some point, so I was now all by myself, still drowning in the euphoria of my new joy. I wanted to eat and taste everything in the kitchen and yet at the same time, I was a little too overwhelmed to d
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