(ARIELLE'S POV)As I slowly roused from sleep, I was momentarily disoriented, my mind foggy and blank. I tried to recollect where I was, and looking around, it dawned on me that I was in my room in the cabin.I sat up immediately, rubbing my eyes to get rid of the remnants of sleep. While at it, mem
(ARIELLE'S POV)I savored each bite, appreciating the thoughtfulness behind the meal rather than just the flavors. As much as I wanted to indulge, I kept it light—old habits. Overeating had never been my style. Pushing the tray aside, I turned to Ashley with a small smile. “Thank you. I really enj
(ARIELLE'S POV)The moment I stepped into the grand hall, my breath hitched. A rich red carpet stretched before me, leading up to an elegant podium at the far end. Balloons and streamers cascaded from the high ceilings, shimmering under the glow of an opulent chandelier. The entire space exuded warm
By the time the screen faded to black, I couldn’t stop the tears. The room sat in silence, heavy with emotion. Then, applause—loud, heartfelt, overwhelming.I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. All I could do was sit there, consumed by love.Ashley’s voice broke through my haze. "And now, personalized s
(ARIELLE'S POV)After the cake-cutting, it was time for gifts.Mom presented me with a stunning silver necklace, the pendant engraved with "Culinary Queen." Maverick handed me a resin key fob with "Super Mommy" written on it, his excitement making it even more precious. Margaux gifted me a certifica
"Il Cuore di Smeraldo," he said softly. "It belonged to my mother. It’s been in my family for generations."My breath hitched. His mother’s heirloom.I swallowed, struggling to find the right words. "Dwayne, this is too much. I can’t—""You can," he interrupted, his voice low, firm yet unbearably ge
(ARIELLE'S POV)Dwayne remained silent beside me, his presence a steady warmth against the cool night air. I glanced between him and Jared, then let out a slow sigh. "Anyway, Dwayne, I really hope you'll think about what I said. It’s important—"He shrugged with an exaggerated air of indifference. "
A sharp ache lanced through my chest.Jared ran a hand through his hair, exhaling shakily. “Back then, you told me it didn’t matter. That you never cared about birthdays. And I believed you. But today, after seeing what everyone did for you, I realized how blind I was.”I clenched my fists. Stop tal
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