“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
(ARIELLE'S POV) Ok. Here he played this ‘charming husband’ card again.I stood rooted to the spot, contemplating my response. Truth was, I had made no plans on returning to the house today. Even though I knew I was going to return eventually, it just wasn't today. “Jared, I don't think I want to
(ARIELLE'S POV) I watched Jared pause, his eyes widening like saucers, and almost bulging out of their sockets. But I was not fazed, I still wanted to hear his response.Silence hung between us.“What did you say?” he asked, his voice still tinged with shock, his expression frozen.“Do you still w
(ARIELLE'S POV) “You don't mean it!” Ashley exclaimed over the phone. “I can imagine the look of shock on her face.” The instant I got to the office and settled in, I got on a call with Ashley to fill her in on the event of the morning. She was surprised and happy, and it reflected in her cheerful
(ARIELLE'S POV) Jared and I paused, exchanging surprised glances. “What's that sound?” I asked, fear now crawling into my features. “I don't know–” Jared started to say, but paused like he recalled something. And then he was sprinting into the house , yelling “Sofia!” I was stunned for a moment
(ARIELLE'S POV) Jared paused, and there was a momentary silence. “Why?” He finally asked. “Because I don't want to. You can go with Sofia, I'm sure she will be glad to take up the offer.” “But Sofia is not my wife, Arielle,” he protested. “You are.” “I have been questioning that lately as I no l
I looked up at the clock, and realized lunch break was over. It was time to return to work, I decided. But before I left, I called the cleaning agency to confirm that they went to clean the house. Jared had driven Sofia to the hospital today, so the house will be free for the agency to do their job.
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