(JARED'S POV) I helped her up, and gathered her belongings in one arm, while I gently steered her forward with the other. We walked down the hallway, the sound of our footsteps the only sound in the building. As we turned a corner, I spotted a figure standing in the hallway. On closer inspection,
(ARIELLE'S POV) I sat in the car, my eyes fixed on the direction Jared and Big Joe had left in. I was restless, my mind racing with all sorts of thoughts of which none was good. I considered getting out of the car and following them, but the doors were locked, and I didn't want to leave the safety
After breakfast, I grabbed my bag and heated out the door, giving Maverick a quick kiss on the cheek. “Have a great day, baby. I'll see you later.” At work, I went straight to my office and began tackling the tasks I had left unfinished the previous day. The morning flew by in a blue of meetings a
(ARIELLE’S POV) Finally, it was D-day. The day for the tasting event for the Mayor's Banquet. I had woken up, cranky and nervous. I didn't know what to expect, but I hoped that my restaurant got more ratings as against our rival as that would put me in more limelight. “You don't have to worry, dea
After we were done, I took a few minutes to review the event itinerary. As I scanned through the list of participants, sponsors, and judges, one name caught my eyes. Micheal Langley, Tiana’s brother, was listed as the financial backer of Red velvet restaurant. My head grew foggy and as I tried to a
( MICHAEL’S POV) From my seat, I watched Arielle and her team members celebrate their victory, a mix of emotions brewing inside of me. They had just won the first round of the food tasting competition; which was proper meal setting and arrangement. On the other hand, I was beginning to see her in
(ARIELLE'S POV) It's been two days of planning and showing up for the food expo, and my team and I have won each round. Today is the third day and the last round, which will decide the final winners. I've arrived early as usual, and I'm anxiously waiting inside the banquet hall. Given the politica
(ARIELLE’S POV.) I balled my hands up into fists without even realizing I was. Only when my phone vibrated to indicate I’d hit the maximum volume did I realize I’d been squeezing the device as well while I held it against my ear. I couldn’t breathe. The air stung like scorpions dancing on the insid
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