My heart sank. I remembered the last incident where Sofia had slapped my previous secretary and demanded I fire her. After the incident, I had given strict orders that she shouldn't be let in unless on my orders. But the pleading look on Brooke's face made me reconsider. If I didn't give the order t
(JARED’S POV) I watched in horror as Sofia's grip on the laptop tightened. "Sofia, please," I begged, trying to keep my voice low and not aggravate things. "Don't do this. That laptop has very important files and contacts." "Important files and contacts?" she sneered. "Or just important contacts
(JARED'S POV) At the close of work, I packed up, ready to leave. I was reluctant to go home at first, but then, I had to if I didn't want Sofia to create another scene. And besides, I couldn't keep running away from my own house. On arriving home, Sofia welcomed me with a hug. I recoiled at her
(JARED'S POV) Her name, in her handwriting. Keeping a diary? This is too old-shool, just what Arielle would do. How could I never realize she had this habit? My pulse quickened as I skimmed through the next few pages, my eyes searching for anything—anything that would bring me closer to understandi
(Jared's POV)My hands trembled as I closed the diary, barely processing the words still echoing in my mind. Just then, I heard footsteps outside the door, snapping me out of my daze.The door creaked open, and Sofia strode in, her face already set in its usual frown. She stopped when she saw me, he
(ARIELLE'S POV)I walked into the house, exhausted from a long day at the academy. All I craved for at that point was a light lunch and a long nap. But as I entered the kitchen, a sudden pain struck me in my abdomen."Ah!" I gasped, clutching my stomach.What was that? I thought, suddenly panicky. W
(ARIELLE’S POV) "I didn't know how to tell you," I said softly. "It wasn’t something I hid on purpose. I was afraid of how the academy might react if they found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if they would still accept me." Dwayne’s expression grew somber, his eyes filled with a mixture of unde
****Three years later**** "And the overall best graduating student and winner of this year's $100,000 scholarship grant is Arielle Meyers!" I gasped at the announcement, unable to believe the event anchor's words. It was not only after the hall erupted in applause, and people were glancing at me
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