“If we were both in danger, who do you think Jared would save first?” She suddenly asked. “What?” I didn't have the opportunity to process her words because the next minute, I felt a push on my back and lost balance, skidding off the stairs to land at the base of the stairs. ***************** Arielle had it all – a thriving career as a talented chef and a successful marriage to a Billionaire. While her husband was aloof by nature, she believed he cared for her deeply. She was content with their relationship, and appreciated what they shared. A day to their third wedding anniversary, she discovered she was pregnant and was filled with excitement and hope. She eagerly anticipated sharing this news with her husband, certain it would bring positive changes to their family and perhaps even soften his reserved demeanor. However, fate had other plans. Before she could reveal her pregnancy, an unexpected figure from her husband's past emerged – his “old friend”. As this newcomer made her way into their lives, unbeknownst to Arielle, this unexpected arrival would challenge everything she thought she knew about her marriage, her husband, and herself.
View More(DWAYNE’S POV)I paused in my tracks as I took some moment to take in the sight before me. Arielle was sitting up on the bed, while Jared sat at the foot, feeding her. Scanning the room further, I realized there was no sign of Mrs Meyers and Maverick.Where could they be? But the sight before me wouldn't let me dwell much on the thought. It was hard to ascertain how I felt at the moment. The scene playing out before me was proof that all my efforts have been wasted. I briefly stared down at the food package in my hand, and for a moment, I wanted to match over to Jared and haul him away from her.That was supposed to be me. How come he was here this early, earlier than I was? From the look of things, it seemed I wasn't the only one who had the plan of returning early to the hospital this morning.If only that traffic that occurred on my way here didn't happen, I probably wouldn't be in this position. And Jared wouldn't be having the time of his life smirking at me triumphantly.“I dou
(JARED'S POV)"Are you in that much hurry to get rid of us?" I asked Maverick, raising a brow as I tried to stifle a grin. He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with more mischief. "Maybe. My mommy needs rest and she doesn't need two bodyguards watching over her."Dwayne and I exchanged puzzled looks. What was this kid saying? We were trying to protect his mother, not guard her like prisoners. As if on cue, Mrs Meyers, who was almost dozing off on her seat, stirred and opened her eyes. She tiredly stretched her arms, and then her eyes landed on us."It's time for you two to leave," she announced, her voice gentle but firm. "You should go home, freshen up, and have a change of clothes and proper meals. I appreciate you both coming, but I just have to insist that you leave."Dwayne and I protested in unison. "We're fine–" but she held up a hand, cutting us off."I mean it, you two. You can't stay here all night. Besides, I'm sure you both have work to attend to tomorrow." She glanced at t
JARED’S POV)I arrived at the office, intent on doing a little work before returning to the hospital. But concentration never felt like a Herculean task like it felt for me today. The more I tried to focus on work, the more my mind remained restless. My thoughts kept drifting back to Arielle, wondering if she was okay. And the other times, it wandered to Oliver, and if he has been able to get the drug from Sofia.Two hours later, as I sat behind my laptop, fiddling with the keys, Oliver returned. "I got the drug," he said, his face in a smile as he walked in and closed the door behind him.I sat up in my chair, my eyes conveying my curiosity. "That easy?" I asked, my tone skeptical.He sighed, taking a seat in front of my desk. "Miss Sofia refused at first–wouldn't even open the door," he explained. "But then Miss Tiana intervened, spoke to her privately for a while and that did the trick because the next minute, she walked out smiling, the drug in her hand."I frowned, my eyes dilat
(JARED’S POV)I lowered my head in remorse, and when I stole a glance at Dwayne, he had the same sober look on. Fair enough, I wasn't the only one facing the brunt of Mrs Meyer's chastisement. I tried to say something, to apologize for our juvenile display at least, but Dwayne beat me to it."Umm...we will go get some fresh air," he said, his voice collected. "We will give you and Arielle some space."My brows knitted in a frown, as I felt the urge to snap and demand why he'd decide for us both. But I got in touch with my emotions real quick, taking an inward breath as I realized he was right. We're both grown men, and this wasn't the time for us to be at each other's throats. Not when Arielle was ill. We owe her that respect and decorum.So I nodded at Mrs Meyers in agreement. "Yeah, well step out now."She rolled her eyes, eyeing us both. "You had better."We took that as a cue and simultaneously turned for the door, but we bumped into each other as we went. I shot Dwayne a dirty l
(Dwayne’s POV)I sat in the waiting area, my fingers clenched into fists, trying to keep my frustration in check. The silence was suffocating, and the seconds dragged on endlessly, each one stretching longer than the last. Arielle hadn’t said much since I got back from picking Maverick up from school. When she did speak, it was barely coherent, her words slurring and fading in and out like she was too weak to keep her thoughts together.Her fever was getting worse. I could feel it in my gut, that growing sense of dread gnawing at me. I had barely been back for five minutes, and already I was on edge. There was no denying the way Arielle looked: feverish, pale, barely able to stay conscious. My chest tightened with each labored breath she took. And there was Jared. I almost couldn’t believe it when I walked in and saw him standing there. Of all people, Jared. I sighed. It wasn’t like I expected him to be the one to take charge, but hell, could he at least try to help? It was getting
(ARIELLE'S POV)Every muscle in my body ached, my throat felt like sandpaper, and my head was pounding so hard that even opening my eyes took effort. Heat clung to my skin, yet I shivered as I pulled the blanket tighter around me. I tried to sit up, but the moment I moved, dizziness knocked me back down. Great. Just great. I blinked up at the ceiling, trying to recall what the hell I did to deserve this level of misery. Yesterday had been fine—well, as fine as it could be after three days trapped on a cruise with friends who conspired to celebrate my birthday without warning. Maybe exhaustion had finally caught up with me. Maybe the late-night sea breeze had done me in. Either way, I was completely useless right now. Outside, I could hear faint laughter—Maverick’s voice, cheerful and bright. That meant Dwayne was here, taking him for their morning walk with dogs. I should get up. I should at least tell them— A sharp knock at my bedroom door cut through my thoughts. "Mornin
After parting with Jared, I returned to my cabin and fell into a deep sleep. When I woke up, sunlight was streaming through the window. A glance at the clock made me gasp—noon already? Stretching, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, still groggy but gradually waking up. A soft knock sounded, and before I could respond, Maverick burst in, his face lighting up. He scrambled onto the bed beside me. “Hey, Mommy. Finally, you’re awake.” I smiled, ruffling his neatly combed hair. “Hi, baby. Did you sleep well?” Instead of answering, he smirked—a telltale sign he knew something I didn’t. I raised an eyebrow. “What is it? Spill.” His grin widened. “I know how old you turned, Mommy.” “Oh? Enlighten me.” “Thirty!” He puffed out his chest like he’d uncovered a great secret. Before I could react, Ashley strolled in with a tray. “I told him,” she said, smirking. “Figured he should know his mama is officially an old woman.” I gasped, grabbing a pillow and chucking it at her. “Silly g
(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. "Have some mercy, my queen. I’ve been running around all day making sure everything was perfect for you—unlike someone else." His gaze flickered briefly to Jared before he let out a dramatic groan. "Ouch, my head hurts. Too much work, not enough thanks. I’m leaving first."I watched as he turned, a lazy smirk still tugging at his lips, but even as he walked away, there was a strange mix of amusement and gratitude swelling in my chest.Now, it was just Jared and me on the deck.I let out a quiet breath. It was funny how much had happened on this ship in just a few days—it felt surreal, almost overwhelming. I shook off the haze of memories and met Jared’s gaze."Where have you been all day?"H
(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 certificate for a cooking class in Paris, an opportunity too good to pass up. And Ashley, ever the thoughtful one, gave me a luxurious spa day voucher—a not-so-subtle hint that I needed to take a break.I thanked everyone, feeling truly spoiled, when suddenly, the sound of an unmistakable intro music filled the air.I turned toward the podium, my eyes widening in disbelief.A world-famous singer—a celebrity with millions of fans—was walking onto the stage. How was this even possible? I had planned to buy a ticket to her next concert, but now she was here, performing on my birthday? My mind could barely process it.Then, with effortless grace, she launched into one of her most iconic debut songs. The
(ARIELLE’S POV)The scent of the dinner wafted through the room, as I focused on my husband, Jared. His dark hair falling just right, framing his straight nose and sharp jawline. Even in his casual clothes, the man had an undeniable presence—broad shoulders, a sculpted chest. He could’ve walked right out of a magazine, yet here he was, with me. It was our anniversary, and in commemoration of that, I had suggested that we had an indoor dinner– just the two of us.Despite his usual aloof self, Jared had created time from his usual busy work schedule, and that was a gesture I considered lovely. Especially when he looked up at me with those smoldering eyes, it was hard to stay upset. I had chosen to sit across from him instead of our usual dinning position–beside him because I wanted to see all of his reactions when I finally broke the good news to him. You see, I just discovered that I am pregnant yesterday from our family doctor, and I stalled the news, so I could break it to Jared ...
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