When doubt creep in.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"Ashley, I need to go. Thank you for the information. I will call you back later." After the phone call with Ashley, I tried my best to handle my whirling thoughts.

Jared is always elegant, considerate, and even meticulous. I thought I knew this man after three years' marriage. However, I've never seen him defend anyone in front of me, let alone break his promise twice.

I sighed as I stepped down from my car.

Upon arriving at home, nothing prepared me for the sight I was met with. Sofia was seated comfortably in the sitting room, and she was not alone. She was with Jared's mother, and they were conversing and laughing happily. While Jared was sitting alone on the single sofa next to them.

"What's going on here?" I managed to ask, a lump forming on my throat.

As I approached, Jared rose smoothly, reaching for my coat. "I brought Sofia over because Mom wanted to see her," he explained, his tone measured.

"You could have told me first," I said quietly, "And this is what you called 'handling the situation'?". Jared's eyes met mine briefly, a flicker of apology passing through them, before he went upstairs with my coat. Great. Now I had to deal with this on my own.

Sofia turned to me with a carefree look, like she owned the house. "Oh, hey, Arielle. I'm glad you are home. Jared's mom and I were catching up."

My eyes grew suspicious as I tried not to glare at Sofia. What is she doing here? Why is my mother-in-law so friendly with her?

Jared's mother looked up at me, her expression neutral, not as warm as when she was talking to Sofia. "Welcome back," she said curtly, then turned her attention back to Sofia. "Go on, dear, you were saying?"

and embarrassed as I stood there, feeling like an outsider

entire truth about his relationship with Sofia. Because, how come

interrupted my thoughts. Why do I think she was

abroad to celebrate Jared's birthday, and I met Arielle at the restaurant earlier. It was our first time meeting," Sofia

she also tells Jared's mother how rude she was, how she threatened to have

mother said, obviously intrigued

can't believe Jared is married to a mere chef. I mean, don't get me wrong, but it is not exactly a prestigious job and not befitting for

I could see the challenge in

every single day." Sofia's lips twitched, and I could see her struggling to keep her composure. "Oh, I didn't mean to belittle your skills or your profession. I just think Jared could have... chosen differently."

Sophia was choked.

Sofia was merely voicing her

"Indeed," I said, sarcastically.

Sofia, "Okay Sofia, dear, let's not talk about Arielle anymore and focus on our previous discussion. Tell me

eyes and took a seat. However, Sofia's words caught my attention: "So I arrived in

Jared

into background noise as my mind raced, trying

away, seemingly unbothered by my

fell into place, a realisation hit me: the call Jared received last night was not about work, but because he went to

heart sank into my stomach. Why did he have to

the man I'm married to, or

suddenly turned to face me, a smile

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