Checking his phone; yes or no?

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I was roused from sleep by a gentle tap. My eyes fluttered open and I saw Jared peering down at me.

"Dinner is served, Mrs. Smith," he said, his voice warm and teasing as he pressed a light kiss to my forehead.

"Dinner? I was startled and sat up. "What time is it?" I inquired, looking at the window, and I realized outside looked dark, but the room was illuminated by the bedside lamp. Jared chuckled. "You have been sleeping for four hours. Come to think of it, you never slept this much. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I quickly replied and got off the bed. I was sure my recent weakness and proclivity for sleep was because of the pregnancy, but I was not about to admit that to Jared. "Alright," Jared said with a nod. "Shall we?"

I nodded back, and we both walked out of the bedroom. As we strolled to the dining room, I asked, "So, what's for dinner?"

"Roasted potatoes, broccoli, and chicken," Jared replied with a smile.

I stopped to stare at him in surprise. "How come? You can barely boil water, let alone cook a complex meal like that."

Jared paused, then gave me a smile. "Sofia helped," he said, his tone a bit too casual.

A sharp pang of jealousy stabbed through me, quick and unexpected. I imagined Jared and Sofia in the kitchen, laughing together, working as a team. It was a foolish thought, I knew. They were both adults-exes, even-and I trusted him. But that didn't make the jealousy any easier to swallow.

I shook my head, pushing the thought aside as we entered the dining room. The table was set, and Sofia was seated, waiting. I took my seat, and Jared followed suit.

Jared cleared his throat and spoke, "Sofia has something to tell you, Arielle."

Sofia turned to him sharply, a questioning look in her eyes, but Jared nudged her slightly.

"Go on," he encouraged.

Sofia gave him a death glare before turning to me with a fake smile plastered on her face.

case you don't

at her words. Was this an apology or a subtle shade? At the same time, I wanted to laugh at her words about

me that you gave your consent. I promise to be quiet and stay out of your way. You won't

fine, Sofia. Thank you

queen is here and I've

her tone unmistakable. It might be to Jared, but not to me. Indeed Sofia was unrepentant, and I will have

and we

into dinner, Sofia was back to her usual annoying self, dominating every conversation and subtly flirting with Jared. She rambled about their past-how they used to

that day I invited you over for lunch because I made pancakes?" Sofia asked

raised an eyebrow. "You mean that day you spilled flour

shut up! At least I was not the one who almost burned down

as usual. At some point, I tried to chip in a few words to indicate that I was still present at the table, but Sofia wouldn't

she wasn't reliving

from twenty

corners of Jared's mouth, trying to take out invisible food crumbs.

against his face.

met mine in those fleeting moments, and for

like worms would do to our intestines whenever we are starving, but I recalled Jared's words about Sofia's predicament. I took a

to clear the table. Sofia offered to help, and I was more than grateful to be rid of her for

sincere. "I'm exhausted. I think

looked unusually excited at my last words, and

returned to the bedroom, relieved to be alone. I took a long, hot bath, and I felt

to the room, I slipped into my sleeping gown. I got into bed afterwards, trying to sleep, but

I drifted off to sleep, I was roused by the shuffling sounds of someone moving. My eyes went open and I

biceps protruded on well-formed arms, and his

him

in my belly when I was caught

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