The ultimatum.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

After Jared left, I was beside myself with worry. What could be wrong with Sofia? I wondered. It was barely 24hrs Jared and I left the house, and she had developed a stomach pain?

I tried to distract myself with the thought that Jared will handle the situation, but my mind wouldn't budge. For a moment, I suspected foul play. What if it was a ploy by Sofia to lure Jared back to the house as she never wanted him to leave in the first place? But I shoved the thought aside, trying not to look paranoid and insecure. If she was pretending, she wouldn't involve Jared's mother, right? The more I thought about everything, the restless I became.

Then a thought struck me; what if the situation was critical and more than Jared could handle? I jerked up from the bed that instant, I needed to go home too. Just in case Jared needed help.

And so without a second thought, I grabbed my clothes and threw them on. I took hold of my purse and hurried out. Outside the hotel, I booked a cab and read out my home address. As we drove, my impatience grew, and I ordered the driver to go faster. Fortunately, he didn't argue but complied.

Minutes later, the cab pulled up at the house gate, and I paid the driver before hurrying in. As I entered, I noticed Jared's car carelessly parked, the driver's door open and the engine running. I turned the engine off and shut the car door before hurrying inside.

The house was surprisingly quiet, and I wondered where Jared and Sofia were. I was tempted to call out to them, but stopped myself and opted to go searching for them. I had just gotten close to the living room when I heard Sofia's voice. To my surprise, it didn't sound like that of someone who was hurting.

And so, I tiptoed closer to listen, and what I heard shattered me.

"You two kissed?" I exclaimed, unable to believe my ears.

Jared looked up at me, his face pale, and he looked like he had been caught red handed.

"Arielle, I can explain..." he started.

deny it, but the remorse and guilt in his eyes spoke volume. "Explain what? You kissed someone you claimed to be just a friend to

at this point, a smug smile on her face. "Arielle, it's

my eyes blazing hot like hot coal. "Shut up, Sofia. You've caused enough trouble already! Aren't you supposed to be writing with stomach pain, huh? Oh, let

didn't listen, instead I turned my back on him and stormed out

called out behind

withdrew it forcefully. "Do not touch me!" I yelled, menacingly. And without another word,

cab. It was only

uncontrollably, ignoring

in the rearview mirror. The pain was unbearable, like tiny needles piercing my heart. Jared and Sofia kissed? How did it happen

"How could he betray

and my face contorted in more anger as I saw Jared's name flashing

spoke up. "Ma'am, where can I take

with the back of my palm. "My friend's place," I

back on the car's seat, fighting to hold back my tears. No matter how hard I tried, the pain

like eternity, the cab pulled up at Ashley's house. I alighted, paid the driver, and hurried to Ashley's front door. I pressed the doorbell and waited. Seconds

her arms. "Jared...Sofia...they kissed," I sobbed, my voice muffled against

way for a moment before she left me in and shut the door. "It's okay, quit crying. I'm here for you. Tell

Ashley was patient as she watched me cry. Moments later, my sobs receded and I

can't bring myself to believe Jared will stoop that low. He never struck me like

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