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.

it, but the remorse and guilt in his eyes spoke volume. "Explain what?

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

Oh, let me guess; it was a ploy to get Jared back home, isn't it?" I saw her eyes dimmed with anger as

I turned my back on

please hold on," he called out behind me, but

withdrew it forcefully. "Do not touch me!" I yelled, menacingly. And

as I flagged a cab. It was only when I was in

sobbed uncontrollably, ignoring

needles piercing my heart. Jared and Sofia kissed? How did it happen under

could he?" I whispered, my voice hoarse. "How could he betray me like

the silence. I took it out of my purse, and my face contorted in more anger

driver who has been quiet all this while, spoke up. "Ma'am, where can I take you? You didn't

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

car's seat, fighting to hold back my tears. No matter how hard I tried, the pain in my heart wouldn't stop.

house. I alighted, paid the driver, and hurried to Ashley's front door. I pressed the doorbell and waited. Seconds later, the door swung open. "Arielle! Oh my goodness, what's wrong?" Ashley exclaimed, stunned when she

and walked into her arms. "Jared...Sofia...they kissed," I

door. "It's okay,

and for the next few minutes, I kept bawling like a child. Ashley was patient as she watched me cry. Moments later, my sobs receded and I managed to

don't know. I can't bring myself to believe Jared will stoop that low. He never

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