Can we really go back to how things were?

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The next day was Sunday, and I was grateful it was not a work day. When I roused from sleep, all I did was shower, have breakfast and watch TV as Ashley wouldn't let me raise a pin.

"Hey," she squeezed my shoulder gently, sliding onto the couch next to me. "What's up?"

"Hey," I spared her a glance and returned my eyes back to the TV. "You're done?"

The aim of the question was because Ashley had risen at the crack of dawn to prune the flowers flanking her house entrance, and I wanted to ascertain if she was done.

"Yup, yup. The flowers look neater now."

"You should go have breakfast, you've been working for hours," I said, my eyes still fixed on the show.

"Well, you've been engrossed on the TV that you didn't realize that I finished pruning the flowers a while ago, have showered, changed into fresh clothes and even had breakfast. Gosh! Are all pregnant women this lazy and less observant?"

I paused. "Wait, what?" I asked, and turned to look at her properly. And that was when I took a look at her. She had indeed showered because her hair was wet, and she had a change of clothes.

"Oh well, you can't blame me," I said and returned to the TV. "You wouldn't let me do anything so I might as well make up for that by indulging in some fun activities."

"Hmmm...I see," Ashley teased. "So, what plans do you have for tomorrow? Aren't you going to work?"

I paused my attention on the TV and turned to face Ashley squarely. "I will return home for a change of clothes tomorrow, and leave for work afterwards."

"Seriously, Arielle? If you want to fix your home then you have to stop running. Maybe, you should hear Jared out. Who knows, Sofia might have thrown herself at him. That lady is desperate and can do anything."

that way. When I overheard the conversation, Jared didn't sound particularly happy about the kiss. Ashley might

been a jerk for sometime, it doesn't change the fact that he's a good man and has treated you so well since you too got married. Maybe Sofia's return triggered memories from their teenage

things were?" I asked, voicing my fear. A lot has changed since Sofia's arrival, and I was beginning to doubt my marriage would go

marriage, and I should've respected that. So, let's give him another chance, for the sake of the child. If he still chooses Sofia, then... maybe we'll think about other

You're the only family I've got. I'm not saying divorce is

so complicated. Back then, we were still getting to know each other, despite being married. Jared was always busy with the company, and I was building my career as a chef in New York. But he insisted on driving

smile tugged at my lips as I remembered his words: 'At least I want them

drown in it. I had been a judge for a charity baking competition for the kids at a local creche, and I ended up staying late. I didn't expect Jared to come pick me up. He could've just sent a driver, but he came himself. I remember asking, 'I thought you had a meeting?' And he

was... kind of touched. I asked him if he thought I was silly, standing out in the rain all wet with those kids. And he just smiled at me.

It's just... I really thought we could make it work. I thought

my shoulder. I looked at her and said sincerely, "Thank you, Ash. For everything. You've been more of a family to me

my shoulder

********

she drove me home. I needed to have a change of clothes and pick up my work ID. As we approached the house gate, I silently prayed that Jared had left the house. I might have decided to let things slide, and get on with our marriage, but I still was not ready to face him yet. I just

strong phobia for being alone with her. I might act tough when Jared is with us, but behind that feisty attitude was an underlying fear for her. She was capable of so much bad, and I do not

here," Ashley announced, stopping at the gate. "There's no point driving in. Just

opened

you want me to come in with you?"

have got this

"Alright, be quick.

house. I stepped into the foyer, and surprisingly the house seemed different in just a day of my absence. I shook off the feeling and walked on, and as I walked, couldn't help but notice how the house looked dirty. I arrived at the living room and it was in a much worse state. A bowl of unfinished popcorn sat on the centrepiece, with crumbs

the handiwork of no other person but Sofia. What the

that led to the dining, and paused when I heard Sofia call out to Jared from

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