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."

I haven't thought of things in that way. When I overheard the conversation, Jared didn't sound particularly happy about the kiss. Ashley might be right; Sofia might have thrown

their teenage years, causing him some emotional turmoil. Once Sofia leaves, which is more reason why you should fight for that to happen, you two might be able

changed since Sofia's arrival, and I

I suggested you divorce Jared, and I take it back. I'm sorry for saying something so... ridiculous. You've always valued your marriage, and I should've respected that. So, let's give him another chance,

eyes. "Never apologize, Ash. I know you only said that because you care. You're the only family I've got. I'm not saying divorce is impossible... it's just... I never thought we'd come to this point. I never imagined it

everything became 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

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

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 told me his flight had been cancelled.

silly, standing out in the rain all wet with those kids. And he just smiled at me. 'Well now we are both wet,'

silly for bringing this up now... I don't even know why I'm talking about it. It's just... I really thought we could make it work. I thought we were better than this. I guess

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

She squeezed my shoulder affectionately. "You know you

********

knew it, it was Monday. And Monday marked the beginning of a new working day. After showering, having breakfast and getting dressed in one of Ashley's dresses, 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

Since the fall, I had developed a strong phobia for being alone with her. I might act tough when Jared is with us, but behind that

the gate. "There's no point driving in. Just have your clothes changed

opened the car

me to come in

got this under

"Alright, be quick.

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 of different food littering the

rose inside of me as I knew it was the handiwork of no other person but Sofia. What the hell was wrong with her? I fumed, as I walked on, careful not

heard Sofia call out to Jared from the kitchen. "Jared,

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