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."

When I overheard the conversation, Jared didn't sound particularly happy about the kiss. Ashley might be right; Sofia

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 years, causing him some emotional turmoil. Once

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

ridiculous. You've always valued your 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

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

each other, despite being married. Jared was always busy with the company, and I was building my career as a chef in New

at my lips as I remembered his words: 'At least I want them to know you've got someone watching your back. Don't let them think they

when it rained so heavily that the entire city seemed to 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

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

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

her hand resting gently on my shoulder. I looked at her and said sincerely, "Thank you, Ash. For

squeezed my shoulder affectionately. "You

********

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 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

would be rid of her too. 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 feisty attitude was an underlying fear for her.

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

opened the

come in with you?" Ashley asked, holding

got this

"Alright, be quick.

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 hell was wrong with her?

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

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