The pain is slowly fading.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The moment I heard those words, I knew I was in trouble, and had a lot of explanation to do. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation. "Calm down, Mom. Can we talk about it in person?"

"In person? No, we're gonna talk right now, over the phone!"

"Fine," I puffed out air in resignation. "What do you want to hear?"

"Everything. How are you divorced from your husband, and he's already flaunting pictures of himself and another woman?"

I stifled a scoff. That was definitely Sofia's doing. "Mom, it's a long story. But to cut it short, we parted ways because we realized we're no longer compatible."

"And what does that mean? How come you two didn't realize that in the three years you were married?"

I paused, thinking of the proper way to let out the words.

"Has the cat suddenly got your tongue? Keep talking, Arielle."

"He's in love with someone else. I just couldn't keep up," I muttered.

"The lady he's been flaunting?"

I nodded, "Yes."

"That stuck-up billionaire. How dare he treat you in that manner? I'll deal with him. Nobody messes with my only child."

"Mom, Mom, there will be no need for that. I asked for a divorce, and we settled amicably. We're not enemies, so please, don't do anything."

There was silence on the other end and I feared she had ended the call, but her voice came on again. "Are you hurt?" Her voice was softer now.

I was puzzled, but I responded. "I was, but the pain is slowly fading."

"I told you to be careful of men, to be careful of him. Men are mean people; all of them. Your Dad did the same to me; left me for another woman, and now that jerk has done the same to you. What do men really want?" "Mom, not all men are jerks. The fact that the men in our lives didn't treat us right doesn't mean there are no good men out there."

"There aren't, which is the reason I've decided to stay clear of them. They're cheats and heartbreakers."

I sighed tiredly, here we go again. She's gonna rant and cuss at men for the better part of the call. "Mom, can we talk of something else? How did you find out Jared and I are divorced?"

"It wasn't hard to figure out, even though I wasn't too sure until I called, the signs were there."

"What do you mean?"

F******k. And suddenly, there are pictures

I have to give it to

Jared's

no. I was merely keeping tabs on him," she

enough. But now you have to stop because we do not have an

of divorce, I hope you asked for a settlement. He can't waste three years of your life and not

we go again. "No,

yelled and I feared for my poor eardrums. "Are

do not want anything from him, Ma. I wasn't married to him because of his money. I'm content with my job

and we're so different. How dare you let him go without demanding

okay? I was the one married to Jared, and it was my decision not to ask for anything. Can we please

won't, Mom.

reminds me, I'm visiting

like I don't want you to visit, but is there

see how you're coping. I know you're trying to act tough, but it's not always easy. I know the trauma that comes with divorce, having experienced it firsthand. So, I'm coming to

Sel

some really nice supplements."

arguing would be futile. "Okay, Mom.

me that easily," she

"I will."

as the call ended, I exhaled

of a

can say that again," I responded, and we both burst out

up by the news?" Ashley asked,

properly," I shook my head. "She's

eyes playfully. "I guess we should buckle up ahead of

**********

hurry up, you tardy cat!" Ashley

hurried out the door and locked

weekend and we were attending a

now," I said, settling into

rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, Tardy

chuckled, and we hit the

mirror. "Siz what

you know what I mean," Ashley

know...I'm going to

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