You're a good woman.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"I still can't wrap my head around what happened," Ashley huffed, flinging her handbag on the couch the instant we stepped into the living room. "That woman is unbelievable!"

"Ash, just let it slide," I sighed, slumping next to her. "I'm alright, and that's all that matters."

Ashley turned to face me, her face serious. "You see, that's the problem. You're too soft and unproblematic, and that's why she picks on you all the time. She should be hiding her face with all she's done to you instead, she's still making trouble." "Ashley, no need to rehash things," I pleaded, rubbing my temples.

"But someone needs to remind you," she countered. "Do I list all she has done to you?" She asked, her eyes challenging."

"No, don't bother," I replied, waving my hand.

Ashley scowled. "You need to stop being nice to your enemies, Arielle. Sofia is your enemy; treat her as such. Imagine wanting to help her after all she's put you through."

I sighed, feeling exhausted. "Ashley, drop it, okay? I just want to move on from this."

Her expression softened, and she wrapped her arms around me. "I'm just worried about you, that's all. You know I love you, right?"

"I know, and I appreciate you," I said, smiling. "But let's just focus on important things for now.

Ashley nodded and I rested my head on her shoulder. And we stayed that way for a long time.

*********

I settled into the backseat of the Uber, and the driver zoomed off. Ashley had an early meeting at work, hence I had to board an Uber. I nodded slowly to the cool music emanating from the car's radio.

Just as we stopped at the traffic light, my phone rang. I gestured to the driver to lower the volume of the radio when I saw the caller's ID.

"Good morning, Ma," I greeted, bracing myself.

"Arielle, how are you?" Jared's mother asked.

fine, Ma, and

"Aging."

"You always say that."

waste your time, I

did. And if it's okay with you, Ma, we can meet today." I glanced

"Venue?" She asked..

few drives away from my workplace.

the location

Ma," I said, and the

quick text with the details and sent it to her. Afterward, I focused on getting

at work and settled into my usual work routine, my mind occasionally drifting to the lunch meeting with Jared's mother. And Before

and headed out dialing Jared's mother as

"Hello, dear," she answered.

here, Ma. Where

the corner table near the window. You'll

"Alright, Ma."

I approached, I noticed the change in her hairstyle-her once shoulder-length auburn hair was

she replied

you have?" She inquired, as

"Just iced tea, please."

not enough," she chided, frowning. "You need to eat something. We'll be talking, and I want

hungry, Ma,"

wouldn't budge. "Order something,

and a waiter appeared, and we placed our orders. And while the

little awkward. I was divorced from her son, yet she was being nice to

While we ate, I impatiently waited for Jared's mom to state the reason for the meeting, but the older woman had other plans. She didn't utter a word until we were done eating. She cleared her throat, looking at

I nodded, "Yes, ma."

knowing smile. "It's

feeling a flush spread on my cheeks. Had I

proceed, you have to do away with the "ma" title. You used to call me mum; if you don't feel comfortable calling

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