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.

Ma,

"Aging."

"You always say that."

woman chuckled before her voice turned serious. "I don't want to waste your time, I called to remind you about

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

"Venue?" She asked..

few drives away from my

me the location

I said, and the call

a quick text with the details and sent it to

occasionally drifting to the lunch meeting with Jared's mother.

bag and headed out dialing Jared's

"Hello, dear," she answered.

Ma. Where are

near the

"Alright, Ma."

her easily and made my way over. As I approached, I noticed the change in her hairstyle-her once shoulder-length auburn hair was now cut short to a Bob level. She looked stunning, regardless. "Hi,

good," she replied

have?" She inquired, as I lowered myself into

"Just iced tea, please."

to eat something. We'll be talking, and I

not hungry, Ma,"

she wouldn't budge.

we placed our orders. And while the waiter was getting our orders, Jared's mother

responded, feeling a little awkward. I was divorced from

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 me intently. "Arielle, I know you're wondering why I asked you to

I nodded, "Yes, ma."

me a knowing smile. "It's

down, feeling a flush spread on my cheeks. Had

I proceed, you have to do away with the "ma" title. You used to call

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