For the first time, he wondered if he did the right thing.

(JARED'S POV)

It was a Saturday, and I walked out of the gym room after a strenuous workout. I was stunned to see Sofia slouched on the couch, flipping through TV channels. Wait, wasn't she supposed to be preparing for the Charity event? "Hey, aren't you supposed to be leaving for the charity event soon? I asked, approaching her.

She turned to me with a dismissive shrug. "I'm not going."

"Why not?"

"I don't feel well," she said, placing a hand on her stomach. "The baby doesn't want me to go."

I raised an eyebrow. "So, the money I gave you was for nothing, then?"

"Oh, I did order the dress, but I won't be donating anymore."

My anger flared up like it had been waiting on the surface. "What's going on with you, Sofia? Why did you demand such a sum of money and now you're not even using it for the charity event?"

Her anger flared too, matching mine. "Don't shout at me over such a little sum, Jared."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my temper. "Sofia, was there even a charity event, or was it just an excuse to get money from me?"

Her silence spoke volumes. I didn't wait for an answer. I turned and walked away.

"Jared, wait!" Sofia shouted after me.

But I was already skidding up the stairs.

I got to the room, stripped out of my gym wear, and got under the shower. While at it, my mind wandered.

I thought of Arielle and couldn't help but compare her to Sofia. Arielle would never lie to extort money from me; in fact, she disliked demanding money from me to the point I had to forcefully give her my card. Arielle -sweet, calm, reserved, and virtuous. For a moment, for the first time since our divorce, I wondered if I did the right thing.

But I quickly shook the thoughts off. I don't regret anything, not one

now because she was pregnant. Once she gives birth, she'll return to her

walked out. I needed to step out and get some air. It was not a working day, so I could hang out at my favorite snooker

downstairs, and Sofia was still in the sitting room. She looked

"Going somewhere?"

get some fresh

trying to insinuate

waiting, I walked off despite

Sofia," I

************

the snooker house, welcomed by the familiar sounds of clicking balls and laughter. Spotting a group

later,

QUMS

all their

one

know, right?" I said, smiling with pride. I like

a few more games, I bid the guys goodbye and

named Amara, greeted me with

"The usual?" she asked.

sip, savouring the cold soothing taste. Just as I was starting to unwind, someone cleared their throat beside me.4 turned to see a figure sliding into the stool

join you?" the person

voice,

I asked gruffly, casting him a stern

signature smile, the one people found charming but I found annoying. "Just enjoying the evening, my friend. I saw you and thought I'd

said, punctuating each word. "Leave while I'm still

man, what's the hate for? If there's anyone who should be mad, it has to be me. You took the woman I

when she was barely seventeen, rather. How

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