What she wants.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

My last words were firm: "Don't come any closer, Jared. I mean it."

He halted, his eyes misty. For a moment, I thought he'd defy me, but then he nodded and stepped back.

Without another glance, I turned around and hurried off. I refused to look back, quickening my step along the hallway. My heart thudded in my chest, relief flooding my system when I finally reached the sanctuary of my hospital room. I shut the door behind me, leaning against it as I let out a shaky breath. The encounter with Jared has left me badly shaken and drained.

My mind kept racing, as I couldn't get rid of the thoughts of what would happen now that Jared knew Maverick's paternity.

Would he go to court and try to take him from me, especially as I have refused to let him into our lives? No way, my inner mother instincts instantly kicked in at the thought, and I vowed fiercely that no one would take my child from me. But as much as I was being optimistic, I couldn't rule out the fact that Jared's pursuit to get back into I and Maverick's life won't halt, not when he knew the boy was his.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Ashley. I had called her earlier from the hospital and, despite wanting to rush over, she'd held off when I promised her I was stable. But she'd insisted on picking me up.

"Ashley?" I said into the phone.

"Hey, girl. How are you holding up?" Concern filled her voice.

"I'm alright. The doctor says I can leave. Can you come pick me up? I'm ready to go home."

"You don't sound so alright," she said, instantly catching on. "I'll be there in 20. Tell your mom and the little boy you're spending the night at my place."

I smiled, always like that, typically Ash.

I said

things and waited for Ashley. She arrived as promised and texted me to meet her in the parking lot. I prayed I wouldn't run into Jared on my way out-and thankfully, I didn't. As soon as I got into the car, she looked

a mother hen and

incident, else she would be in coma now, fighting for her life," Ashley hissed, as she inserted the car's key in

stifled a laugh, but knowing Ashley, I was glad she wasn't there because she sure as hell

with her curses about her workaholic boss and laughter. I was

arrived at her apartment and settled in with pajama pants

me a beer, and I took

a tear slipped down my cheek,

I'm here," she murmured, hugging me and brushing the

is his," I smiled

She took a sip of her beer,

definitely knows. Maybe he did a secret DNA test? Maybe it was Sofia's lies catching up to him. But somehow he knows," I sighed. "You don't seem

who looked could see Maverick is his. Actually, I'm shocked it took him

let out a self-mocking laugh, rubbing my temples.

looked at me intently, "What

analyzing the

What do I want?

to my child. Maverick was little, yet he deserved the truth. I was wrong on one thing when

of your existence just because he was too wrapped up in his good friend? or hiding the

Ridiculous.

long sip

exactly, but I do know that I do not want anything or anyone to ruin a life I have

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