Quick fix

(ARIELLE'S POV

As we drove along the road, I leaned closer to the window, my gaze fixed outside. It wasn't the scenery that held my attention but the way my thoughts felt heavier with every mile. Then something caught my eye-QuickFix Auto.

At first glance, it was just a car repair shop. Ordinary, unremarkable. But as I stared, recognition hit me like a wave.

I blinked, the name tugging at a memory I hadn't thought about in years. Suddenly, it all came flooding back.

It was six years ago, early in our marriage. I'd spent an entire day selling cakes at a charity event. The rain had started pouring just as the event ended, and I'd gotten stuck with kids whose parents hadn't shown up to pick them up yet. I called Jared, frustrated and soaked, filling him in.

What I didn't know then was that he had canceled a flight and rescheduled an important meeting. Just to come for me.

But life being what it was, his car broke down as soon as he reached me.

I could still remember the two of us, shivering and laughing like we were two invincible high schoolers, pulling his car over, to this very shop. It was one of those moments that felt so intimate. Just us, no pretense, no world watching.

Now, staring at the shop, I felt the sharp ache of that memory. It wasn't just bittersweet-it was choking. Like the weight of all the nearly seven years I'd bottled up was finally too much to bear. "S-stop the car," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Everyone turned to look at me in surprise.

"Stop the car!" I said again, louder this time, my words firmer.

Ashley was the first to ask. "Arielle, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I responded simply.

Turning to Roman, I added, "Please, tell the driver to stop."

There was something in my tone, or maybe the look on my face, that made him nod without question. "Pull over," he instructed.

The car slowed to a stop, and before I could even unbuckle, Ashley reached for my arm. "I'll come with you."

"This is something I

lingered on

somewhere between my chest and my throat. "He wasn't always like this, Ash. Jared...

pressed down, and my voice faltered. Tears

to do

a lie. He was the Jared I knew, the one I trusted. The man I

like this.

figure out how all of these had happened. I didn't even know what I wanted to ask, but I desperately needed an answer! Ashley's eyes bore into mine, her hand wrapping around mine in silent support. She knew me. Oh she

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yes."

to see Jared was me

past, the emotions, anger and bitterness

matter what the result was, this decision was a choice I made

but my resolve silenced her. With a deep breath, I opened the car door

be left alone, I

but he cut me off with a small

the limousine door shut, and the car drove off, leaving

to ask him what he was doing, but he met my gaze with a determined

going," he said gently, his voice steady yet soft, "it'll

just reassuring; it was firm. It was as if he could see right

he added. "He fixed my bike once. I'll borrow a

didn't want him to. The fire in my chest-the one fueled by unanswered questions and a desperate need for closure

permission, his expression softening into a small smile before he jogged

roar of an engine snapped me out of my thoughts. Dwayne pulled up on a sleek

"Yes."

sure the helmet was secure, he got on the bike, waiting for me to climb on behind him. I slid onto the seat,

gentle roar, the bike sprang

through my hair, carrying away the heaviness in my chest, even if only for a little while. There

where I wanted to go. The route was familiar, back

know?" I asked, my voice barely cutting through the roar of the engine.

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