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."

I said firmly. "This is something I need to

hand lingered on

chest and my throat. "He wasn't

down, and my voice faltered. Tears burned at the

need to

our marriage. That memory wasn't a lie. That man wasn't a lie. He was the Jared I knew, the one I

be like this. He

a strong indescribable urge to face Jared and figure out how all of these had happened. I didn't even know what I wanted to

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yes."

as going to see Jared was me

from my past, the emotions, anger and

the result was, this decision was a choice

face, but my resolve silenced her. With a deep breath,

be left alone,

protest, but he cut me off with a small gesture, signaling

stop it, the limousine door shut, and the

doing, but he met my gaze

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

he could see right through me, knowing

know the owner of this shop," he added.

tried, Dwayne wouldn't budge. And deep down, I didn't want him to. The fire in my chest-the one fueled by unanswered questions

took my silent agreement as permission, his expression softening into a small smile before he jogged toward

there, staring at the ground, my mind racing as I waited. Minutes later, the roar of an engine snapped me out of my thoughts. Dwayne pulled up on a sleek black motorcycle, his dark hair slightly tousled by the breeze. He removed his helmet and handed it to me. "Are

"Yes."

secure, he got on the bike, waiting for me to climb on behind him. I

a gentle roar,

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

where I wanted to

I asked, my voice barely cutting

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