(ARIELLE'S POV)

As I stepped out onto the deck after dinner, the cool evening breeze swept through my hair like a soothing caress. The sky was a beautiful sight to see at that time of the day, a hue of blue and white.

Beside me, Ashley and Maverick were deep in conversation, laughter spilling out between them as we walked. But soon, as usual, Ashley excused herself, shouting with a grin, "I've got to go scout some handsome guys for my next evaluation sheet! Margaux's waiting for me."

I couldn't help but chuckle. It was typical Ashley-always on the lookout for "research material," as she liked to call it. I also knew, unless the situation was really extreme, she wouldn't willingly spend more than 10 minutes with a kid. Maverick was an exception, of course. But she was still a good sport. She bent down and offered him her hand, her voice sweet as she said, "Alright, little man, let's get you to your grandma. I'm sure she's waiting to spoil you rotten."

Maverick grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Thanks, Ashley! And... uh, can I join in your muscle-hunting mission next time? I've got some serious game!" He puffed out his little chest as he said it, causing Ashley to give him a playful punch on the arm.

I couldn't help but laugh at their banter. "I'll be right here when you come back," I said, ruffling Maverick's hair affectionately. "Go have fun, baby."

"Bye, Mommy!" he called over his shoulder as he skipped off with Ashley. Then, in a quieter voice, he added, "But, Ashley, if you find any real muscle men, tell them I'm looking for some tips."

Ashley pretended to be shocked, raising an eyebrow. "You're not old enough for that stuff yet, young man. Maybe when you're at least five."

And then I watched them walk hand in hand towards the doorway, and couldn't help but smile. I tore my gaze away as my eyes darted around. I wasn't sure where Dwayne had wandered off to, but I know I don't have to worry about him. The moment alone gave me time to myself as I gazed out at the sea.

The stars were beginning to twinkle in the night sky, and the endless sound of Ocean tide made it all soothing and beautiful. I felt my worries slowly ebbing away with the tide. I inhaled deeply, accepting the salty air filling my lungs, and shut my eyes, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over me.

Tomorrow marked a new year for me, a new age. It felt like the perfect time to reflect and enjoy a few minutes of solitude.

But just as the calm began to settle in, a presence crept up behind me.

I turned to see Sofia emerging from the doorway, a drink in hand. Instinctively, my body tensed, but I forced myself to remain calm, hoping she was just passing by, not out here because of me. But no such luck. She walked closer, and then stopped right in front of me. I sighed inwardly, already bracing for impact.

"Not now, not here, Sofia," I muttered under my breath.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi," I responded in a flat tone.

"Arielle," she began, her voice reeking of forced calmness. "I've been looking for you. Can I have a word?"

"Better not."

by my cold attitude at all, "I brought you a peace treaty," she smiled, shoving the drink in

of me screamed to refuse, but before I could speak, she took the glass, tipped it back, and sipped. Then, locking eyes with

still didn't trust her. I didn't even bother to

on, Arielle, unless you are mad at me, then you should accept my peace

"I don't have anything against you. I just

for the water on the table and took

she shrugged, the friendly smile not

you wanted to talk

she asked, her voice turning colder. "I wanted

of my neck rose to their full

him alone and stop disturbing him? You don't have to

of her request. Who's disturbing whom here? I thought.

don't know what you're

anger flashing in her eyes. "Don't play dumb, Arielle. I know you've been pursuing him, and you have to stop. Jared deserves to be happy, and Tiana is perfect for him. Can't you just

surged within me, but I

"I believe," I said, my voice steady and clear, "if Jared had the same opinion as you, he wouldn't hesitate to let me know. So until then, you can stop playing mother hen. Last time I checked, he's no longer engaged to you, but to someone else. His life isn't your

you to take a

she was going to explode. But then she seemed to regain control of herself, and a fake sweet smile

just jealous, Arielle Meyers," she said, her voice reeking of malice. "Jealous that Jared is

I refused to let her get to me. I turned

time for your childish shenanigans," I said. "And

towards my

was unbelievable. That lady had indeed lost every ounce of shame in her. Oh, how I wished I had recalled to grab the wine

would make us even.

by a collision with

he

and I stammered, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize

his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me.

been?" I tried to sound casual, but my mind was still

anyway, "I just met a weirdo and got a bad vibe. Something doesn't sit right with me, Ari. We should

"I'll head to my room now, I'm really tired from dinner. If it's not urgent, let's

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255