(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."

seemingly not bothered by my cold attitude at all, "I brought you a peace treaty," she smiled, shoving the drink in front of

the yellow liquid with suspicion. I should know better than to accept anything from her. The cautious part of me screamed to refuse, but before I could speak, she took the glass, tipped it back, and sipped. Then, locking eyes with me, she smirked. "See? I mean no

the sight, but I still didn't trust her. I didn't even bother to acknowledge her offer; instead, I

are mad at me, then you should accept my

anything against you. I just

water on the

whatever," she shrugged, the friendly smile not leaving

is it you wanted to talk

"About that?" she asked, her voice turning colder. "I wanted to

hairs at the nape of my neck

and stop disturbing him? You

whom here? I thought. Don't be ridiculous. But I didn't

I don't know

in her eyes. "Don't play dumb, Arielle. I know you've been pursuing him, and you have to stop. Jared deserves to

me, but

you can stop playing

you to take a

to explode. But then she seemed to

Meyers," she said, her voice reeking of malice. "Jealous that Jared is moving on with his life with someone younger, and you're

sting from her words, but I refused to let her get to me. I turned to walk

said. "And oh," I added over my shoulder, "You and

I walked towards my

lady had indeed lost every ounce

would make us even.

thoughts were interrupted by a collision with someone.

where you're going, Ostrich," he

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

okay?" He asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he

face. "Yeah, I'm fine. You? Where have you been?" I tried to sound casual, but my mind

convinced, but he answered anyway, "I just met a weirdo and got a bad vibe.

the exhaustion from the encounter with Sofia starting to hit me. "I'll head to my room now, I'm really tired from dinner. If it's not urgent,

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