Chapter 12
“Still, you should tell him. He is probably doting on Sofia because she is pregnant. Realizing his own wife is pregnant too, could do the magic. Don’t you think?”
I shook my head. “I doubt. I don’t think Jared’s sudden nonchalance towards me is because of the pregnancy. I think it’s because of his past with Sofia.”
“I don’t think
”
“Can I ask a question?” I asked, interrupting her.
Ashley looked surprised, but nodded. “Sure. Shoot.”
“Do you think a man and a woman can be together for a long period of time and be just friends?”
Ashley looked thrown off balance, and it was evident on her face. “I… I don’t think I understand your question.”
“Can a man and a woman be merely friends for a long period of time without growing feelings that are not platonic for each other?”
“Umm… I don’t think so. At some point, they should feel something for each other. Why?”
I shook my head. “It’s nothing. I was just wondering.”
Ashley gave me a reprimanding look. “No secrets, remember?”
I groaned. “Fine, I will tell you. Jared has been friends with Sofia for twenty years, yet he claims their relationship was strictly platonic. He only admitted to having a crush on her which he claimed he was over, and merely sees her as his best friend. Do you think he’s telling the truth, or I’m being paranoid.”
“I can’t say, but that night you two were rushed to the hospital, it was glaring that Jared cared about her. He was genuinely concerned and worried for her safety. On the other hand, you might be wrong, Arielle. His kindness might stem from a place of concern for her, since she is pregnant.”
I nodded, but I had a gut feeling it was more than that. Three years of being Jared’s wife and I have never doubted his intentions. But with Sofia’s arrival, that was beginning to change.
Maybe three years was not enough to know everything about a man. Maybe we should have dated for a year or a few months before we got married, like most couples do.
Too many “maybes” filled my head, until my head throbbed with a migraine.
1/2
Chapter 12
+25 Bonus
“You should rest,” Ashley said, patting my back.
I nodded, but just as I rested on the pillows, the door went open and Jared stepped in.
“Hey,” he called, and gave Ashley a polite nod before walking towards me.
“Hi,” I called back.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, placing a peck on my forehead.
“Better.”
“That’s impressive. The doctor said you are responding to treatment, and you can be discharged tomorrow.”
I nodded.
“Do you want something?”
“No.” Then locking eyes with him, I asked, “where have you been?”
Jared paused, like he had not expected the question but quickly wore a smile. “I went to the cafe across the road to grab a cup of coffee. Why?”
“Oh, nothing. I was just wondering where you have been all afternoon. I hope you don’t mind, are you coming directly from the cafe?”
Jared gave a nervous laugh. “Of course. Why all this question, Arielle? Is anything the matter?”
Of course, everything is the matter, because you just fucking lied to me, Jared Smith!
But I didn’t say that out, I merely shook my head. “No, nothing’s the matter. I just came back from a walk in the hospital’s garden and I need to rest.”
At the mention of the garden, I saw Jared’s eyelids twitch nervously. I felt bitter. I had struck a chord; He was lying, and he knew I knew.
