Chapter 16
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“She’s pregnant!” Jared exhaled heavily. “She can’t be alone right now. What if something happens in the middle of the night? She needs people around her.”
“Doesn’t she have a family? I understand she’s divorced, but what about her family? Parents? Relatives? They are people she should be with and not you, not us.”
Jared paused, as if contemplating his next choice of words. “She does,” he finally said.
“Then why is she not with them?”
“Her family have been away for a while. Her Dad has a heart disease, prompting her parents to retire to a beach in India, where her mother is tending to him with the help of some Indian physicians. She is the only child and has no sibling or relative to go to, except me and mum.”
My eyes dropped at Jared’s words, and for the first time since I had known Sofia, I felt another emotion that was not anger towards her–sympathy.
An ailing father, a divorce, being pregnant and alone without her family with her. I had to admit, that was a lot for one to go through.
But then, was that enough to make her act in the unbearable manner she does? People go through a lot and still turn out well, behavior wise. I, for example, didn’t have it rosy growing up, having been born into a not well–to–do family and having to struggle to the point I had gotten to.
I shook my head, I shouldn’t be comparing. People react to circumstances differently, and that’s what makes us peculiar as individuals.
“Arielle?” Jared’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts.
“Yeah…what were you saying?”
“I asked if you’d consider letting Sofia stay.” He reached out, gently patting my shoulder.
A bitter sigh escaped my lips. “Do I even have a choice?” I shook my head, the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me. “Seriously, Jared, for the last time–this isn’t the solution I want. If you truly respected me, you wouldn’t be forcing me into this situation in the first place. Sofia’s presence in our home is non–negotiable. But if she does stay, then I set the rules.”
He exhaled, his gaze softening. “What kind of rules?”
“For starters, she doesn’t set foot in our bedroom. She stays in the guest wing and respects my space. And I’m not playing housekeeper or therapist for her. She wants a place to stay? Fine. But I won’t tolerate any disrespect, any interference in our marriage, or any more
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Chapter 16
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accidents conveniently happening around me.”
Jared nodded without hesitation. “No problem. If that’s what it takes to make you feel comfortable, then we’ll do it your way.”
I folded my arms. “And this arrangement? It’s temporary. She finds her own place as soon as possible. No extensions.”
Jared sighed but didn’t argue.
“Good,” I said, taking a step back. “Because I refuse to be pushed aside in my own home. If she can respect these boundaries, I’ll tolerate her staying here…”
Before I could say anything else, he closed the distance between us and swept me into his
arms.
“Jared! Let go–I can’t breathe!”
He loosened his grip just enough for our eyes to meet, a teasing glint dancing in his gaze. How lucky am I to have a wife like you?” he murmured, his voice low, warm, and infuriatingly irresistible.
Before I could form a retort, he buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply as if committing my scent to memory. Then, slowly, deliberately, he pressed soft kisses along my skin, the kind that used to make me melt.
“Stop it…”
I pushed him gently; his cologne was overwhelming–I used to love it but now it felt suffocating.
He chuckled–deep and velvety. “You’re so cute when you try to resist me.”
I rolled my eyes, pushing him away a little more firmly this time. “You won’t forget your promises about the cameras and extra help…right?”
“Never,” he said immediately, his expression turning serious. “You have my word. Just get some rest, okay?”
I nodded and watched him hurry out the door. Afterward, I collapsed on the bed, my body feeling like a heavy sack of flour.
Minutes later, my eyelids dropped in an exhausted sleep.
