Chapter 21
I saw anger flashing in Sofia’s eyes, while I watched the exchange in amusement. “On the contrary, I think Arielle is selfish. Letting you drive her to work even when you’re running late, and also coming to pick her up after work every day. She’s stressing you out, and she should stop and learn to drive herself.”
I lost my cool at this point, and snapped. “Oh, shut up, Sofia! You’re a stranger here, and should have no say in how we run our home.”
“That’s right, Sofia,” Jared concurred, his voice lacking the usual tenderness it carried whenever he spoke to her. And was it just me? I think Jared was avoiding eye contact with
her.
Sofia’s face went pale, like she didn’t expect Jared to take sides with me.
I tugged at Jared’s arm. “We’re late, we should leave.”
Jared nodded. “Have a nice day, Sofia. I’ll call you at noon to check how you’re doing.”
With that, he walked on, and I followed suit. I looked back for a fleeting moment to see Sofia rooted to the spot, her expression that of anger and shock.
I stifled a laugh and turned back around, walking alongside Jared as we made our way outside. We got to the parking lot, and he opened the car door for me and I slid in. He closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side, getting in behind the wheel.
“Ready?” he asked, starting the engine.
I nodded, and he drove out of the compound, soon speeding down the highway.
I couldn’t help but stare at Jared as he drove, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He was becoming increasingly unpredictable, and I couldn’t understand why.
One minute, he was doting on Sofia, sneaking around with her, and doing her bidding; the next, he was back to his old self, being sweet to me. I wished he would just be his old usual self, without the sudden changes.
As we approached the restaurant, Jared pulled into the parking lot and turned off the car’s engine. He alighted and opened the door for me, offering his hand to help me out.
“Have a nice day at work today,” he said, pecking me on the cheek. “I’ll come pick you up at your closing time.”
“Thank you, Jared,” I replied, smiling. “Have a nice day, too.”
He smiled back, and we bid each other goodbye. I turned and made for the restaurant
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Chapter 21
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entrance, afterward.
At the entrance, I met my junior chef, Rebecca. A huge smile broke out on her face the instant she saw me, and she hurried towards me.
“Oh my goodness, Ma, it’s so great to see you!” She exclaimed, spreading her arms for a hug.
I smiled and hugged her back. “It’s great to see you too, Rebecca. I’ve missed you.”
“I’m so sorry I didn’t get to visit you in the hospital,” Rebecca said, looking apologetic. “The workload was crazy while you were away, but I’m glad you’re back now.”
“Don’t worry about it, I completely understand,” I replied. “I got your get–well card, thank you so much for that.”
With the pleasantries exchanged, a mischievous glint appeared in Rebecca’s eyes. “I saw your husband drop you off,” she said, winking. “You’re so lucky to have a good and caring. man like that. He’s always so attentive and sweet to you.”
I blushed and tried to brush it off. “It’s too early for gossip, let’s
go inside.”
Rebecca agreed, but as we walked into the restaurant, she wouldn’t stop rambling about how I had married one of the few best men in the world. “I mean, seriously, ma, your husband is wonderful. He’s always dropping you off and picking you up, and he looks so handsome while doing it.”
I laughed and tried to change the subject, but Rebecca was persistent. “I swear, you two are couple goals. I hope my future husband is half as good as yours.”
I smiled and shook my head. If only she knew my marriage wasn’t as perfect as it seemed.
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