Chapter 22
(ARIELLE’S POV)
At the close of work, Jared was already waiting outside the restaurant to drive me home.
“Your Mr. Perfect is here,” Rebecca announced, her head peeking through my office door.
“Go away, Rebecca,” I replied smiling.
“Alright, alright,” Rebecca giggled and left.
Stepping outside, I caught sight of him–effortlessly handsome in his tailored suit, his arms. crossed as he watched me with a lazy smirk. The streetlights cast a golden glow over him, making the sight almost surreal.
“And how was work today, Mrs. Smith?” He asked, the moment I got to him.
“Hectic as usual.”
“You wouldn’t stop if I asked you to, right?” He teased, taking my handbag.
“Not in this world,” I responded. My job was my life, and I couldn’t imagine life without my profession.
“Here, let me help you get in,” he said, outstretching his other hand.
I took it, and got into the set beside the drivers.
Jared got in beside me, strapping his seat belt in place. I expected him to start the car, but he turned to me instead, a serious expression on his face.
“Arielle,” he began, his voice low, almost hesitant.
“I haven’t been much of a good husband to you lately. I know that. All I ask is for your understanding. It’s… it’s because I’m looking out for Sofia.”
The words made my stomach churn. I could already feel my defenses rising.
“I won’t be able to forgive myself if something bad happens to her,” Jared continued, his facial expression unreadable. “She’s in my care. My family, her family–everyone expects me to protect her, like I always have.
I know I’ve never explained this to you, but Sofia’s mother saved my mom’s life, Arielle. That’s how our families became connected. I’ve never told you this before because I didn’t want to burden you with it. But it seems… my way wasn’t right.
I’m sorry, love.”
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Chapter 22
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Every other thing Jared said faded into the background, as I pondered on his revelation. This must explain his deep loyalty and zeal to look out for Sofia.
Her mother had saved his mother’s life, and somehow, despite everything else, this sense of obligation had grown into something larger, something that always pulled Jared toward Sofia.
It explained his overprotectiveness, his guilt, his inability to see beyond his debt of gratitude.
“Are you there?” Jared said, tapping me.
“Oh yes,” I responded, blinking. I didn’t realize I had zoned out.
“So,” he said, his gaze more intense now, searching mine, “do you think my actions lately are justified?”
“To an extent, yes. But don’t you think you might be indulging her a little too much?
I mean, I understand you two have a past together, your families are friends, and you feel the need to protect because of her mother’s act of kindness in the past, but I still think you should set boundaries.
We’re married, Jared, and you should never have to choose between your wife and a friend.”
Jared sighed and took my hands in his. “I know, Arielle. I know. You see, Sofia is needy, but trust me she was never like this.
She’s pregnant, and the pregnancy hormone has been making her act like a spoiled child…”
I wanted to retort that the pregnancy hormone was not to blame. Sofia is a spoiled brat in actual sense, but I held myself.
Jared was trying, and it would be cruel to escalate things further. I was too tired. Too exhausted from everything. I just wanted peace.
“So what do you say, Mrs. Smith? Will you be a little patient and lenient with her henceforth?”
I looked away.
Sofia was unpredictable, and I can’t make promises that I might be unable to keep.
Jared noticed my hesitation, his gaze darkening as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin. “Come on, Arielle,” he murmured, his voice rich with sincerity.
“Please?”
“I can’t promise anything. If she is not on her best behavior, I wouldn’t hesitate to express my displeasure. Someone –”
Chapter 22
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The words caught in my throat as Jared lowered his head, and then–before I could react–his lips found the sensitive spot beneath my ear.
I inhaled sharply, my entire body tensing.
“Please?” he murmured against my skin, his tone dangerously smooth.
“Jared…” My protest came out weaker than I intended.
He pressed another kiss to my neck, slow and lingering, sending shivers down my spine. ” Promise me?” His voice was a whisper, a temptation wrapped in silk.
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