The pain is slowly fading.
(ARIELLE’S POV)
The moment I heard those words, I knew I was in trouble, and had a lot of explanation to do. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation.
“Calm down, Mom. Can we talk about it in person?”
“In person? No, we’re gonna talk right now, over the phone!”
“Fine,” I puffed out air in resignation. “What do you want to hear?”
“Everything. How are you divorced from your husband, and he’s already flaunting pictures of himself and another woman?”
I stifled a scoff. That was definitely Sofia’s doing. “Mom, it’s a long story. But to cut it short, we parted ways because we realized we’re no longer compatible.”
“And what does that mean? How come you two didn’t realize that in the three years you were married?”
I paused, thinking of the proper way to let out the words.
“Has the cat suddenly got your tongue? Keep talking, Arielle.”
“He’s in love with someone else. I just couldn’t keep up,” I muttered.
“The lady he’s been flaunting?”
I nodded, “Yes.”
“That stuck–up billionaire. How dare he treat you in that manner? I’ll deal with him. Nobody messes with my only child.”
“Mom, Mom, there will be no need for that. I asked for a divorce, and we settled amicably. We’re not enemies, so please, don’t do anything.”
There was silence on the other end and I feared she had ended the call, but her voice came on again. “Are you hurt?” Her voice was softer now.
I was puzzled, but I responded. “I was, but the pain is slowly fading.”
“I told you to be careful of men, to be careful of him. Men are mean people; all of
them. Your Dad did the same to me; left me for another woman, and now that jerk has done the same to you. What do men really want?”
15
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-15 BOLLS
Twon’t Mom. Trust me.”
“That reminds me, I’m visiting soon,” she announced.
“Oh, okay. Umm, mom? It’s not like I don’t want you to visit, but is there a reason?”
“Of course there is. I want to see how you’re coping. I know you’re trying to act tough, but it’s not always easy. I know the trauma that comes with divorce, having experienced it firsthand. So, I’m coming to visit, and I’m bringing you some really nice supplements.”
I knew arguing would be futile. “Okay, Mom. I see you soon.”
“Don’t think you can avoid me that easily,” she teased. “And say hi to Ashley for me.”
” will.”
As soon as the call ended, I exhaled loudly. In a dramatic manner.
“That was one hell of a phone call,” Ashley teased.”
“You can say that again,” I responded, and we both burst out laughing.
“I take it your mom’s fired up by the news?” Ashley asked, chuckling.
“Fired up doesn’t even begin to describe it properly,” I shook my head. “She’s coming to visit.”
Ashley widened her eyes playfully. “I guess we should buckle up ahead of time.
“Arielle, hurry up, you tardy cat!” Ashley yelled.
I hurried out the door and locked it before running to the car while trying to tuck a strand of hair properly into place. It was the weekend and we were attending a lady’s seminar, courtesy of Ashley. We still had about an hour to spare, but Ashley wouldn’t hear of being late.
“Alright, alright, we can go now,” I said, settling into the seat beside her.
She rolled her eyes playfully. “Yeah, Tardy cat.”
I chuckled, and we hit the road.
As we drove, Ashley glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Siz what are you going to do about your mother–in–law’s lunch invitation?”
Whatever you know what I mean? Ashley (ulted with a g
“I don’t inn- I’m going to tum it down”
That’s not night, Arielle. She’s an older women, besides, W’a har son who hurt you, nother
- you’re suggesting thene her invitation I asked, raising a hu
“Exactly. She’s probably feeling remorseful about her son’s actions and wants to apologize.
“That’s the point; I don’t want to he reminded of the past or be in contact with the family anymore,” I replied, my voice firm
“Arielle, for my sake, please ge/ Ashley pleaded.
I sighed. “Alright, I’ll call her and set an appo
“Good girl” Ashley teased, and I forced a sle
Jared’s mother had heard about our divorce and called a few days hars. She was back from her trip and pleased for us to meet and talls over lunch, and she asked me to pick a convenient time and location. I had told her I would thinks about it, even though I had no intention of fellowing through, but it seemed I had to recensider now
“Hello, earth to Arielle,” Ashley waved her hand in front of my face
“Sorry, what?” I asked, jerking back to realit
“We’ve arrived at the venue. Let’s head inside. We don’t want to miss the keynote speaker”
I nodded, and we alighted. We were just getting to the hall’s entrance when I freze
“What’s wrong?” Ashley asked, following my gaze and she gasped: “Oh, ne: What are they doing here?”
“I don’t know,” I mumbled, my eyes trained on Jared and Sofla in the parsing let across from us. Jared was helping Sofia out of the car, and they leaked perfectly lilse a couple.
“Quiels, let’s hurry inside before they see us. Ashley urged, pulling my arme
Can’t be a stuck
