Novel 543
CHAPTER 66
She’s just gonna live,
(ARIELLE’S POV)
“You will be fine, won’t you? And hey, promise me you won’t overwhelm yourself,” Ashley said, concern perched on her face..
We were parked in the restaurant’s parking lot. It was Monday, and I was resuming work. Ashley had driven me as she wouldn’t let me board a cab or Uber,
“I promise.”
“Good. Have a nice day at work today,” she said and hugged me tightly,
“Thank you, You too,” I said, returning the hug. After we disengaged, I grabbed my bag and alighted, waving.
As I walked towards the restaurant’s entrance, a feeling of nostalgia hit me. It had been weeks since I’d been away, but it felt like months. I took a deep breath, excited about my return,
Suddenly, someone threw their weight around me, nearly knocking me off balance,” Goodness, it’s so good to have you back!” Rebecca exclaimed,
“I know, right? It’s good to be back, and I missed you,” I said, laughing and hugging her back,
She giggled and grabbed my hand, “Let’s go in. I’m sure Mr Stone will be excited to see you,”
I nodded and fell into step with her. The familiar aroma of food enveloped me, a gentle reminder that I was back to where I belonged. The waiters and other workers all welcomed me with warm smiles and open arms. I was almost moved to tears by their kindness,
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, I made my way to my office, I was surprised and pleased to find it had been redesigned. A welcome–back card on my desk caught my eye.
I picked it up, reading the heartwarming message. “Welcome back, head chef. We’ve missed you.” I smiled and tucked the card away safely, feeling grateful. Afterward, I left my office and headed to Mr. Stone’s office.
I arrived at his office and knocked on the door. He bade me to enter. I turned the handle and stepped inside.
“Good morning, sir,” I said, offering a warm smile.
He looked up from the papers on his desk, a broad smile spreading on his face. “Ah, Arielle. Welcome back, it’s great to see you.
“Thank you, sir. It’s good to be back,” I replied.
“How are you?” He asked, his brows furrowing in concern. “Are you sure you’re fully recovered and ready to resume work?*
“I’m fine, sir,” I assured him. “I’ve had enough rest, and I’m fully recuperated.”
He nodded. “All right. Rebecca can fill you in on all the changes we’ve made while you were away. We’ve acquired some new appliances, and the workflow may be slightly different now.”
“All right, sir,” I said. “I’ll take my leave now,
As I turned to leave, Mr Stone’s voice stopped me. “Arielle, before you go, I want to know if you’ve made up your mind about the study abroad. There’s just a month left before the scholarship closes,” he reminded.
I felt a feeling of disappointment at myself, wash over me as I turned to face Mr Stone. How could I have forgotten about the study scholarship and my promise to give him an answer? I mentally slapped myself.
“I’m sorry, sir,” I began. “But I can’t take the offer. And I’m even more sorry for not telling you earlier.
His expression turned to understanding, but I caught a hint of disappointment. “It’s fine,” he said. “I’m sure you know it’s until three years again before the offer can be reopened.”
I nodded, feeling regretful. “I know, sir.”
“All right. I’m sure you have your reasons.”
“Thank you, sir,” I said, grateful for his understanding. With that, I turned and walked out of his office. As I returned to my office, I couldn’t help the feeling of uncertainty that crawled under my skin. Was I losing a lifetime opportunity, or was it the right thing to do after, as I needed time to heal after all that had happened?
returned to my office, shoving the thoughts aside. Time will tell. For now, I’m not going to let anything bother me. I’m just gonna live. RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
*
+28 BONUS
She’s just gonces due
In the days that followed, I settled back into my routine with ease. Since starting my career as a chef and getting married, my social life has suffered a decline. It’s not like I was a social butterfly, but I used to be better.
But no more. I was now determined to make time for myself. And so during weekends, I engaged in activities I had longed to do but never had the chance: baking, morning jogging, attending events, and even a gym membership.
After each workout session and a cool shower, I felt better–mentally and physically. Within a few weeks, it seemed I had begun to move on from my failed marriage, and the numbers on the weight scale reflected that I had gained a few pounds.
However, something saddening happened one day when I visited the park. While admiring the beautiful landscape and nature works, a little girl of four years approached me, face tear–stained. It happened that she visited the park with her mum but had wandered off and lost her way, and needed my help in finding her mom.
I was touched by the adorable baby’s plea and agreed to help her. We went looking for her mum, and luckily we found her by the ice cream spot.
The little girl’s eyes had lit up, as she withdrew her hand from mine, rushing into her mother’s arms. Witnessing their reunion made my heart ache. And my mind
involuntarily drifted to my lost child.
What if my baby was born healthy and alive? Would he or she have been this adorable, and would I share same moments with them?
If it was a girl, would she have taken after me or Jared?
No.
A girl should take after her mother.
If it was a boy, then he would have taken after Jared.
I suddenly paused, realizing I was fantasizing about a mirage. A bitter smile crossed my lips, my child was long gone.
Overcome with grief, I had slipped away before the grateful mother could thank me. In the following days, the pain of the loss of my child returned. I tried immersing myself in more activities, and it gave me some relief.
“Arielle, your mum is calling.” Ashley tapped me, jerking me out of my reverie. We
Sha’s just gonna livs
were seated in the living room watching a reality show before I zoned out.
I took the phone and answered it
“Arielle! What the hell? You and Jared are divorced and you kept it from me?”
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