Chapter : 16
True to his words, Jayson had switched rooms. It was obvious they must have spent the night together, seeing as they left together so early.
Ariel suddenly felt nauseous. She quickly avoided the two and retreated back into her room, rushing into the bathroom in an
attempt to throw up–but nothing came up.
Her appetite had been poor lately–perhaps her condition was worse than she had imagined.
A chill ran through her as Ariel stared at her weary reflection in the mirror. She realized how fragile humans were.
She could only be thankful she hadn’t reached a point of no return before she snapped out of it. She still had time to find herself again.
Ariel decided to redo her makeup to freshen herself up. Just as she had the guesthouse to arrange for a ride down the mountain, she received a call from her grandmother, Katie.
Katie was a stern and serious woman. After her husband’s early passing, she poured all her energy into raising her children.
She grew even more withdrawn after the passing of Ariel’s mother, Elena Walker. But she was always particularly concerned
about Ariel.
“Hello, Grandma?” Ariel picked up the call after clearing her throat, making sure she didn’t sound off.
“Have you had breakfast?” Katie asked, concerned.
Ariel felt a warmth in her heart. “I’m eating now. Did you miss me?”
Katie chuckled heartily. “It’s nothing important. I happened to have knitted a scarf for you and Jayson each recently. The
weather’s getting colder, and they’ll keep your hands warm.
“When are you free to come pick them up? You can also come home for a meal–I’ll make you some sweet and sour ribs.”
Ariel lowered her gaze and said, “You don’t have to go through all that trouble, Grandma.”
“This is different. I know that marrying into that kind of family might not be easy for you. I can’t do much to help, but I can do what little I can and take good care of Jayson. If he has any ounce of conscience, he would also treat you well, don’t you
think?” Katie said.
Ariel’s eyes welled up, and she quickly wiped at the corner of her eyes. “He has been pretty busy lately
. Maybe-”
Katie asked, “Surely he has time for a meal. How about you make some time to come over in the next couple of days?”
It had been some time since she last saw Ariel and Jayson, and she missed them dearly.
Ariel considered for a moment before agreeing to it. “Alright, I’ll try.”
She figured that given their situation, it would be better for Jayson to talk to Katie about their divorce. It would give them a chance to part on good terms.
In the eyes of elders, even the biggest issues had to have a reason behind them.
Ariel didn’t want Katie to eventually find out about Jayson’s cheating, as it would hurt her health. It would be better to come up with a reason, to say that they weren’t compatible, which led to their divorce.
This matter would require him to meet up with Katie.
After some hesitation, Ariel got up and walked out of her room. As she neared Jayson’s room, she noticed the door was slightly ajar.
Just as she was about to knock, she caught a glimpse of what was happening inside through the crack.
Nancy was on tiptoes as she wrapped her arms around Jayson’s neck. He had his arms loosely around her waist, his head tilted as if they were kissing.
Ariel’s gaze flickered away, stunned.
Someone shoved her away in an instant. Her head spun as she nearly lost her balance.
“Do you have no shame? Why are you spying on someone else’s privacy?” Renee yelled as she appeared out of nowhere. Her
face was twisted in anger as she glared at Ariel, as if Ariel had committed some unforgivable crime.
The commotion startled Jayson and Nancy, and they both hurried out of the room.
Nancy was frowning for once, pursing her lips as she cast an annoyed glance at Ariel.
“Did you enjoy the show?” Jayson wore a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. His cold gaze weighed heavily down on Ariel, making it hard to breathe.
He was angry. Even though he hadn’t said anything else, she could feel the weight of his disapproval.
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