(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?” “Mom, not all men are jerks. The fact that the men in our lives didn’t treat us right doesn’t mean there are no good men out there.”
“There aren’t, which is the reason I’ve decided to stay clear of them. They’re cheats and heartbreakers.”
I sighed tiredly, here we go again. She’s gonna rant and cuss at men for the better part of the call. “Mom, can we talk of something else? How did you find out Jared and I are divorced?”
“It wasn’t hard to figure out, even though I wasn’t too sure until I called, the signs were there.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s changed his relationship status from “married” to “single” on F******k. And suddenly, there are pictures of him and another woman littered on his wall.”
Wow! My mama is smart, I have to give it to her.
“So you’ve been snooping around Jared’s social media accounts?” I teased.
“Hell, no. I was merely keeping tabs on him,” she defended.
“Fair enough. But now you have to stop because we do not have an affiliation anymore.”
“If you say so. Speaking of divorce, I hope you asked for a settlement. He can’t waste three years of your life and not compensate you.”
Phew, there we go again. “No, I didn’t ask for anything.”
“Why?” Mum yelled and I feared for my poor eardrums. “Are you kidding me?”
“I do not want anything from him, Ma. I wasn’t married to him because of his money. I’m content with my job and my earnings.”
“Sometimes, I wonder how you’re my daughter, and we’re so different. How dare you let him go without demanding at least half his assets?”
“I understand your point, Mom, but let it slide, okay? I was the one married to Jared, and it was my decision not to ask for anything. Can we please just drop it?” I pleaded. “Suit yourself,” she huffed. “But mark my words, you’ll regret not taking anything from him.”
“I won’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
Sel
some really nice supplements.”
I knew arguing would be futile. “Okay, Mom. I’ll see you soon.”
“Don’t think you can avoid me that easily,” she teased. “And say hi to Ashley for me.”
“I 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?” “Ex-mother-in-law,” I corrected.
“Whatever, you know what I mean,” Ashley replied with a grin.
“I don’t know…I’m going to turn it down.”
“That’s not right, Arielle. She’s an older woman, besides, it’s her son who hurt you, not her.”
“So, you’re suggesting I honor her invitation?” I asked, raising a brow.
“Exactly. She’s probably feeling remorseful about her son’s actions and wants to apologize.
“That’s the point; I don’t want to be reminded of the past or be in contact with the family anymore,” I replied, my voice firm.
“Arielle, for my sake, please go,” Ashley pleaded.
I sighed. “Alright, I’ll call her and set an appointment.”
“Good girl!” Ashley teased, and I forced a smile.
Jared’s mother had heard about our divorce and catted a few days back. She was back from her trip and pleased for us to meet and talk over lunch, and she asked me to pick a