Chapter 825

Ariel is busy drying her hair with Jayson’s help while reflecting on the excitement Betty showed about Ariel’s great-granddaughter. Ariel is meticulous about her hair care, avoiding hairdryers to protect her hair. As she prepares for a trip to Bellador to finish a critical project, she feels torn between her responsibilities at work and the sadness of leaving her baby, Claire, behind.
Jayson senses Ariel’s inner conflict and gently confronts her about her feelings regarding leaving Claire and him. Their conversation is tender and playful, revealing the deep bond and affection between them. Despite Ariel’s calm demeanor, Jayson’s teasing and charm bring a lightheartedness to the moment, showing their long-standing relationship and mutual support.
As their intimate moment grows more passionate, Claire’s sudden cry interrupts them, reminding them of their parental duties. Jayson quickly attends to their daughter with practiced care, demonstrating his tenderness and involvement as a father. Ariel watches him with a full heart, appreciating his love and dedication.
The chapter ends with Jayson suggesting they have a wedding, adding a hopeful and romantic note to the scene. The story captures the balance between Ariel’s professional ambitions, her family life, and the loving relationship she shares with Jayson.
“Nope. She’s tucked away in her room, busy on the phone with friends and family, proudly boasting about how beautiful her great-granddaughter is and inviting everyone over to visit.”
Jayson quietly approached and stood behind Ariel. Carefully, he unwound the towel wrapped around her hair and began to softly pat it dry.
Ariel was always meticulous when it came to her hair care. She had a strong aversion to hairdryers, convinced that the heat would damage her locks. Instead, she patiently dried her hair with a towel before allowing it to air dry naturally.
Thinking back to how thrilled and animated Betty had been earlier, Ariel couldn’t help but let out a small, amused laugh.
She had grown accustomed to Jayson’s help with her hair. When they were newlyweds, he often took on this task for her—it saved her time and spared her the effort. Now, she simply let him dry her hair while she applied her skincare routine.
“I only have a few days off,” she said quietly. “There’s still a lot I need to get done. I’ll be heading to Bellador soon to finish up the project. Hopefully, I’ll be able to wrap everything up and return within a month.”
Though her voice was calm and measured, a flicker of sadness clouded her eyes as she glanced at Claire, who was peacefully asleep nearby.
She hated the thought of leaving her baby behind, but her work was important. The collaboration between Croinia and Bellador was a critical project, and Ariel felt a deep responsibility to see it succeed.
For now, she had to push her personal feelings aside and focus on the bigger picture.
Jayson understood how seriously Ariel approached her work. She was passionate about what she did, and he had always been her biggest supporter.
Once he finished drying her hair, he set the towel aside and gently turned her swivel chair so she faced him. Leaning forward, he rested his hands on the armrests, his gaze locked on hers. Their faces were only inches apart.
“You can’t stand the thought of leaving Claire, can you?” he asked softly.
Leaning in a little more, Jayson’s presence was almost overwhelming, causing Ariel to tilt her head back slightly to meet his eyes.
“I can’t,” she admitted in a low voice. “But I can’t let my personal life get in the way of my work either.”
Jayson tapped a finger lightly against the armrest. “And what about me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t you feel a little sad about leaving me behind?”
His tone was calm, but the way he looked at her carried an undeniable, teasing charm. It sounded like a simple question, but there was something more beneath it.
Ariel reached up and softly stroked his chin. “I’ll be fine. That’s not what worries me.”
Jayson’s expression darkened playfully, his eyes pretending to hold a hint of sorrow. Follow current novᴇls on
Ariel gave him an innocent look. “What’s wrong? We’ve been married for years now. The honeymoon phase is long gone.”
Seeing the mischievous sparkle in her eyes, Jayson slipped a hand behind her neck and pulled her closer. “Ms. Walker, you know I’d do anything if you’d just say the right words. Why are you being so cruel to me now?”
Calmly, Ariel placed a hand on his chest, gently stopping him from moving any closer. “Mr. Larkin, I think you need to calm down a bit.”
She nodded toward Claire, still sleeping peacefully in her crib.
But Jayson’s gaze remained fixed on her face. “Ariel.”
“What?”
“How about we stay at a hotel tonight?”
Ariel was speechless for a moment. She shot him a sharp look, wondering if he had completely lost his mind.
Jayson chuckled softly, clearly amused. Even the way she glared at him was captivating. He lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. When she didn’t immediately respond, he leaned in again, deepening the kiss.
But soon, he lost control. He had overestimated his own restraint and underestimated the effect Ariel had on him. His eyes darkened with desire as he moved in once more.
Suddenly, a sharp cry shattered the intimate moment.
Jayson froze and turned toward the cradle, where Claire’s tear-streaked face looked up at them. The baby had kicked off her blanket and was wailing louder.
Before Ariel could say a word, Jayson lightly pinched her earlobe and straightened up. “Our little princess sure knows how to pick the perfect moment to interrupt.”
Though his tone was playful, he immediately went to check on Claire, rolling up his sleeves. After confirming that her diaper was clean, he began preparing her milk with practiced ease. Every movement was smooth, natural, and efficient.
Ariel’s heart swelled as she watched him care for their daughter so tenderly.
Jayson lifted Claire and held the bottle to her lips. The moment she started drinking, her cries faded away.
As he gently patted her back, Jayson glanced at Ariel and said with a soft smile, “Let’s have a wedding. What do you say?”
The quiet intimacy shared between Ariel and Jayson in this chapter beautifully captures the delicate balance they maintain between love, responsibility, and sacrifice. Their tender moments, underscored by playful banter and genuine care, reveal a deep connection that supports them through the challenges of parenthood and demanding careers. Ariel’s internal struggle between her devotion to her work and her love for her family is tenderly mirrored in Jayson’s unwavering presence and understanding.
Despite the looming separation due to Ariel’s professional commitments, the chapter closes on a hopeful and affectionate note, emphasizing the strength of their bond. The gentle interruptions of their daughter Claire remind them of the preciousness of family, grounding their love in everyday realities. Their shared laughter and whispered promises hint at a future where personal dreams and family life intertwine, offering warmth and reassurance amid the complexities they face.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the delicate balance Ariel and Jayson strive to maintain between their personal lives and professional responsibilities. As Ariel prepares to leave for Bellador, the emotional weight of their separation begins to surface, stirring unspoken feelings and perhaps challenging the strength of their bond. The tender moments shared between them now hint at an undercurrent of longing and vulnerability that could reshape their relationship in unexpected ways.
Meanwhile, the playful tension and affectionate exchanges suggest that despite the pressures they face, their connection remains a source of comfort and strength. Yet, with the arrival of a surprising proposal, the couple stands at the threshold of a new chapter that might bring both joy and complications. Readers can anticipate a blend of heartfelt intimacy and the subtle unveiling of future conflicts as Ariel and Jayson navigate the complexities of love, duty, and family.