Arielle Runs Away

Arielle's POV With tears flowing down my cheeks and Ariel at my heels, I can hardly think clearly as I make my way to our bedroom. "My darling," Ariel begs. Please. Please have faith that I'll resolve this. I turn to look at him. "How"? I yell. Ariel , how are you going to repair this? We are the subject of numerous online articles. It's not as easy as filing a lawsuit against a single magazine, and even then, it would be too late. With unsteady steps, I enter our closet and grab my clothing from the racks. Ariel breaks into a loud voice and yells, "Arielle." "Lollipop , what are you doing? You are unable to... Avoid doing this. Please, Arielle, please, don't do this. Shaking my head, I reach for my suitcase. "I refuse to live in this house for another minute. Ariel , I've tried. I've been trying for years, giving my damn soul to make her happy. I have reached my limit. Fear glaring in his eyes, he seizes my shoulders and clings to me. "If you think I'll let you go, you're crazy." I give a headshake. Ariel , I'm not giving you an option. This is beyond me. My own sister cannot harass me for the rest of my life. The incessantly offensive comments, guilt trips, manipulation, and lies are too much for me to handle. Then, Arielle, I'll force her to go. I will stop at nothing to make sure you're happy. My heart shatters when I put my arms around his neck and meet his gaze. As you are aware, your grandmother won't permit her to go. Loretta needs to be secure in the Warren compound, according to her. Grandma will not give up until you two find a solution to your problems; she wants you to work out how to co-parent. Ariel , Loretta's Warren child, is due soon. She is carrying your child. I'm unable to... I simply can't handle this. "My darling, what does that mean?" I move aside. "I'm not sure yet, Ariel . I just want some time to myself to ponder, nothing more. I can't be with her at this time. I can't just stand by and let her try to ruin my life. Never again. If I stay, I'm afraid I'll say or do something I will regret. I'm unable to bite my tongue at this time, and I don't want to endanger her health. What would happen if I agitate her now and she passes out once more? Ariel , your child would be in danger. That cannot be on my conscience. I begin packing my luggage, mindlessly stuffing items inside. My skin crawls at the thought of being around Loretta at this moment. In addition, I should consider whether I really want this. I simply cannot deny my affection for you, Ariel . I stop and look up at him. But allow me to be honest with you for a minute. I doubt our love will endure after her. We both know that after she has already torn us apart, she won't stop until she does it again. What sort of existence is that? Your child's mother and your wife quarrel all the time? For your child, what type of environment would that create? How about me? How much of a toll would it take on me to argue with my sister all the time? To have her destroy my union?" Ariel bends before me to his knees and takes hold of my hands. "Baby, I know how hard it is. Given everything you've been through and all you still have to go through, I know I shouldn't even be asking you for this, but I can't help but plead. Arielle, I can't imagine my life without you. Stay, please. I ask you to please. Please, together, let's figure out how to get through this. I remove my hand from his and shake my head. "Ariel , I need some space. I just need a little time to myself so I can figure out what I want. I've catered to everyone I've loved throughout my life, but never once have they asked me what I want from life. I was even informed that I should marry you. I'm only following the rules set out by other people in my life. I can't carry on like this. I've been coerced my entire life to fit into the mold that others have created for me. And I succeeded in doing so while grinning. Why? Ariel , why did I do it? It would have been worth it if I had received you in return, but I didn't, and this marriage has cost me both my profession and my sanity. We are the three of us in this marriage even now, given the cost I've had to pay. It is and always will be. She is your child's mother and will always be a part of our life. Additionally, I'm not sure whether I can live with that. Ariel remains kneeling in front of me, gazing down at the ground. With a quiet voice, he says, "One week." "I'll give you a week to consider your options while I clean up the mess Loretta made." He's staring up at me. But you should be aware that I will never be with her, regardless of what you decide. I'm not going to give up on her. You are the only woman I will ever love for the rest of my life. Arielle, you know I hurt you. I promise not to forget the promises I made to you; I promise that I will never do so again. You are everything to me, and I will stop at nothing to prove that I deserve you and that you should return to me. With a bittersweet feeling, I grin at him. I mumble, "You were always worth it." And you have my undying love. All I have to do is make sure that the life I'm leading enables me to love who I am. Ariel , being with Loretta causes me to forget who I am. Are you blind? With such care that it makes me cry, he takes hold of my hand and brings it to his lips. I notice the entreaties and unspoken assurances in his gaze. "I'll take care of this," he promises. "So, please return home with me in a week."