Mr billionaire's regret chasing his irresistible wife by Gabby Emmanuel

Checking his phone; yes or no?

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I was roused from sleep by a gentle tap. My eyes fluttered open and I saw Jared peering down at me.

"Dinner is served, Mrs. Smith," he said, his voice warm and teasing as he pressed a light kiss to my forehead.

"Dinner? I was startled and sat up. "What time is it?" I inquired, looking at the window, and I realized outside looked dark, but the room was illuminated by the bedside lamp. Jared chuckled. "You have been sleeping for four hours. Come to think of it, you never slept this much. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I quickly replied and got off the bed. I was sure my recent weakness and proclivity for sleep was because of the pregnancy, but I was not about to admit that to Jared. "Alright," Jared said with a nod. "Shall we?"

I nodded back, and we both walked out of the bedroom. As we strolled to the dining room, I asked, "So, what's for dinner?"

"Roasted potatoes, broccoli, and chicken," Jared replied with a smile.

I stopped to stare at him in surprise. "How come? You can barely boil water, let alone cook a complex meal like that."

Jared paused, then gave me a smile. "Sofia helped," he said, his tone a bit too casual.

A sharp pang of jealousy stabbed through me, quick and unexpected. I imagined Jared and Sofia in the kitchen, laughing together, working as a team. It was a foolish thought, I knew. They were both adults-exes, even-and I trusted him. But that didn't make the jealousy any easier to swallow.

I shook my head, pushing the thought aside as we entered the dining room. The table was set, and Sofia was seated, waiting. I took my seat, and Jared followed suit.

Jared cleared his throat and spoke, "Sofia has something to tell you, Arielle."

Sofia turned to him sharply, a questioning look in her eyes, but Jared nudged her slightly.

"Go on," he encouraged.

Sofia gave him a death glare before turning to me with a fake smile plastered on her face.

mood swings, and in case you

an apology or a subtle shade? At the same time, I wanted to laugh at her words about my never being pregnant before. If only she

letting me stay under your roof," Sofia continued. "Jared informed me that you gave your consent. I promise to be quiet and stay out of your

Sofia. Thank you for apologizing,

and

underlying sarcasm in her tone unmistakable. It might be to Jared, but not to me. Indeed Sofia was unrepentant, and

said, and

was back to her usual annoying self, dominating every conversation and subtly flirting with Jared. She rambled about their past-how they used to have breakfast, brunch, lunch,

that day I invited you over for lunch because I made

mean that day you spilled flour all over your

rolled her eyes. "Oh, shut up! At least I was not the one who almost burned down our house, while trying to make scrambled

tried to chip in a few words to indicate that I was still present at the table, but Sofia wouldn't let me

she wasn't

from twenty years

mouth, trying to take out invisible food crumbs. "You have a little something there, Jared," she would say, her hand

against his face.

the frown when she touched him. His eyes met mine in those fleeting moments, and for the briefest second, I

our intestines whenever we are starving, but I

to an end, and Jared offered to clear the table. Sofia offered to help, and I was more

trying to sound sincere. "I'm exhausted. I think

words, and she smiled

a curt nod, and turned away. I returned to the bedroom, relieved to be alone. I took a long,

got into bed afterwards, trying to sleep, but my mind

My eyes went open and I saw it was Jared. He was undressing, presumably in preparation

protruded on well-formed arms, and his back was toned, with a narrow

sensed my eyes on him because he suddenly swirled around

in my belly when I was caught staring. "Hey, you're awake," he said with an