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

A not–so perfect marriage.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I felt Jared's body tense beside me, his arms freezing in place. I knew I had said something I couldn't take back. The question was, how would he respond?

"Oh, I think I might have used your shampoo accidentally," Jared spoke up after a while, trying to sound nonchalant.

I felt a raw searing pain in my chest. I was always painful whenever Jared lied to me, and it hurt even more because I knew he was lying to me.

The fragrance of the shampoo was vanilla, and I didn't use vanilla shampoo. I used lavender. That fragrance was from no other person but Sofia. He probably got it when she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Is anything the matter, Arielle?" Jared asked. His voice was soft.

What could I say? What was left for us to say? I could almost hear his voice in my mind if I dared to ask him. The soft pleading, the reasoned excuse anything but the truth. I was so tired of his "good friend" routine. Tired of the endless dance we did around everything, pretending there wasn't a gulf between us that non amount of words could fill.

Was this what it was like for adults in marriages after years of silence? Just helpless understanding? It felt disgusting.

"No. Goodnight," I replied in a dismissive tone, not wanting to talk to him anymore.

Jared leaned over and pecked me on the cheek. "Goodnight."

*************

The next morning, I was awakened by the sound of a movement. It was from Jared, he had just stepped out of the bathroom. He smiled at me. "Good morning."

"Morning," I responded, then I furrowed my brows. "Where are you going, this early?"

Jared laughed. "Early? It's past seven love. I guess you don't intend to go to work because if you do, you should get off the bed, or you'll be late."

"Shit! I totally forgot," I exclaimed and shot out of bed. I had forgotten I was supposed to return to work today. The restaurant management had given me a sick leave after Jared informed them of my hospitalization, and my leave was ending today.

quick bath. By the time I was done, Jared was almost finished dressing. Most men would be done dressing with the time I spent in the bathroom, but not Jared. He was always meticulous with his looks, and that was why he made heads turn whenever he stepped into a

a blouse and skirt, packed my hair neatly in a bun, slipped my legs into my flats, and grabbed my handbag. A quick spray of my perfume, and I was done. There was no

ready?" Jared asked, picking up

you," I responded, and we walked out the

with a smile on her face. The smile quickly disappeared

she was merely greeting me was for formality's sake. Her eyes were fixed on

Jared replied, and I mumbled

already?" Sofia asked, taking in his appearance. There was a hint of admiration in her

late," Jared said, glancing

and she pouted. "I made breakfast for you, and I was hoping you'd eat

She made breakfast for Jared? Was

I have to go," Jared reiterated. "Besides, I have to drop Arielle at the restaurant, and she's running

late? Why do you have to drop her first before you go

my responsibility to drive her to

anger flashing

е

I think Arielle is selfish. Letting you drive her to work even when you're running late, and also coming to pick her up after work every day

at this point, and snapped. "Oh, shut up, Sofia! You're a stranger

concurred, his voice lacking the usual tenderness it carried whenever he spoke to her. And was it just me? I think Jared was avoiding eye contact with her. Sofia's face

tugged at Jared's arm. "We're

nice day, Sofia. I'll call you at noon to check how

he walked on, and I followed suit. I looked back for a fleeting

a laugh and turned

walking alongside

and I slid in. He

asked, starting

out of the compound, soon speeding down the

help but stare at Jared as he drove, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He was becoming increasingly unpredictable, and I