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

Fated to meet you.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I had arrived in Italy and settled in, although the first week was a maze of orientation and waiting for students who had delays in arrival, to arrive. The academy provided accommodations, but I chose to stay outside campus due to my pregnant state. I got a decent apartment and spent the week touring the city, registering for antenatal in a hospital, and keeping in touch with Mom and Ashley.

But none of it filled the emptiness gnawing inside me. Late at night, when the city was quiet and my thoughts drifted back to Jared and the child I had lost, I felt the weight of it all. I tried hard to stay distracted, burying myself in activities so I wouldn't have to remember those painful memories.

Classes finally began, and during a break, I stepped out for some fresh air. As I made my way through the courtyard, my heart skipped a beat.

A familiar figure caught my eye-broad shoulders, tall frame, dark hair... My breath hitched. Jared?

But when he turned around, I immediately knew I was wrong when seeing that drowning emerald green eyes.

It was Dwayne.

I stumbled backward by the impact of the collision, shocked.

"D... Dwayne?" I called, eyes widened.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as his eyes locked with mine. "Hi, Arielle." The light breeze tousled his hair, and there was something about his easy charm that made it hard to look away.

My surprise quickly morphed into suspicion. "What are you doing here?" I asked, taking a step backward.

"I know you're surprised-" he said, taking a step closer.

"Are you stalking me?" I asked, trying to process the unexpected encounter.

He sighed. "No, Arielle, I'm not stalking you."

I narrowed my eyes. "Then how are you here? At the same academy, in the same city?"

"I'm a student here, too."

My eyes dimmed. "What? How is that possible?"

the same, realizing people were looking our

if I should trust him. But my curiosity got the better part of me. What was he in Italy, at the same place, and at the same time as me?

seated,

leaned back, his eyes glinting with amusement again, as if he enjoyed the tension

I just want to know what's going

out of the way. I wasn't stalking you, Arielle.

eyebrow. "Coincidental? Maybe the previous encounters, but not this one. Try something

The first time we met at the hospital garden, I was there because I stepped out to get some fresh air. I was admitted a few days ago for food poisoning after trying out a new dish," he gave out a small laugh, but I maintained my straight face. "And

mute, studying his face for any sign

the smile back on his

my head. "Not

to reveal a chef's badge. "I'm a chef too, Arielle. I'm here on a scholarship as it has always been

he took out his phone and tapped on it, before handing it to me. It was

my

feeling a bit silly for being so

meet,"

in today's world." I crossed my arms, tilting my head as I added, "After all, you're

for a moment before bursting into small laugh. "Then I guess I owe you an apology...

found myself smiling too, feeling a genuine sense of ease for the first time in

our orders. As we waited for our meal to arrive, I decided to ask a question I had been wanting to

the scholarship? I mean, it's thousands of miles away from your country of residence,"

passion - Italy has it all. And I wanted

an avenue to get over Jared and the past, I have always wanted to visit Italy.

whole years?"

unsure of

a chord," he quickly added. "I don't mean to pry, it's just that your Mom

breath, finally deciding how much to reveal. "I'm divorced," I responded,

Somehow, I felt like Dwayne saw right through me, like

still got some time before the break is over. How

the academy alone didn't sound appealing. "Okay, sure," I agreed. "I guess we're

he said and led

guided me to a section labeled "Butterfly Diorama." Butterflies of various species, in different stages of their lives, were arranged in delicate displays. The vibrant colors and details of their wings caught my attention immediately. I turned to Dwayne curiously. "I thought you meant paintings and sculptures when you