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

He wants a Daddy.

****Three years later****

"And the overall best graduating student and winner of this year's $100,000 scholarship grant is Arielle Meyers!"

I gasped at the announcement, unable to believe the event anchor's words. It was not only after the hall erupted in applause, and people were glancing at me that I realized that it was indeed my name that was called.

I stood up from my seat, my heart racing with excitement as I walked through the rows of seats, making my way up to the elevated podium.

As I reached the stage, I was met with a warm smile by the organizer, who handed me the award and shook my hand. "Congratulations, Arielle!"

I scanned the crowd, locking eyes with my mother and Ashley, who were grinning wildly. They had flown in the previous day to witness my graduation. I smiled back at them, my gaze shifting to my three-year-old son, Maverick, waving excitedly on the lap of his nanny. "Mommy's won!" I mouthed, waving at him.

As I returned my gaze to the stage, Dwayne was standing beside me smiling. He was called up by the organizers as the second runner-up. I smiled back, no one would have owned that spot better. "Congratulations, Arielle You deserved it!"

"Thanks," I responded, my eyes gleaming with happiness. "You deserve yours too."

He chuckled. "I couldn't have asked for a better friend. We make a great team, don't we?"

I flushed slightly, nodding in agreement. Over the years, our friendship had blossomed as he had been relentless in his pursuit of me.

Even though, after that day at the hospital, he had not directly told me he loved me or wanted me to be his girlfriend, I could tell from the lovey-dovey gestures men did for women that he liked me.

I, on my part, had been forcing myself to ignore him since I wanted to focus solely on my child. But still, he has become an integral part of my life, as well as my son's and I don't take it with levity.

As I walked down the stage with Dwayne, diploma and award in hand, I was accosted by congratulations from my mother, Ashley, and Maverick.

sweetie!" My Mom exclaimed, tears brimming in her eyes. "We're so

added, handing me a beautifully wrapped gift box. "You're

Mommy! You won!" and flung his arms

congratulations and pleasantries, we all headed out to eat and celebrate at a popular Italian restaurant. Over the meal, my mom and Ashley won't stop

you had it in you," Mom said, patting my hand

after I gave birth to him, and she flew over to see him and take care of me

bonded so well, and Maverick always looked forward

him beautiful because she thought he had the beauty of

blue eyes, almond-shaped eyes housing long dark lashes, full warm lips, a firmly pointed nose, and a proud well, curved chin, I couldn't agree less with mother. My son was handsome, and it saddens me sometimes that when I looked at

yourself, I chide bringing my thoughts

the end of

hotel they were booked in, as the

and me off at home,

I said as we sipped the coffee in the

fast asleep in his cot after his

"Anytime, Ari," he murmured.

our conversations flowed effortlessly. We reminisced about our time in the

glad we made it through," Dwayne

I agreed. "It wasn't easy, but we

expression turned serious. "What are your

before I could answer, a small voice

"Mama?"

turned to see Maverick standing at the