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.

tears brimming in her

knew you could do it, girl!" Ashley added, handing me a beautifully wrapped gift box.

wanting to be left out, yelled," Yay, Mommy!

out to eat and celebrate at a popular

you had it in you," Mom said, patting my hand "You've worked so hard for all you

her lap. My mom found out about his existence after I gave birth to him, and she flew over to see him and take care of me for the first three months. Although angry, I didn't tell her about his conception; just the sight of him had flushed every iota of anger from her

always looked forward

because she thought he had the beauty of a woman. "No one has the right to be

eyes way, deep 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

again, get a grip on yourself, I chide bringing my thoughts back before

the end of

as the house I stayed

off at home, and I

Dwayne," I said as

in his cot after his nanny left, hence

"Anytime, Ari," he murmured.

coffee, time blurred, and our conversations flowed effortlessly. We reminisced about our time

we made it

"It wasn't easy, but

are your plans now

response. But before I could

"Mama?"

see Maverick standing at the