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

Taking the leap

(ARIELLE'S POV)

In the following days, things kept falling into place. My new life was taking a new shape soon, and I couldn't be more excited. The house, the restaurant, everything was coming together for food. Just as Maverick and I were building towers with his blocks, my phone buzzed.

"Girl! Guess what?" Ashley's voice screamed through the speaker.

I laughed. "What now?"

"Guess!" she insisted.

"Did you get a promotion?" I teased.

"I wish! No, it's bigger. You'll love this," she giggled. "Your house is ready!"

"Oh my God! Are you serious?" I squealed.

She went on about the newly installed chandeliers, plush furniture, and the kitchen she knew I'd die for. As much as I wanted to joke about her theatrics, her excitement mirrored my own.

"You'll love it. Trust me," she assured. But her tone suddenly shifted. "But hey, I really think it's a good time for you to come back. You know there's something else..."

""What is it?"

"I heard some weird stuff going on in Italy. Mafia stuff," she whispered, lowering her voice like someone could overhear us.

I rolled my eyes, amused. "Ashley, come on. We've been over this-no one's after me."

they're saying there's a power struggle because some old Mafia boss just died. And get this-he showed me pictures of the guy's stash. Wine, jewelry, gold, like something out of a movie." I laughed. "Ashley, I'm pretty sure I'm not on the mob's radar. And wait...are we talking about Keith? The one you called an annoying

all you want. Just don't say I

a knock on the door interrupted us. "I have to go. I think Dwayne's here. I'll call you

soon!" she teased before

raced to the door, his voice high-pitched

However, there was something different today, like something...heavier in his eyes.

to his level. "Hey, remember that drawing you made for Uncle Dwayne? Why don't you go grab it and bring it to him? I'm sure he'd love to see

face brightened as he let go of Dwayne. "Oh, yeah! I'll go get it!"

soon as he disappeared, I straightened up and turned to Dwayne,

"Ok. What happened?"

moment, then softened as he stepped closer. He extended his hand and forearm toward me, both wrapped in a makeshift bandage.

you hurt yourself like

it comes to you."

was low, teasing, but there was something simmering beneath the playful words.

ver

hard, pushing

flare of irritation.

him toward the kitchen. Tried not to care about his

grabbed the first aid kit,

toom behind me, close enough that I could feel the temperature of his body. I glanced over my shoulder.

need to be more careful Dwayne." I signed. "This isn't

when you scold me."

to reason with

his cut, but my hands