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

A taste of success

(ARIELLE'S POV)

for the ambassador endorsement I'd worked so hard to secure.

It was my first day back since returning home, and a sense of excitement and nervousness buzzed under my skin. Today, I'd be visiting my restaurant site and attending a pivotal meeting with delegates from the prestigious Paradiso Culinary Academy-my alma mater- This was a chance to shape the culinary world in ways I'd dreamed about during those long, challenging years in Italy.

Excitement flowed through my veins as I thought about the benefits that came with the position -an expensive company car, fully funded insurance, and a hefty payroll that would get me rolling in a lot of dollar bills. The perks were nice.

But what I craved was to leave a lasting mark on Paradiso's menu, its identity, and its patrons. This was my stage, and I was ready to own it.

I slipped into my tailored black dress, the fabric hugging my figure in all the right places. Simple, elegant. With nude makeup to highlight my features and a quick straightening of my hair, I stepped into my white bump heels.

A final glance in the mirror, and I was ready.

In the living room, my mom and Maverick were waiting. Well, sort of. Maverick was engrossed in his drawing book, but they both looked up as soon as I walked in.

"You look stellar, my dear," mum said, beaming with smiles.

"You look like an angel, Mama," Maverick added, his small voice full of pride.

I bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. Both of you." Their quiet but unwavering support had been my rock through everything.

"Go out there and show them what you're made of," my mom said, hugging me tightly. Maverick joined in, wrapping his arms around both of us in a classic family bear hug. Outside, Ashley was waiting to drive me. She was playing driver today as she was on work leave.

"You look awesome," she exclaimed, the moment I slid into the seat beside her.

"Thanks! You too girl-what's with the leather? Trying to look intimidating?" I laughed, noticing her all-black outfit that screamed bodyguard vibes.

"Well, since I'm playing the role of a driver to you, I might as well play the role of a bodyguard, too," she teased, turning the car's engine on.

We both laughed as she stepped on the accelerator and sped off. My phone buzzed. A message from Dwayne.

"Good luck today, ostrich," the message read. A smile curled on my lips.

Afterward, I returned my phone to my bag and braced myself for the day ahead. Ashley soon pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, and I alighted. "Have a nice time there. I'll be here waiting," she called out.

"Thank you," I yelled back, walking into the building.

The building was magnificent and sophisticated, with everything made of glass. The Italians sure know how to spend on luxury.

Inside, the delegates greeted me warmly.

welcoming, making me feel momentarily nostalgic for the cobbled streets and

to have you on board," he added, shaking my

replied, shaking his hand,

as Paradiso's new ambassador chef were laid out in detail. There were a few spots I wasn't satisfied with,

posed for photos, sealing

official," Dr Rossi declared after all the processes

Paradiso's new

room, and I beamed with pride. This moment was everything. It was the culmination of my years of hard

beginning

like I was on top of the world. Ashley was waiting in the car, an eager look on her

it?" She asked, opening the door

expected," I said, securing

celebrity now, girl. Paradiso's new ambassador

"I know, right?"

hit the road, my restaurant site, our next call. On arrival, I inspected the work process. The construction crew was working diligently and right. Satisfied with the work pace and the job done, I had no complaints.

nodded. "Yup. You're killing it as my unofficial

I deserve a raise," she joked, flashing a

seat. My

Until it wasn't.

the brakes,

my chair, my heart skipping a beat. We were involved in a slightly minor collision, and it was the other

other driver stepped out, and my

Sofia.

cussed, throwing off

belts. Before I could say further, she grabbed her

from

it got intense, I called out to Ashley. Knowing how hot headed she can be, I was glad she listened to

remember? We don't have to waste our precious time on her," I said to Ashley when she walked to

returned to Sofia. She said something to her that I couldn't decipher,

ensured I had the car's tinted glasses wound up. I wasn't scared of her, but I sure didn't want any of her crazy dramas. "You okay?" Ashley asked once we were

how she

scoffed. "Wait until I tell you all she has done. That woman is bad

I said, uninterested in Sofia or anything that concerns

encounter with Sofia,

I was meeting with Rebecca. As I stepped inside,

She exclaimed, embracing

"It's been ages!"

know," I said, laughing

everything from work to personal