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.

Arielle," Dr Rossi, the academy's dean, said, his Italian accent rich and welcoming, making me feel momentarily nostalgic for

on board," he added, shaking my hand

Sir," I replied, shaking his hand, and that of everyone present in

terms of my endorsement as Paradiso's new ambassador chef were laid out in detail. There were a few spots I wasn't satisfied with, so I spoke up, requesting adjustments

we posed for

after all the

Paradiso's

beamed with pride. This moment was everything. It

new beginning

the building feeling like I was on top of the world. Ashley was waiting in the

was it?" She asked, opening the door for

than expected," I

celebrity now, girl. Paradiso's new ambassador

"I know, right?"

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. Back in the

killing it as my unofficial PA

deserve a raise," she joked, flashing a

I laughed, reclining in my seat. My first workday back had been smooth so

Until it wasn't.

Ashley slammed on the brakes, and my

my chair, my heart skipping a beat. We were

stepped out, and my eyes

Sofia.

Ashley cussed, throwing off her

off her seat belts. Before I could say further, she grabbed her dark shades, put it on, and stepped

watched from the car

out to Ashley. Knowing how hot

her be, Ash. She's a nuisance, remember? We don't have to waste our precious time on her," I said to Ashley when she

her that I couldn't

scared of her, but I sure didn't want any of her crazy dramas. "You okay?" Ashley asked once we

how she hasn't changed

scoffed. "Wait until I tell you all

talk about her," I said, uninterested in Sofia or

encounter with Sofia, the rest of my

restaurant where I was meeting with Rebecca. As I stepped inside,

exclaimed, embracing me

"It's been ages!"

said, laughing as we

caught up over lunch, chatting about everything from work to personal