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

thrilled to have you on board," he added, shaking my hand with a

shaking his hand,

reviewed, and the 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 until everything felt right. After

posed for photos,

Rossi declared after all

Paradiso's new ambassador

with pride. This moment was everything. It was the culmination

beginning it

I walked out of the building feeling like I was on top of the world. Ashley was waiting in the car, an eager look on

was it?" She asked, opening the door for

than expected," I said, securing my

girl. Paradiso's new ambassador chef," she

"I know, right?"

and right. Satisfied with the work

it as

and bodyguard. I deserve a raise," she

seat. My first workday back had

Until it wasn't.

on the brakes,

were involved in a slightly minor collision, and

driver stepped out, and my

Sofia.

cussed, throwing

her down, but she was already taking off her seat belts. Before I could say further, she grabbed her

from the

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

have to waste our precious time on her,"

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

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

funny how she

tell you all she has done.

said, uninterested in Sofia or anything

Sofia, the rest of my day was

was meeting with

She exclaimed,

"It's been ages!"

know," I said, laughing as

from work to personal life. The time