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.

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

on board," he added,

replied, shaking his hand, and that of everyone

were a few spots I wasn't satisfied with, so I spoke up,

posed

declared after all the

Meyers, Paradiso's new

with pride. This moment was everything. It was the culmination of my years of hard

new beginning

top of the world. Ashley was waiting

She asked, opening the door

expected," I

a celebrity now, girl. Paradiso's new ambassador chef," she

"I know, right?"

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

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

and bodyguard. I deserve a raise," she joked, flashing

sure do," I laughed, reclining in my seat. My first workday back had

Until it wasn't.

slammed on the brakes, and

beat. We were involved in a slightly minor collision, and it

out, and

Sofia.

bitch!" Ashley cussed, throwing

I called, trying to calm her down, but she was already taking off her seat belts. Before I could say further, she grabbed her dark shades, put it on, and

from the

I called out to Ashley. Knowing how hot headed she can be,

waste our precious time on her," I said to Ashley when she walked to the

Sofia. She said something to her that

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

funny how she hasn't changed

you all she has

I said, uninterested in Sofia or

encounter with Sofia, the

I was meeting with Rebecca. As I stepped inside,

She exclaimed,

"It's been ages!"

said, laughing as

over lunch, chatting about everything from work