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

Who's this guy?

(ARIELLE'S POV)

A few days later, I was at work, with the incident with Jared pushed behind me, and long forgotten.

I had hired Stephen the day after his interview, despite his cringe-worthy attempts at flattery. "Love at first sight," he'd said, which I brushed off as nothing more than an embarrassing expression of youthful infatuation.

As the days rolled on, I got to know him better and realized I'd made a wise choice. At first it was hard to connect this young man with the elite crowd Mr. Stone loved to brag about. But once he settled into the role, I knew he was exactly what I needed. Stephen's obsessive attention to food quality and his sophisticated palate were beyond impressive for someone so new. I couldn't be more content with him-if only he could tone down the dramatic declarations of his undying affection for me. Honestly, I had enough of his theatrics, and I often found myself silently pleading for Rebecca to rescue me with her usual excuse: "Ma'am, I really need you to check this dish."

Poor Rebecca-she bore the brunt of Stephen's infatuation and ended up being called a "bad chef" more than once. I felt a twinge of guilt for her.

Today, I was in the dining area of the restaurant, chatting with some old couple who insisted on meeting with the brain behind such a large establishment.

"You know, we've been coming here right from the day it was first opened, and we just had to meet you," Mr Harrison said, his eyes conveying his respect and admiration.

His wife was no different. "The meal is great, the best we've had in years and we're glad we discovered this place," she added.

"I'm glad you did," I replied, smiling warmly at them. "It's always lovely to meet our customers."

While we chatted, the entrance door swung open, and time seemed to freeze. I paused mid-sentence, my heart skipping as I took in the sight of him. No way... that emerald gaze?

He couldn't be here, not without a word. Had I conjured him from my imagination because we hadn't spoken yesterday, like we usually did?

But no-it wasn't a hallucination. I caught Rebecca's wide-eyed expression a few meters away, confirming my disbelief.

He had seen me, and now walking towards me, an infectious smile on his face. This seemed to draw attention as everyone, especially the ladies were now stealing glances at him.

He finally stopped in front of me and whispered, "Ostrich."

I blinked, momentarily lost for words. "D... Dwayne? What a surprise! I wasn't expecting you. You never mentioned visiting," I stammered, struggling to mask my fluster.

"I know. Ever heard of surprises, Ari?" he said, as if flying from Italy to New York was no more than delivering a gift pack.

"Oh, that's lovely of you," I murmured. Eyes were still on us, and to be honest the last thing I wanted at this point in my career was for news of my non-professional relationship with a man getting out. This was not the best place for reminiscing.

And then there was Stephen. God, please don't let him walk out of his office right now and witness this unplanned reunion. It's not like I was supposed to care, but I did have no willingness to make this whole thing more complicated.

I threw a quick glance at Rebecca, who wore an expression that echoed my own worries.

"Um...can we talk in my office?" I quickly turned to Dwayne to ask.

"Sure," he responded.

I turned to the Harrisons. "Excuse me for

their eyes linger on Dwayne as

took my first step

and Dwayne, standing too close for comfort. I

leading Dwayne away, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. My mind was racing, frantically

awkward! What kind of bad luck

you have much work to do?" Dwayne asked, his voice low,

not at

somewhere else," he suggested, his eyes scanning the area. "You don't seem quite comfortable speaking to

my eyes darting back to Stephen who was now standing by the bar, watching us with an unreadable expression. And so I didn't bother arguing with Dwayne because he was right. The atmosphere was tense, and

like the initial intent, we turned back around and headed for the restaurant

(STEPHEN'S POV)

area to discuss some document details with Arielle, I was completely unprepared for

she stood, laughing softly with

myself he was just a customer, but

flirtatious eyes? And that chiseled face-did he really hit the gym every single day? I caught

and surprisingly, she immediately returned her attention to him

heart skipped a beat. Ok somebody really needed to tell me who the hell

how effortlessly charming he

myself to

if she was, she wouldn't be interested

I watched helplessly as they chatted, her smile only

of me as just

but then they turned toward the hallway, heading for Arielle's office. My heart ached. What was his

thought, they returned, but this time, my heart sank as they made for the

they going? I watched them leave, my instincts screaming to follow and ask Arielle where she was

he was dangerous? But

dismissed the

my boss;

to invade

she didn't

she

agreed to

QUMS

sigh and slumped onto a barstool, brooding. I didn't want to return to

concerned expression. "Hey, Stephen, are you alright? What

I just needed some air," I responded

raised an eyebrow. "You're getting air at the

to appear casual. "Just clearing my head. I'll head back to my office