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

Missing

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"Arielle, are you alright?" A voice asked, tapping my shoulder.

I instantly jolted back to reality to find Rebecca standing by my side, a worried look on her face.

"Yes, of course. Why?"

She gave me a look that was both sympathetic and full of concern, her eyes soft. "You've been zoning out since you got here, Arielle. It's okay if you're not okay. You don't have to pretend."

Her words hit me like a wave, and I felt the knot in my chest tighten even further. I hadn't been myself. Not since the call with Dwayne. His advice, the questions he'd raised-whether to tell Maverick the truth about his father's identity, or keep it from him... I was still turning it all over in my head.

"I'm fine. Really," I forced a smile, trying to brush it off, but I could feel how fake it sounded.

Rebecca didn't buy it. She tilted her head, looking at me carefully. "You're not fine, boss. You should go get some rest. Really. You've been through so much lately. It's okay to take a break."

Her kindness should've been comforting, but all I could focus on was the gnawing feeling in my gut. The last thing I wanted was to burden anyone with my chaos.

"Thanks Rebecca. I'll be fine," I said, trying to sound convincing as I glanced at the clock. It was closing time.

I let out a sigh, "You're right, I should leave. Tell Stephen to see to things in my absence."

"Of course." She walked me out, her hand resting briefly on my arm. "Take care of yourself, alright?"

"I will, thanks." I muttered.

As I walked towards the exit, I quickly pulled out my phone and texted Big Joe. "Hey, I'm ready to head home."

By the time I stepped into the parking lot, the car was waiting for me. Big Joe was always punctual, and right now, I was thankful for his consistency. I slipped into the backseat, the silence of the car swallowing me whole.

I needed to clear my head. But the longer I sat there, the more my thoughts spiraled. The quiet of the drive didn't soothe me-it made me feel more exposed, like I was waiting for something bad to happen.

By the time we pulled into the driveway, my heart was racing, my hands cold with so many questions in my head. Somehow I couldn't seem to shake the feeling that something was wrong.

I mumbled a quick, "Thanks, Big Joe," and stepped out of the car. The quiet of the evening seemed like a distant hum, muffled by the constant buzz of my racing heart.

I headed inside and changed into comfortable jeans and a cozy sweater, hoping the soft fabric would settle my nerves.

glanced at the clock. Maverick would be home soon. He was

deciding to wait for him there. Maverick-his smile, his laughter, the way his eyes lit up when he'd talk about his day. My heart softened at the thought of my son, and suddenly, I felt like I was being suffocated by the weight of

as I finally realized that I'd been avoiding this all

But I hadn't stopped to think about what Maverick would want. What he would need

couldn't hide

but he deserved to make his own choices, to know the truth about where he came from. And even if that truth would mean facing a cruel world, even if it

be there for my son, accompanying him whatever

away, a wave of determination washed over me. I can

truth about his father,

suddenly felt my

no sign of Maverick or his school bus. It was weird. Maverick

with the music class because I was certain he was not

couldn't

I muttered to myself, trying to

driveway and made the short drive to the school, my nerves only seemed to escalate. What if something happened

shook my head, trying to push the worst-case scenarios out of my mind.

music class should still be in session. But something

my anxiety growing with each step. Just as I

ma'am, what brings

responded hastily. "He's late. Was there a

lady's expression changed from surprise to confusion. "No, the class ended on time. Actually, Maverick is not here. He was picked by his uncle immediately after, I thought you knew that?"

heart skipped a beat.

"What uncle?"

father's friend. He showed me proof and everything. I assumed you

raced and then my heart flew to 'his father'-Jared, could

phone, ignoring the teacher's "is everything

I asked, my voice tight with worry. "Jared, did you pick

you talking about? What's wrong?" Jared's

teacher says he was picked up by his uncle. I...I

him, Arielle," Jared assured. "I

Panic overtook me as it seemed

ended the call, ignoring

questions. It

No way. My hands were trembling, the phone slipping in my grip as my mind