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 running a little late because he had music

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 it all. I

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

have an answer for me. But I hadn't stopped to think about what Maverick would

couldn't hide from it

about where he came from. And even if that truth would mean facing

be there for my son, accompanying him whatever he would

the seconds slipping away, a wave of determination washed over me. I can give him something better. I

tell him the truth about his father,

suddenly felt my heart was

as the hours ticked by and there was no sign of Maverick or his school bus. It was weird. Maverick was rarely late. He had music lessons, but that wasn't like him. My son was never

he was not with my mom? She's away on a short term trip, hence he had to use a school

felt off, and I couldn't

his school," I muttered to myself, trying to reassure myself

of the driveway and made the short drive to the school, my nerves only seemed to escalate.

the worst-case scenarios out of my mind. Focus, Arielle.

school felt eerie. The music class should still be in session. But

my anxiety growing with each step. Just as I approached the classroom, I saw his teacher. Her surprised look only made my

what brings you

here to pick Maverick," I responded hastily. "He's late. Was there

ended on time. Actually, Maverick is not here. He was picked

skipped

"What uncle?"

father's friend. He showed me proof and everything.

heart flew to 'his

my phone, ignoring the teacher's "is everything alright?" As I dialed

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

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

even further. "Maverick's teacher says he was picked up by his uncle. I...I thought it might be

take him, Arielle," Jared assured. "I swear.

this point, whatever restraint I had was lost. Panic overtook me as it seemed

ended the

of questions. It wasn't

way. My hands were trembling, the phone slipping in my grip as my mind raced