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

Homeless.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Maverick's curiosity was boundless, and Jared answered each of his questions with a patience that somehow irritated and intrigued me. But then Maverick dropped a bombshell. "Dad, will you stay the night?" Maverick asked, his eyes gleaming expectantly.

Heat shot up my face, and when I glanced at Jared, he looked just as caught off guard, his brows arching in surprise.

"Maverick, that's enough questions for now," I said firmly, after regaining composure.

But he persisted. "Please Daddy."

Jared's eyes met mine, and I could see the uncertainty in them. "Maverick, listen to your Mommy," he said gently, supporting me for once.

"Why not, Daddy? I just want to spend more time with you. Please, Mom?" Maverick's pleading tone was starting to break my resolve.

At this point, I knew I had to put a stop to his questions else we might get to an awkward position. "Maverick, we're still eating. Let's talk about this later, okay?"

Jared quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, man, let's focus on dinner for now."

Maverick looked down, his shoulders slumping in disappointment, but he nodded.

And the rest of the dinner was in silence, save for a little conversation here and there. The tension in the room was thick, and I could feel Jared's eyes on me.

Dinner soon ended, and I cleared the table, trying to break the silence. Maverick and Jared stayed back, talking in hushed tones.

That's when Milo, our energetic Doberman puppy, bounded into the room and latched onto Jared's trouser leg with a playful tug. Jared startled, then laughed softly as Milo growled in mock ferocity. "He's adorable," Jared remarked, crouching to pat the puppy's head.

Maverick grinned proudly. "I got him from my best uncle!"

"Oh really? Who's this 'best uncle'?"

Maverick opened his mouth to answer, but I stepped in immediately, my tone clipped. "Alright, Maverick, time to get ready for bed, sweetie."

Jared glanced up at me, his brow furrowing slightly.

Maverick pouted. "Aww, Mommy, do I have to?" Then he turned to Jared, his last hope. "Dad, will you visit again?"

"I sure will, man." he said and I frowned.

up

looking conflicted. "We'll discuss that with

his arms and padded off to get ready for bed with his Nana, leaving Jared and

turning to face him. "Why would you promise him that

moment before he responded. "I thought we agreed, Arielle. He knows I'm his

"Jared, things were clear between us. The more my son gets wrapped up in your life, the more likely he is to get hurt. You can keep hiding the truth for now, but what happens later? How do you plan to tell him everything about us,

his face, but I refused

this. Leave us alone. Maybe he can see you when he's older, but right now? You're not welcome

inhaled sharply, his jaw clenching. "That's not parenting, Arielle. That's running. You're overprotective,

his father a week ago? And what happened right after? He was kidnapped.

my words, visibly struggling

still young. I can find

on me in an instant, his hand catching my wrist and pulling me closer. His breath was warm and unsettlingly close against my skin. "Don't," he said slowly, his

intensity sharp enough to cut through my anger. My ears burned as

problem?" I muttered, hating the unsteadiness in

voice dropping

chest tight. "You need

stepped back. "Thanks for letting me come," he said, his voice softer

to meet his gaze again as I opened the door

more. But instead, he turned and walked

him get into his car, before shutting the door. Now, back to

going to give me even a moment to

idea, if you ask me," came

around.

unimpressed. "Don't 'can we not' me, Arielle. You know exactly

do, but

precision of a seasoned skeptic.

for dinner. That's all.

unconvinced. "I hate that man, but you could treat

blinked. "That's not fair,

patting my shoulder.

parting shot, she walked off, leaving me alone with

I knew my mom also didn't want me to get hurt for the second

exactly

people's buttons, mine especially.