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

A rival.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The next day was a Saturday, and Maverick was not going to school. I woke up early, feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty.

It would be my first time leaving Jared alone with Maverick for the day, and I couldn't shake the nagging worry that he might-well, not exactly cause trouble-but stumble into it somehow. Still, I had little choice. Mom was leaving for her trip, and taking Maverick to the restaurant wasn't an option, because I didn't want him in public eyes these days.

After getting dressed, I walked into the living room. Jared and Maverick were on the couch, watching CoComelon, their laughter filling the space.

"Morning," Jared greeted, his gaze flicking to me.

"Morning," I replied, taking a seat beside Maverick.

Maverick grinned up at me, his cheeks bulging with what looked like a candy bar.

"Mom, can I go for a walk with Dad later?" He asked.

"Not today, dear," I said, and turned to Jared.

"I need to talk to you," I said, my tone serious so I could drive home how important what I had to say was.

"Of course," Jared replied, giving me his attention.

"I'm leaving Maverick with you today," I began, keeping my voice calm but direct. "Mom's heading out for her trip, and I can't take him with me to work. I don't want him in the public eye." Jared nodded. "Don't worry, I've got this," he said reassuringly.

"I know you do, but I still need to warm him," I said, turning to Maverick again.

I turned to Maverick, who had already peeled his gaze from the TV to focus on me.

"Remember what I told you? Be good, okay? And don't give your dad any trouble," I said, crouching beside him for emphasis.

He nodded. "I'll be good, Mommy."

I smiled, and pulled him into a hug. "I know you will."

Standing up, I grabbed my bag and turned back to Jared. "Call me immediately if there's any issue. Promise?"

"Got it," he saluted.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"That's Ashley," I said, heading toward the door. "I've gotta go. Bye, baby!"

Maverick waved at me, his candy bar still clutched tightly.

Outside, Ashley waited in her car, her signature mischievous grin already in place.

she could hear the gist first hand. I don't think anyone likes to listen to gossip like my best friend. "Ready to go?" she asked

go," I said, fastening my

"Alright, spill it! And don't you dare hold

my head at her enthusiasm. "Fine, fine. Here's

drove, I filled her in on the latest drama

staying with you?" She

I nodded.

I added for

her

eyes, hitting her

this is you calling for disaster upon yourself,"

blushed, shaking my

expression shifted as I

I teased. "Let me guess-last night.

she groaned, rolling her

closer, more intrigued now. "What? Bad date? Zero

everything," she said with a

laugh, "maybe hold out for someone who doesn't make you regret it

am waiting! And while I'm waiting for the right one, I'm

both burst into

restaurant. Ashley parked the car and turned to

been great to you, but I doubt he'd let anything happen

settling some of my nerves. "Thanks,

called after me.

cheerful buzz of conversation, and the cozy

restaurant for people,

Rebecca appeared out of nowhere,

news?" As asked, her voice

faltered, curiosity piqued. "No,

of earshot and no one

just announced his bankruptcy,"

skipped a beat. Jared has made his financial woes public knowledge. Was

didn't respond. "Arielle,

to her. In a hushed tone I revealed, "Yeah, I know. He's actually

shock, disbelief, and finally, a

after a pause, "I don't know what's going on, but I won't

I appreciate that," I

a mischievous grin spread across it. "You know, this is giving me

can't wait to see how that

more, Stephen burst into the hallway, looking

kept murmuring. "You need to see this, Arielle," he said, his tone

suddenly worried.