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.

so she could hear the gist first hand. I don't

go," I said,

second before diving in. "Alright, spill it! And don't you dare hold back. I

her enthusiasm.

drove, I filled her in on

staying with you?" She exclaimed in

I nodded.

I added for

her eyebrows.

eyes, hitting her slightly on

saying, this is you calling

my head. "Not

knowing smirk. Then, her expression

I teased. "Let me guess-last night.

even," she groaned, rolling

more intrigued now. "What? Bad date?

everything," she said with a

said, barely suppressing a laugh, "maybe hold out for someone who doesn't make

And while I'm waiting for the right one, I'm having fun with the wrong

both burst

Ashley parked

"Jared might not have been great to you, but I doubt

words settling some of my nerves. "Thanks,

I stepped out of the car, she called after me. "And keep me posted!

greeted by the warm smiles of the staff. The soft clatter of dishes, the cheerful buzz of conversation, and the cozy

been a dream to not just create a standard restaurant for people, but also

out of nowhere,

seen the latest economic news?" As asked, her voice barely

faltered, curiosity piqued.

cautiously, ensuring we were out of earshot and no one was in sight, before

announced his bankruptcy," she read the news headline from

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

nudged me when I didn't respond.

my thoughts and attention to her. In a hushed tone I revealed, "Yeah, I know. He's actually staying

dropped as her expression cycled through shock, disbelief, and finally, a strange

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

I said, grateful

then a mischievous grin spread across it. "You know,

"I can't wait to see how

more, Stephen burst into the hallway,

he kept murmuring. "You need to see

suddenly