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.

the situation of things last night, and she had insisted on picking me up today just so she could hear the gist first hand. I don't think anyone likes to listen to gossip like my best friend. "Ready to go?"

said, fastening

it! And don't you dare hold back.

at her

on the latest drama

staying with you?" She exclaimed

I nodded.

added for

cocked her eyebrows.

eyes, hitting her slightly on the

is you calling for disaster upon yourself," she

blushed, shaking my

with a knowing smirk. Then, her expression shifted as I pointed to the faint hickey

"Let me

even," she groaned, rolling her

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

she said with a dramatic shake of her

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

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

both burst into

the restaurant. Ashley parked the car and turned to

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

settling some of

after me. "And keep me posted! I want all

a laugh before stepping into the restaurant, greeted by the warm smiles of the staff. The soft clatter of dishes, the cheerful buzz of conversation, and the cozy ambiance immediately wrapped around me like a familiar embrace. It was the kind of environment that made stepping into

always been a dream to not just create a standard restaurant for

at my office when Rebecca appeared out

seen the latest economic news?" As asked,

smile faltered, curiosity piqued. "No,

earshot and

has just announced his bankruptcy," she read the news headline from her

his financial woes

me when I didn't

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

cycled through shock, disbelief, and finally, a strange sort

"I don't know what's going on, but I

I said, grateful for her

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

chuckled. "I can't wait to see how that turns

we could say more, Stephen burst into the

"You need to see this, Arielle," he said, his

suddenly worried. "What