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.

could hear the gist first hand. I don't think anyone likes to listen to gossip like my

said, fastening my

spill it! And don't you dare hold back. I want

at her

filled her in on the latest

he's staying with you?" She exclaimed

I nodded.

added for

her eyebrows.

her slightly on the shoulder.

saying, this is you calling

blushed, shaking my head.

she said with a knowing smirk. Then, her expression shifted as I

teased. "Let me

don't even," she groaned, rolling her

closer, more intrigued now. "What?

said with a

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

the right one, I'm having fun with the wrong

both burst

restaurant. Ashley parked the car and

about Maverick," she said. "Jared might not have been great to you, but

words settling some of my

car, she called after me. "And

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 work feel less like a chore

not just create a standard restaurant for people, but also a conducive

Rebecca appeared out of

news?" As asked, her voice barely

faltered, curiosity

of earshot and no

just announced his bankruptcy,"

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

when I didn't respond. "Arielle, are

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

cycled through shock, disbelief, and finally, a strange

know what's going

appreciate that," I

mischievous grin spread across it. "You know, this

"I can't wait to see how that

burst into the

"You need to see this, Arielle,"

suddenly