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.

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?" she asked the

go," I said, fastening

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

head at her enthusiasm.

on the latest drama with Jared

with

I nodded.

added

her

my eyes, hitting her

saying, this is you calling

shaking my head. "Not

knowing smirk. Then, her expression shifted as I pointed to the

teased. "Let me guess-last night.

don't even," she groaned, rolling

more intrigued now.

everything," she said with a dramatic shake of

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

am waiting! And while I'm waiting for the

burst

we arrived at the restaurant. Ashley parked the car and turned

so much about Maverick," she said. "Jared might not have been great to you, but I doubt he'd let anything happen

some of my

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

waved to her with 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

dream to not just create a standard restaurant for people,

my office when Rebecca appeared out of nowhere, her eyes wide and

news?" As

faltered, curiosity

out of earshot and no

just announced his bankruptcy," she read the news headline

financial woes public knowledge. Was it also

nudged me when I didn't respond. "Arielle,

her. In a hushed tone I revealed, "Yeah,

cycled through shock,

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

Rebecca. I appreciate that," I said, grateful for

but then a mischievous grin spread across it. "You know, this is giving me a fresh idea for

wait to see how that

say more, Stephen burst into the

bad," he kept murmuring. "You need to see this, Arielle,"

tensed, suddenly worried. "What