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

The Dinner

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Exhausted from the day's chaos, I pushed open the front door, desperate for the comfort of solitude. Between the rival restaurant's sabotage and Stephen and Rebecca's antics, my nerves were frayed. All I wanted was to collapse in peace. But the sight that greeted me was nothing short of surreal.

The space has been transformed to a cozy haven. The fireplace that was barely in use now crackled with fire, casting a warm and comfortable glow over the room. The dogs, looking freshly bathed and groomed, lay by the fire, looking content.

As if that was not enough, a nice smelling aroma of food sailed into my nose. Nose flared, I traced its source to the kitchen. Once again, I was thrown off balance by the sight before me.

Jared and Maverick, moving around the kitchen in what looked like a team effort to prepare dinner. Jared, effortlessly cool as always, flipped a steak with the precision of someone who'd been doing this for years-except I knew better. Meanwhile, Maverick, spatula in hand, looked up as I entered, his face lighting up.

"Mommy! Welcome back!" he exclaimed, his excitement contagious.

"Hey, Arielle," Jared greeted, as if it were perfectly normal for him to be in my kitchen, cooking dinner with our son.

I blinked, trying to process the scene. "What's... going on here?"

"Daddy wanted to surprise you with dinner!" Maverick announced proudly.

I glanced between the two of them, emotions swirling. Gratitude, unease, and more than a little suspicion. Why was Jared being so.... domestic? He hated cooking when we were married unless he'd royally screwed up and needed to apologize. This sudden display of domesticity set off every alarm bell in my head.

And if he thought he could impress me with these, he was definitely wrong.

"Thanks," I managed, keeping my tone casual. "It smells amazing in here."

Maverick grinned, his face glowing with pride. "We did it, Daddy!" He raised his hand for a high five.

Jared obliged with a smirk. "We sure did, partner."

a long time. Why don't you take a bath? We got the hot tub for you. While you relax, we'd set the

what he was up to, but the weight of the day had worn down my

I muttered, retreating

was filled with steaming water, the surface flecked with lavender leaves and glistening with scented oil. My

eyes, willing the warmth creeping into my chest to

It was not right.

None of these was.

carefully constructed trap, designed

was not supposed to be feeling any of that,

piece of my mind. But as I entered, I was met with Maverick's eager

you like your bath?" He

heart instantly melted, and I hesitated, not wanting to crush his enthusiasm. "Yes, sweetie, I did. Thanks to you... and your Dad," I said, forcing a smile. His smile

back and finish getting ready, and then I'll

me with an intensity that made me shiver. Still,

into something decent, I made my way to the dining room. The table was already set, and Jared and Maverick were seated

a plate of grilled steak, coleslaw, mashed

beamed, and I smiled. I'm guessing that's the

stomach growled in anticipation as I eagerly took my first

And immediately regretted it.

overcooked, the vegetables mushy, and the coleslaw inexplicably salty. I chewed

the table, Jared

were watching me

unease grew, especially Maverick's. His little brows furrowed, and his shoulders slumped as he glanced nervously at his

with desperation.

it's so hard! These foods just coldly reminded me of the memories in The Red Velvet. Too many cooking disasters for today! "Well..." I forced another bite

sigh, "I