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

The kind of moment she had once dreamt of

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The rest of the dinner passed in an uneasy silence, heavy and suffocating.

I focused on my plate, determined to avoid Jared's gaze and suppress the memories threatening to rise.

It was the scene the warmth of a family dinner, the kind of moment I'd once dreamed of-that had unraveled me. My defenses had cracked under the weight of it. I couldn't let it happen again. I wouldn't.

This should have been a reminder of what I could have had back then and a stark warning of what I now needed to protect.

About twenty minutes later, Jared excused himself, leaving me alone with Maverick.

I stayed, absentmindedly picking at the food as Maverick watched me with his curious, innocent eyes.

"Mom?" His soft voice pulled me from the tangle of my thoughts.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Why don't you talk to Daddy?" he asked, his tone careful but direct. "Did I do something wrong? Is it the food? Did it make you unhappy?"

His question hit me like a punch to the gut. I forced a smile, even as my heart ached. "No, sweetheart. Nothing is wrong. Don't think like that. Mommy's just tired from work, that's all."

He studied me for a moment, stealing a glance as though trying to gauge the truth. I couldn't help but smile at his persistence. My boy. The one constant source of joy in my life.

"Alright, dinner's done for you, champ," I said, softening my tone. "Go play with your Legos. Mommy will join you soon."

He beamed at me, nodded, and left the table quietly.

But the silence didn't last.

Jared returned moments later, clearing plates without a word. His presence unsettled me, but his gesture wasn't offensive. It was kind. Maybe too kind.

"You don't have to do that," I said, keeping my tone neutral.

He paused, glancing at me. "Do what?"

I frowned, my patience already worn thin. "This. All of it. The chores, the dinner. None of this is necessary. I have staff for a reason. And if this is some misguided attempt to change my opinion of you, save it. It's not working. It only makes things worse for everyone, especially Maverick."

Jared's jaw tightened. His gaze darkened, a flicker of hurt crossing his face before his voice came, low and restrained. "Is it everyone... or just you?"

a nerve, and

every single day. Does that mean I can't ever do anything right? I wasn't trying

retorted, "Make him happy? Or make yourself feel better? Where were you for the past three years, Jared? Do you even understand what it's like? I've

spilled out before I could stop them, my voice rising with

fell, his expression etched with regret and something deeper-something raw that made my

spoke after that. The room grew cold, and I busied myself with the dishes, refusing to look his way. When

"Sorry."

in

walked away,

sorry too," I

I was lost in sketching new decoration ideas for my restaurant when my phone

smile crept onto my face as I saw the caller

dude," I said, answering

teased, his deep voice carrying a warmth that always made me feel lighter. "What's up? You

words with mock gravity. "Trying to fix something for myself,

should I start packing my bags to help you run A&M? I've heard about your 'great cause' all the

if you ever need backup in

He had that effect on me, always. "Noted. But I'm not ready to

admitted with a grin, leaning into the camera. "But seriously, Ari. Need any advice? I've learned

some cooking? I almost rolled my eyes at the understatement. This man and his false modesty-like he isn't the same guy our master chef couldn't

by some cooking you mean

walking Michelin guide, sure. But no, thanks. think I can manage," I said finally. "Just brainstorming some new decor. It's

got

to lift my spirits. Talking to him was effortless, light and refreshing, like a cool breeze on a heavy day. He had a way of making me feel seen, like I could exhale all the tension I didn't even know I

Unlike Jared.

no one could deny that Jared Smith was in a league of his own. He knew

have

enough," Dwayne's voice suddenly brought me back. He was smiling, but there was a subtle shift in his tone. "I've got a question for

my

heavy." His voice softened, "What fragrance were

I don't remember. I don't usually wear perfume when I'm working. It's not professional to overpower a customer's

smile deepened, though his emerald eyes

asked, laughing nervously. "Was it that bad?

voice quieter now. His gaze met mine through the screen, drawing me in with the kind of intensity that

My breath hitched.

I blurted, my face heating up the moment the words left my