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

House husband

(JARED'S POV)

It was another perfect day for a professional house husband.

I stretched, feeling refreshed as I swung my legs off the bed. Habit had me glancing at the other side where Maverick usually curled up, but it was empty.

Right. He'd been sleeping with Arielle these past few nights. Ever since those nightmares started, he hadn't left her side.

I sighed to myself. I'd grown used to his small frame tucked beside me, his soft breaths lulling me back to sleep whenever I woke during the night.

Another thing that'd feel even more natural? Waking up to both him and his mother next to me.

That thought earned a self-deprecating chuckle as I shuffled into my flip-flops. A man could dream, sure, but I knew better than to hope for the impossible—at least for now.

Slipping my legs into my flip-flops, I began my routine for the day. Brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I headed to the kitchen to get started on breakfast.

Cooking was something I'd gotten better at recently. I resorted to YouTube videos and stuck to less complex meals.

Cracking eggs into a bowl, I whisked them together, added a sprinkle of cheese, and seasoned them just right. The sizzle of the skillet filled the quiet house, and the smell of frying eggs and golden chips soon wafted through the air. I couldn't help but smile. If nothing else, my cooking would drag Maverick and Arielle out of bed in no time.

I was right. Just as I plated the omelets and chips, Maverick bounded into the kitchen, backpack already slung over one shoulder.

"Hmm, it smells so good in here!" he said, flaring his nostrils dramatically. "Morning, Daddy!"

"Morning, buddy," I said with a laugh, ruffling his messy hair.

He peered at the plates, eyes lighting up. "Can I have omelet and chips for breakfast? Please?"

I crouched to his level. "Nice try, but no. Breakfast is cereal; this is for your school lunch."

He sighed, then nodded. "Okay, Daddy."

The kid never ceased

in a textured gray tweed suit, black stockings, and modest heels. She looked effortlessly elegant, and I couldn't stop my eyes from lingering

I replied with more cheer than she probably expected. "Breakfast's

down at the table, her eyes scanning the plates of

but I'd

cereal, spoon-feeding him to save time. Once they

the

bad routine, but their absence always left the place feeling...hollow. Like they

walk. The fresh air helped clear my head, but as the day dragged on, boredom crept

thoughts inevitably circled back

colder than usual lately. Not that she'd ever been warm and fuzzy toward me, but there was an edge now that hadn't been there

Sure, it had been awkward-her walking in on me, stark naked but was it

into her default "Jared is my mortal

sighed for what felt like the millionth

didn't blame her. I'd

and I wasn't foolish

me wished she'd let her guard down, even just a little and

say time heals all wounds. I hoped that was

given me a kind of peace I hadn't felt

I preferred

quietly investigating Maverick's with Mark and Oliver's

night, Mark sent me an email containing details about her life

from the couch. Finally got something to cure my boredom, and maybe,

the silence as I waited for it to boot. Once it did, I opened my inbox and scrolled

back, bracing myself for whatever revelation lay

the

had been anything but ordinary. Her ex-husband's death? Unexplained. No cause.

ran down my

Sofia's divorce, she always seemed so heartbroken that I

wasn't a