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

Of a tattoo and clue.

(JARED'S POV)

After Arielle left with Nana Jean, I tried to keep up with conversing with Maverick, even though my mind kept wondering about what Nana Jean needed to say to Arielle in private.

I pushed the thought aside and focused on Maverick, who was talking excitedly about how big the mansion was and how beautiful his great-granny was. I listened attentively, smiling and nodding in all the right places.

But my mind kept drifting back to Arielle. Speaking of her, since our last conversation three days ago, I have tried to keep my distance. Not because I was mad at her, but because it was the best thing to do.

And today, when she stepped out in that dress, my breath was swept away. She looked like she was meant to be in dresses like that always. The way the fabric hugged her curves, the way the color matched with her skin and highlighted it...I felt my heart skip a beat as I stared at her.

As I remembered that after tonight, we were no longer going to be staying under the same roof, my heart squeezed painfully in my chest. I had gotten so used to being with her and our son, and any other way of living felt odd and inappropriate.

I thought of my son, poor boy. I knew Arielle had not told him about my leaving because I was sure the little man would have queried me. A bitter smile crossed my features as I watched the little man chatter innocently, unaware tonight was probably our last supper. I was still in that state, fighting with my thoughts when my mother summoned me to the study through a maid.

"Excuse me for a minute, buddy," I said to Maverick, beckoning the butler to keep him company while I was away. "I'll be right back."

"Okay, Daddy," Maverick replied, smiling up at me.

And with that, I walked off, to go answer my mother's call.

study, and my mother was standing next to the large mahogany desk, her back to me. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of old

I inhaled sharply. This used to be my father's, and I used to frequent it, but after he died, I stopped coming. This was my first time coming here after his death, and it brought back memories of how we used to read together, and on some

him. I sighed and shoved the thoughts

called out, approaching her. It was the first time I had seen her since we arrived. I had speculated she would be in her room getting ready, and not in the study. But as I

her face. She approached me and pulled me

to the point, as I pulled

turning serious. "I did. I want to

up a folder on the desk and handed it to me. It was

"These are pictures of

"They're all from good families and will make excellent wives and mothers. You need to start thinking about the future if things are not moving smoothly with you and

her to the pictures. The hell? Has it gotten to

she noticed my

thin now. This was not the first time she had made this request, and I was tired of hearing it already. I knew she wanted me to settle down, but have made my choice-Arielle, and I am determined to stick to her

she tried

secure a family, your inheritance might be at risk.

the idea laughable, and almost gave in to the urge. What's my mother thinking? Nana Jean had no other

don't think that's going to happen,

sure, boy. You have to