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

Tension

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Dwayne's gaze locked onto mine, sharp yet somehow tender, as he let out a measured sigh.

"On one hand, I've just navigated a major shake-up in Italy. We need a foothold in New York, and the timing felt right. On the other hand..." He hesitated, as if weighing the gravity of his next words. "I came to claim what's rightfully mine. Nana's inheritance." The explanation aligned with what Ashley had told me before, and I found myself nodding. Still, a part of me couldn't help but question why the inheritance mattered so much to him.

"But you're already a Mafia lord," I blurted, unable to hide my disbelief. "You have wealth, power, an entire empire. Isn't the inheritance... trivial by comparison?"

"It's not just about the money or properties," he said, shaking his head. "Nana Jean owns a significant portion of the Mafia's power. If I don't secure that, rival families will move in, and there'll be blood. Chaos. That's not something I'm willing to allow." It clicked. "So, this isn't just about assets-it's about maintaining stability. Control."

A flicker of approval lit his face, and he nodded, his lips curling into a faint, almost boyish smile. "Exactly. But there's another reason," he added, his tone growing serious, his eyes once again boring into mine.

I tensed, his sudden intensity making my pulse quicken a bit. "What reason?"

He didn't look away. "Big Joe told me you've been living with Jared," he said evenly, though his tone carried a quiet accusation.

The words landed like a slap. My stomach lurched as my mouth fell open in shock. Big Joe?

So Big Joe was working for him, and not his friend like Big Joe had made me believe when we first met? I thought back to all the times Big Joe wanted to follow me everywhere like a shadow, it was all Dwayne's doing.

I stared at him, dumbfounded, words failing me.

"I couldn't wait any longer," Dwayne admitted, his gaze never leaving mine. "I was afraid-afraid you'd forgive him. That you'd make the mistake of getting back together."

I blinked, utterly startled. "Seriously, Dwayne?!"

"Yes Ari-"

"Let me get this straight," I said, my voice climbing. "You came back to..." My words trailed off as my brain caught up with my emotions. "To chase me?"

"What else?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, as if daring me to argue.

I groaned inwardly. This man!

Because they just don't seem to have an end,"

bringing his face level with mine. "Arielle," he began, his voice soft yet firm, "I have my reasons for coming back. There are

eyes, he reminded

melted into the night, blending with the

I couldn't look at him-really couldn't-so I dropped my gaze to the ground, focusing on the faint outlines

knot of frustration tightened in my chest, and I couldn't help the flicker of irritation that

I said, shaking my head. "You show up unannounced, dump all this on me, and

at him, suddenly exhausted. "I don't even know where to start. What were we, Dwayne? What do you see me as? A fool you could play with?" My chest ached as

everything you've been through. Truly, I am. But I wasn't a part of your past, and I can't fix it for

Jared. The realization hit me. Before the dinner, Jared must have suspected Big

How could I explain all of these to him? How

over me-Jared, Maverick, the inevitable fallout. The last thing

to sense my spiraling thoughts. He reached

force you into anything. I swear. You don't owe Jared, or anyone an explanation." "Easy for you to say," I shot back, "You spin lies and secrets like it's second nature." My voice cracked, and I buried my head

admitted quietly, "but the time we spent together? That was real. Every moment." He hesitated, his voice

Arielle. At the very least, consider me your

I said finally, meeting his gaze. "If we're starting over, it's with the truth. All of it." The smile that spread across

to feign an angry eyebrow, but eventually couldn't help but smile

distance. I let out a sigh, already knowing who it was before I even looked up. The familiar

surprise, he was already on his feet, moving

mischief. It dawned

want to

Talk to him. Later! Not me, not Maverick!"

was all a game,

he passed Jared, they exchanged a sharp, cutting look-one that could've frozen the air between them. Neither said a word, but the tension

reached me,

His eyes swept over me, scanning my face

too long.

been gone

his voice

laced with something

heavier-worry, maybe.