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

The neighbor next street.

(ARIELLE'S

POV)

I froze, locking on the figure heading toward us.

It was Dwayne, looking effortlessly sharp in casual black that showed off his lean, athletic build.

In his hand was a leash attached to a big German shepherd, the dog pacing beside him. Dwayne wore a huge, carefree smile, like nothing had happened last night. I couldn't help the feeling of unease that enveloped me. Big Joe cleared his throat, cutting through the silence. "I'm leaving now." With a slight bow, he turned and walked off.

As he passed Dwayne, he bowed again before continuing on his way.

I folded my arms and watched Dwayne approach me. "Hey," he greeted, his signature smile plastered on his face.

I felt a jolt of anticipation to see him, and irritation at the same time, wondering why he was here.

"Hi," I replied, awkwardness creeping into my voice. I wasn't sure how to act after shutting the door on him last night. Well, not just on him-on Jared, too.

"What are you doing in my neighborhood this early?" I asked, trying to sound casual. My suspicion was already kicking in. "Don't tell me..." I raised an eyebrow, my bad feeling growing.

He laughed lightly, clearly amused. "Nothing gets past you." He paused for effect, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I just moved in next door. Or, well, across the street."

"You what?" My voice rose slightly.

He shrugged, all nonchalant, that smile never slipping. "Found a house I liked. Just so happens it's in this neighborhood."

Yeah, right. There was no way he'd just stumbled on this place by chance. My gut told me he'd planned this long before last night.

"And you just happened to find a house in my neighborhood?" I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Something like that," he said with a smirk. Then, with innocence, he added, "Ostrich, don't be so hard on me. Ignore last night...you're not even a little happy to see me? It's been months since we hadn't seen each other." My heart skipped a beat, and I almost choked. "Don't change the subject, Dwayne!"

Before I could grill him further, he cut me off. "Where's Maverick? Already off to school?" His eyes scanned the porch and yard like he was expecting my son to pop out any second.

Right on cue, Maverick's excited voice rang out. "Uncle Dwayne!" He came barreling out of the car where he'd been waiting with Ashley, catching her off guard as she scrambled after him, her expression a mix of concern and exasperation. Maverick was too quick, though, and threw himself into Dwayne's arms, laughing. Ashley gave me a helpless shrug, and I nodded in silent understanding.

Dwayne hoisted Maverick up, spinning him around, both of them laughing like they hadn't just seen each other yesterday.

"Hey, buddy! I've got someone for you to meet," Dwayne said, setting Maverick down and gesturing to the dog.

tail, giving a friendly bark

eyes lit

his hair.

in delight, the biggest grin spreading across his face as the

smiling, too, despite everything. I reached out to pet the dog's soft fur. Brown leaned into my touch, his tail wagging furiously, and I couldn't help but laugh. So this is where Milo gets his charm. Dwayne watched us with a tender smile. "I'm

"I want to apologize to you, Maverick, and to your Mum, but especially to you as I had already apologized to your mom earlier. I'm sorry for suddenly appearing out of the blue, especially at dinner yesterday." Maverick,

how easily children

voice gentle but firm. "Maverick

as I wanted him to apologize to Ashley for being disobedient, I also wanted him away so I could have

Dwayne, and patted the

out of earshot, I turned to Dwayne with

smile faltered, replaced by a more serious look. "I know I caught you off guard, and I'm sorry for that. But I'm not here

told you why I came back, Ari. Jared doesn't get to walk away so easily. I hope you can understand

eyes. "I don't care about your drama with Jared. Just make sure it doesn't

a faint smile, "But for the record, I've also got business here. Real business." "What

looking to expand

to this

tap into its

scouting locations that offer both strategic visibility and logistical

the perfect spot."

same tone he'd once used to describe a perfectly grilled

wasn't entirely new-this composed, assured Dwayne. But now, hearing him talk about business with that same

What kind of chef had this type of manner? This level of control, the quiet confidence

as if it would make the thoughts go away, and asked.

chuckled, not taking offense

I'll only maintain the already existing ones, but definitely not bring anything new. You have my words ari. I won't do anything to harm you or

away all my sarcastic comments. I turned around, trying to ignore this

now," I nodded. "Keep your words. It sounds like a huge project and I hope things go well for you," I said the last words with all sincerity because I actually

"Thank you."

I nodded, "you're welcome."

an awkward pause as it seemed like we had nothing else to say. I glanced at my wrist watch and realized Maverick and I had less than 15 minutes

"And Arielle?" He called.

up at

"I'm sorry."

off guard. "This time

not ready but last night I was pushing you into

to say. It was not just the fact that I was not expecting those words, or the words