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.

a friendly bark like it was

eyes lit up.

crouched beside him, ruffling his hair.

the biggest grin spreading across his face as the dog nuzzled against

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 glad you

your mom earlier. I'm sorry for suddenly appearing out of the blue, especially at dinner yesterday." Maverick, still excited from playing

shook my head, wondering if that was how easily children forgave when bribed with a

excitement died down, I turned to Maverick, my voice gentle but firm. "Maverick sweetie, why don't

him to apologize to Ashley for being disobedient, I also wanted him away so I could have some private discussion

nodded, still bubbling with excitement. "Okay, Mommy." He hugged Dwayne,

he was out of earshot, I turned to Dwayne with a serious expression.

caught you off guard, and I'm sorry for that. But I'm not here to make

his gaze steady. "I told you why I came back, Ari. Jared doesn't get to walk

drama with Jared. Just make sure it doesn't mess with my life—or

for the record, I've also got

to

operations to this

tap

offer both strategic visibility and logistical advantages, and

the perfect spot."

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

hearing him talk about business with

missed the signs? What kind of chef had this type of manner? This level of control, the quiet confidence that didn't need to fill a room but still managed to

thoughts go away, and

taking offense

but definitely not bring anything new. You have my words ari.

that block away all my sarcastic comments. I turned around, trying to ignore this man's annoying random

It sounds like a huge project and I hope things go well

"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 to make it to

"And Arielle?" He called.

looked up at

"I'm sorry."

guard. "This

I was pushing you into something you may not need for now. I shouldn't do that. Please don't feel

on what to say. It was not just the fact that I was not expecting