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

eyes lit up.

his hair. "Meet Brown, Milo's

his face as the dog nuzzled

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.

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, still excited from playing with the dog, quickly forgave Dwayne. "It's Okay, Uncle. I forgive you for being mysterious, and I'm

if that was how easily children forgave when bribed

gentle but firm. "Maverick sweetie,

him to apologize to Ashley for being disobedient, I also

Mommy." He hugged Dwayne, and patted the dog before running back

was out of earshot, I turned to Dwayne with a

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

Ari. Jared doesn't get to walk away so easily. I hope you can

with Jared. Just make

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

looking to expand

operations to

To tap into its

been scouting locations that offer

the perfect spot."

it in a calm yet professional way, the same tone he'd once used to describe a perfectly grilled fish or the delicate balance of a

new-this composed, assured Dwayne. But now, hearing him talk about business with that

signs? What kind of chef had this type of manner? This level of control,

as if it would make the thoughts go away,

not taking

not intend to bring that over here. 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

block away all my sarcastic comments. I turned around,

"Keep your words. It sounds like a huge project and I hope things go well

"Thank you."

I nodded, "you're welcome."

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.

at him, my expression

"I'm sorry."

guard. "This time for

everything. I owe you an apology. I know you're not ready but last night I was pushing you into something

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