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.

bark like it was

lit

him, ruffling his hair.

across his face

myself 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 glad you two are

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,

if that was how easily children forgave when bribed with a

my voice gentle but firm. "Maverick sweetie, why don't you go back to the car and apologize to Aunt

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

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

turned to Dwayne with a serious expression.

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

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

drama with Jared. Just make sure it doesn't mess with

added with a faint smile, "But for the record, I've

looking to expand

to this

To tap into its

offer both strategic visibility and logistical advantages, and I

the perfect spot."

tone he'd once used to

him talk about business with that same steadiness, it hit

how I'd 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

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

not taking offense like

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 harm

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 for you," I said the last words

"Thank you."

I nodded, "you're welcome."

Maverick and I had less than 15 minutes to make it to work and school, respectively. I was just about to announce my decision to

"And Arielle?" He called.

looked up at him,

"I'm sorry."

blinked, caught off guard. "This time

an apology. I know you're not ready but last night I was pushing you into something you may not need for now. I shouldn't do that. Please

momentarily stunned, at a loss on what to say. It was not just the fact that I was not expecting those words, or