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.

friendly bark like it was just as excited to

eyes lit up. "Who's

beside him, ruffling his hair.

across his face as the dog nuzzled against him. "He

touch, his tail wagging furiously, and I couldn't help

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 happy you're here now." He threw his

my head, wondering if that was how easily children forgave

firm. "Maverick sweetie, why don't you go

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

hugged Dwayne, and

of earshot, I turned

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 to

back, Ari. Jared doesn't get

your drama with

tone even. Then he added with a faint smile, "But for the record, I've also got business here.

looking to expand

to this

tap into

been scouting locations that offer both strategic visibility and logistical advantages,

the perfect spot."

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

assured Dwayne. But now, hearing him talk about

This level of control, the quiet confidence that didn't need to fill a room but still managed

sighed, shaking my head as if it would make the thoughts go away, and asked. "By business, do you mean

chuckled, not taking offense like

bring anything new. You have my words ari. I won't do anything to harm you or Maverick. You are the last treasure I want to protect

comments. I turned

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

"Thank you."

I nodded, "you're welcome."

at my wrist watch and realized Maverick and I had less than

"And Arielle?" He called.

up at him, my

"I'm sorry."

off guard. "This time for

last night I was pushing you into something you may not

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