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.

shepherd wagged its tail, giving a friendly bark like it was just

lit

beside him, ruffling his hair.

delight, the biggest grin spreading across his face as the dog nuzzled against him. "He likes

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

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.

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

firm. "Maverick sweetie, why don't you go back to the car

for being disobedient, I also wanted

still bubbling with excitement. "Okay, Mommy." He hugged Dwayne, and patted the dog before running back

out of earshot, I turned to Dwayne

caught you off guard, and I'm sorry for that. But

"I told you why I came back, Ari. Jared doesn't get to walk away so

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

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

looking to expand

operations to this

tap into

strengthen regional presence. I've been scouting locations that offer both strategic visibility and logistical advantages, and I think I've

the perfect spot."

tone he'd once used to describe a perfectly grilled fish or the delicate balance of a

Dwayne. But now, hearing him talk about business with that same steadiness,

of manner? This level of control, the quiet confidence that didn't need to fill

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

not taking

ones, but definitely not bring anything new. You

all my sarcastic comments.

hope things go

"Thank you."

I nodded, "you're welcome."

to say. I glanced at my wrist watch and realized Maverick and I had less than 15 minutes to make it to work and school, respectively.

"And Arielle?" He called.

up at

"I'm sorry."

caught off guard. "This time for

apology. I know you're not ready but last night I was pushing you into something you may not need for now.

say. It was not just the fact that