Mr billionaire's regret chasing his irresistible wife by Gabby Emmanuel

A ruse

(ARIELLE'S POV)

My eyes trailed after Sofia as she rose from the table. The sudden twist of plans had taken a very hard toll on her and I knew she'd gone into the bathroom to pour out her heart.

I almost felt bad for her. Almost. But the air in the room was growing unbearably awkward, and I needed to leave as soon as possible. I quickly nudged Ashley in the side, silently signaling that it was time to go.

"We'll be taking our leave now," I said and kicked back my seat. Ashley followed suit and picked up her purse from the table.

"Oh... but we're not done speaking yet, my dear," Mrs. Smith said nicely.

"Yes, we don't know if we have your blessing yet," Tiana chimed in, her wide eyes looking at me innocently. She put her hand on Jared's on the table and I could see an unmistakable restraint- just the tiniest bit- from Jared. For a moment, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of annoyance. Tiana reminded me of a spoiled child throwing a tantrum.

I pushed the feeling aside and forced a smile. "I don't owe Jared anything. And he doesn't owe me. You don't owe me anything either so I don't think I owe you my blessings. And frankly, I don't think it's of much consequence to either of you." I saw the blood rush up to her face even though she struggled to keep her smile intact.

"Thanks for the meal, Mrs. Smith. We'll speak with you on a later date about the arrangements for my friend's family business," I nodded to Jared's mother.

"Of course. As long as my terms are met, Arielle. Your car's around the corner. A guard will hand you the keys on your way out. Take care of yourself," Mrs. Smith said.

"Take care of yourself too," I said and turned around to leave. A thick set man, nearly as tall as the pillars of the house, was waiting outside to give us my car keys.

"I didn't ruin anything in your little car," he reassured with a playful wink as he handed the keys over to me. I nodded in embarrassment and walked over to my car.

"What a day," Ashley sighed as she went around to the passenger side. I unlocked the car doors and just as I was about to open the driver's side and step in, I felt a sharp grip on my wrist.

I looked up to find Jared and a wave of goosebumps sprouted along the length of my arm. His face was set in thin bard lines and his eyes were determined and dangerous.

"Hey!" I screamed in unison with Ashley who'd jumped down from the car and was coming around to help.

me off the car with an ease that replaced my

with great struggle. But Jared wasn't moved by my little slaps and scratches.

you bloody psycho!" Ashley screamed from behind and rushed to my aid. She threw a series

around and sneered at Ashley like a dangerous

I squirmed as I tried to break free

with raw intent. His voice went low as he bent to speak. "We have to talk, Arielle. That's all I wanna do. Stop fighting." "Hey," Ashley snapped from

"If you don't get away from us, you can as well kiss your uncle's business goodbye. Trust me. I don't bluff. Think I'd listen to my mum? You're joking," he said. Ashley stood still, her face clouded in uncertainty as she sized Jared up. She had her fists clenched by her sides and her

by the car." I said. "Come on, go," I repeated when she remained

try anything stupid," she said as a final

Ashley had exited the garden, I used the diversion to wrench my wrist free

the hell do you want from me, Jared?"

emotions, some of which I was certain I

jealousy? I waved it off and squared my shoulders,

pretty and sophisticated. Just as you like," I said with

veins on his temple glide over each other as he gritted his teeth. There was something else. Something underlying beneath his expression. But I couldn't quite place it.

(JARED'S POV)

resisting the urge to hold her close to myself again. I'd be lying to myself If I tried to deny how much I enjoyed her fighting in my arms, just the feel of her skin against mine. A little smile

looked like a piece

stunning,"

a look of incredulity. "Are you serious right now? Why did you hold me back, Jared? Why

she threatened and made to walk past me. But I held her back and pulled her

now," I

life, I've had this weird feeling y'know. Like there's something off. I knew she'd ultimately wanna get back with me. But didn't want to hurt her again. I've learned the repercussions of that the hard way," I paused to search

and I knew I'd struck a

to invest in her father's business while she saved me from hurting Sofia again. In all honesty, Arielle was the biggest factor in all of the arrangements. I'd reasoned that since