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

Game on

(JARED'S POV)

I smirked inwardly as Arielle gave in. I shouldn't be so quick to admit it, but her reluctant response was like music to my ears.

Of course, my real motive was far from what she thought it was.

It was far simpler than she could ever guess.

I just wanted to be close to her again. To create chances for us to be alone, to feel that spark between us once more.

Yeah, I knew. I'd always been a little silly that way.

Even seeing her irritated face, the way her eyes flashed with that familiar fire, made something warm spread through me. There was a certain comfort in it. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed seeing that side of her-the side that wasn't guarded, that wasn't numb from years of hurt. The side of her that used to laugh at my dumb jokes and argue with me about everything, even the smallest things.

I almost forgot that I hadn't slept all night.

I'd been stewing over every misunderstanding and every word we'd exchanged these days, all night. And in the end, I realized my real issue was Dwayne's showing up.

Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, Dwayne's presence has made me panic.

Deep down, I always felt like I was one step behind him. And it wasn't just a self-esteem thing. It wasn't even just jealousy.

It was a deep, gnawing feeling that I wasn't worthy of her anymore. How could I be? It was the fact that I hurt Arielle, and he was the one who stayed after I walked away.

And how pathetic was that? To lose my nerve just because another man for Arielle showed up?

I shouldn't be overreacting like this. She's that fabulous, after all. It makes perfect sense that someone would want her.

But she's my ex-wife.

She's always been mine in ways I couldn't quite let go of.

If there was one real conclusion of this sleepless night of meditation and reflection, with everything Arielle had said recently going through my head, it was this: I needed to calm down.

"I'll send over some materials for you to review," I said, pulling out my phone to set a reminder. "We can discuss the details later."

Her expression turned stoic. "Is that all?"

I smiled sheepishly, like I wasn't carrying a thousand pounds of regret on my shoulders. "Actually, I was wondering if I could take you out to lunch later?"

I saw the flicker of something in her eyes-was it pity? Or maybe just annoyance. But her response was quick and firm. "No, thank you."

chuckled, not about to let that derail me. "I'll

with annoyance. It seemed like she couldn't wait to get rid of me, and

just the

time, then," I said, rising to

said nothing. Without waiting any

walked into Arielle's restaurant feeling confident and ready for our

to her again, I'd be damned if I wasn't

I said, flashing one of my best charming smiles. "I trust you're ready to

nodded, quickly closing her laptop and tucking

across from her without being offered. No time to waste. I dove straight into my introduction, enthusiastically explaining

about to get her to

in my

up sharply. Wait, what?

to protest that this was supposed to be a one-on-one session, but one glance at Arielle's cool, unbothered gaze told me there would be no argument here. So, like the mature man I was supposed

exchanging pleasantries with Arielle, followed by a guy who looked like he was fresh out of a college brochure. And judging by the way he practically radiated enthusiasm (and

I forced a smile.

Great. Just great.

that we're all here," Arielle said, her eyes gleaming with that mischievous twinkle I

wasn't part

a priceless lecture, I thought it'd be a good idea to maximize the benefits. After all, my best staff should be thrilled to join in, right? You wouldn't be stingy with your

tilted her head slightly, giving me that confused look. But I could see the amusement in her eyes, the way they sparkled with that same playfulness she always used

urge to roll my eyes. "Fine. Just don't forget to pay me extra

the dynamics had shifted. It was no longer about

clearing my

help but notice the smug little smile that Arielle was trying to hide. She

to do was get her to relax,

let's talk about your current business model," I said, trying to sound calm. "What's working for you, and where do you see potential areas for

piqued. "I think our marketing strategy has been effective, but I'm not sure if

questioning to follow her with. From her response, I realized I had to use

birds with one stone as it will aid

had professional training on the topic in his hospitality training,

tell me more about your online presence? What

and I listened intently, taking mental notes, having more discussion

launched into

explanation Kleaned back, listening

The more she spoke, the

onto my