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."

not about to let that derail

nodded, her eyes flashing with annoyance. It seemed like she couldn't wait to get rid of me,

grinned, actually feeling a thrill of excitement. This was just the beginning. I would wear her down and break

time, then," I

me closely, but said nothing. Without waiting any

Arielle's restaurant feeling confident and ready for our first

be my chance to get close to her again, I'd be damned if I wasn't going to make it count. I arrived at her office, and as soon as I entered, she stood up from her desk,

flashing one of my best charming smiles. "I trust you're ready to get started on the world of good

closing her laptop and tucking it away.

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

just as I was about to get her

my office?" She said, her voice

sharply. Wait, what? Were they

at Arielle's cool, unbothered gaze told me there would be no argument here. So, like the mature man I was supposed to be,

looked like he was fresh out of a college brochure. And judging by the way he practically radiated enthusiasm (and an annoying surplus

I forced a smile.

Great. Just great.

we're all here," Arielle said, her eyes gleaming with that mischievous twinkle I knew so well, "let's begin. Jared, please

this wasn't part

a priceless lecture, I thought it'd be a good idea to maximize the benefits. After all, my best staff

head slightly, giving me that confused look. But I could see the amusement in her eyes, the way they sparkled

sighed, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. "Fine.

now, with Rebecca and Stephen present, the dynamics had shifted. It was

I said, clearing my

I couldn't help but notice the smug little smile that Arielle was trying to hide.

if she wanted to play games, then two could play at that. All I needed to do was

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

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

response, I realized I had

two birds with one stone as it will aid Rebecca

on the topic in his hospitality training, so

about your online

to explain in earnest, and I listened intently,

launched into

explanation Kleaned back, listening

she spoke, the

my face.