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

A symbol of what's past

(ARIELLE'S POV)

He flashed a charming smile my way, and I felt my heart skip. Can he stop with the annoying boyish charms already? Rebecca and Stephen returned the greeting, taking their seats respectively. I followed suit, trying to compose myself.

"Today's session will be the last we're having, as you all know," Jared began, his eyes scanning the room. "But before we get into today's teaching, let's go over the ones we have learned all this while."

And we delved right into it. A few minutes and a brief review of our past lessons later, Rebecca let out an exaggerated sigh.

"I have to admit, I've learned so much in such a short time," she muttered, her tone genuine.

Jared grinned, throwing me a quick, knowing glance that I pretended not to notice.

Stephen, on the other hand, rolled his eyes and hissed at Rebecca. "Are you trying to say that all the wisdom I have shared in the past was a waste? I've imparted you with endless knowledge but you always let it go through one ear and out the other," he taunted. Rebecca's face scrunched up. "You're obviously not on the same level as Mr Smith's, hence your teachings barely stayed a second in my head."

I couldn't help the chuckle that left my lips as I watched their growing exchange.

To be fair, I was satisfied with the classes in the past few days as well. They were insightful. More importantly, I wouldn't admit it out loud, but I was a little reluctant to give up the tenuous peace we'd established in recent days, between me and Jared.

Even with his declaration to win me back looming in the background, Jared had managed to tone down his theatrics-apart from the flower debacle, of course.

Sofia? Silent. His mother or Nana? Missing in action. Miss fiancée? Never came to me once.

Ashley even mentioned that her uncle's business had smoothly recovered.

These peaceful days felt like a rare gift, and I wasn't sure how much longer they'd last, well, especially with Maverick's Open House coming up soon.

our last lesson and last session are

by the

me as I darted a glance at Stephen and Rebecca, silently praying he wasn't about to launch

on to my thoughts because his lips curved into an easy

speak, and the words

and I want you to know it comes from the heart. I've truly enjoyed our time together

with you these past few days, without all the arguing and noise, I've come to see so much more, so much potential, and I'm not just talking about your business skills. You're an incredible person, and I do not

like it had been hit by some oral drought. I couldn't help but stare at him in

my eyes because his smile grew gentler, almost as if to reassure

it, Arielle.

history and like a restaurant, people-evolve too. Sometimes we lose pieces of ourselves, but

and grow

no

blinked again, silently pinching myself to ascertain that I had not been plunged into one

so you know," he added, leaning back in his chair with a small sigh, "I won't interfere in your business anymore

so open, it left me speechless. I

back to reality. He reached for a

got you something," he continued, laying the package on the table. "It's my way of supporting you, and your

sprang to their feet and leaned in, their curiosity as obvious as my

he began unwrapping the package, each layer peeled away with care. His movements were deliberate, his

time, I saw a hint of nervousness

a little difficult to identify-a picture frame, holding a three-dimensional sculpture. At first glance, it seemed like an abstract piece of modern art,

Knives.

Is this... the German utensils? The Erik von Stein set?" She turned to me,