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

Chapter 204

Reflections under the moonlight

(ARIELLE'S POV)

As the party got underway, I insisted on stepping aside for a moment to call Rebecca and Stephen. I needed to let them know about my decision to take two days off.

They readily agreed, assuring me they'd keep things running smoothly at the restaurant in my absence. Relieved, I thanked them and ended the call before heading back inside.

What Ashley called a pre-party turned out to be a lively, classic celebration-music, drinks, dancing, and endless chatter. It had been ages since I'd attended something like this, and I couldn't help but feel a little thrill as I mingled, catching up with people and sneaking in a few moments to casually promote my restaurant.

But as the evening wore on, the fatigue of the day finally caught up with me. My energy waned, and I felt the telltale weakness creeping in.

Dwayne, as if sensing it, stayed close by. At one point, he gently patted my shoulder, leaning in to whisper, "If you're tired just go back to your room and rest. You've got tomorrow and the next two days to enjoy your little vacation, Ostrich."

I shook my head, unwilling to dampen the mood for anyone else. "I'll just rest on one of the lounge chairs over there," I said, gesturing to a quieter corner of the deck. "It's fine, really. You all keep enjoying yourselves."

His eyes softened with concern, but when I smiled and reassured him, he finally relented. "Alright," he said with a small, understanding smile.

I playfully added, "My mother's over there too. I'll go chat with her."

With that, I turned and headed toward that short but steady figure.

Mom stood by the railing, the endless ocean stretching before us, her smile knowing. We'd found a quiet spot on the ship to sit and talk, away from the noise of the party. She glanced at me, her eyes filled with curiosity and warmth.

"Finally found some peace," she said, shaking her head with a small laugh as she took a sip of her drink. "These young lives... always so busy. So, how's everything going, sweetie? Work, Maverick?"

I sighed, already feeling lighter just being able to talk to her. "Work's been hectic, as usual. Maverick... he's almost four now, Mom. Can you believe it? He's becoming his own little person, and he's so excited about life. He's made new friends, and next week is his school's Open House. He's been talking about it nonstop."

I paused, the mention of the Open House tugging at a thread of unease. Mom noticed immediately, her perceptive gaze softening.

she asked gently. "Will

and

tell her was how Jared had leveraged Uncle Ashley's business for

studied me closely. "You don't sound entirely comfortable

said quickly, "It's just... Jared and I have a complicated history. We always have. But Maverick needs us both, and I'm trying

read me like an open book, and I knew she was piecing together the

you were talking to him.

couldn't help but laugh at her phrasing,

if only you knew. That 'kiddo' you're talking about is

words. "I've been trying to keep things clear

set boundaries-I really had-but Dwayne never quite stayed within them. He didn't want to remain

about... us. And I know why. I know he's scared of hurting me. He's always so careful,

thoughts drifting to his identity and the weight he carried. Dwayne wasn't just Dwayne. He was someone tangled in a blood feud, someone with a story so complicated it could swallow both

relationship was already fractured beyond repair, and the

was no way I could allow myself

murmured. "Too heavy. I wouldn't even know where

a moment, she nodded, her expression softening. "Honey, you don't have to tell me

a quiet sigh, grateful for her understanding. But before I could respond, she

that mean you've already made up your mind?

crept across my lips. "Mom, you just had to pull

an eyebrow, waiting patiently as I met her gaze. Finally, I took a deep breath and told her everything about me and Jared recently-well, almost everything. I left out the part

how we'd been working together, Mom raised an eyebrow. "So, you've been spending quite

if you understand, but there's this calmness when we're aroun@each

like his motives

he pretends they

is fragile. It's built on the idea that we're just coworkers, not exes. And the moment I remember who he really is-who he's been to me it all falls apart. He's my ex-husband, Mom. He always will be. And that's a wall I can't climb over, no

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