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 Jared be

to come, and

I didn't tell her was how Jared had leveraged Uncle Ashley's business

comfortable with that.

Jared and I have a complicated history. We always have. But Maverick needs us

silence spoke volumes. Mom could read me like an open book, and I

way you were talking to him. Don't tell me you don't feel it. That kiddo definitely has

phrasing, though I shook my head

if only you knew. That 'kiddo' you're

not what you think," I said carefully, trying to put my tangled emotions into words. "I've been trying to keep things clear

had tried to set boundaries-I really had-but Dwayne never quite stayed within them.

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

he carried. Dwayne wasn't just Dwayne. He was someone tangled in

fractured beyond repair, and the idea of stirring up that storm

allow myself to complicate things between them any

I finally murmured. "Too heavy. I wouldn't even know where to start explaining it all

vague explanation, but after a moment, she nodded, her expression softening. "Honey, you don't have to tell me everything.

for her understanding. But before I could respond, she

"If Dwayne isn't the right one... does that mean you've already made up your mind?

across my lips. "Mom, you just had to pull a forced confession out of me, didn't

about me and Jared recently-well, almost everything. I left out the part about

raised an eyebrow. "So, you've been spending quite a bit of time with him lately. How does

gets. Mom, I don't know if you understand, but there's this calmness when we're aroun@each other, this sense of... peace. I don't want to

his motives

least he pretends they

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

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