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

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.

his father?" she asked gently. "Will

to come, and I agreed. It

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

don't sound entirely comfortable with that. Are you really okay with

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

silence spoke volumes. Mom could read me like an open book, and I knew she was piecing

a pointed look. "I saw the way he was talking to you earlier-the way you were talking to him. Don't tell me you don't feel it. That kiddo definitely

but laugh at her phrasing, though I shook my head

if only you knew. That 'kiddo'

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

set boundaries-I really had-but Dwayne never quite stayed within them. He didn't want to remain in the 'just friends' zone, and

bitter laugh. "More stubborn than I expected, especially when it comes to talking about... us. And I know why. I know he's scared of hurting me. He's always so careful, always thinking ahead,

Dwayne. He was someone tangled in

there was Jared his half-brother, his rival. Their relationship was already fractured beyond repair, and the idea of stirring up that storm even more made

way I could allow myself to complicate

I wouldn't even know where to start

nodded, her expression softening. "Honey, you don't have

sigh, grateful for her understanding. But before I could respond, she shifted the conversation

mean you've already made up your mind? Is Jared the one? How's it going

the bitter smile that crept across my lips. "Mom, you just had

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

an eyebrow. "So, you've been spending quite a bit of

I admitted, my voice uncertain. "I've been trying to keep my distance, but the more we work together, the harder that 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 deny that. But I know it only exists because we're pretending. I treat him like a stranger,

acts like his motives are

he pretends they

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