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

Under one roof

(ARIELLE'S POV)

My first reaction when Margaux broke the news to me was that of disbelief. I sat frozen in the lounge chair, my widened eyes fixed on her as she delivered the news.

"I'm sorry, but my Dad has extended a dinner invitation to the Langleys and their visitors," she announced; her face was a picture of anger and frustration, one that conveyed her disapproval of her father's decision.

"Why would he do that?" I blurted, finally regaining myself from the shock I was initially thrown into. I felt a flutter in my chest as I tried to process the information with a much clearer head. What could Matt possibly hope to achieve by inviting the Langleys and their visitors, which I knew consisted of Jared and his mother, and Sofia and her mother?

"I honestly don't know why," Margaux said in an exasperated tone. Poor girl, I could tell how hard it was on her to have her father crash an event she painstakingly co-planned.

Besides pained, she was also infuriated as she kept apologizing to me, Ashley, and Dwayne. "I'm so, so sorry, guys. I had no idea he was planning this," she said, shaking her head. "I feel like I'm always apologizing for his behavior."

At this point, despite my own feelings, I knew I had to ease the tension and reassure her that it was not her fault. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile, one that I hoped served its purpose. "It's okay, Margaux. I want you to know that I'm happy to have the chance to be in such a beautiful Yacht. And who knows, maybe dinner will be fun." I said the last words as a joke, an attempt to lighten the atmosphere.

Dwayne, who was lounging on the couch beside me, feigned a sigh. "If I'd known this was how things would go, then I would have insisted on my plan. You all would have been sightseeing in Africa with me," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Ashley, on the other hand, was busy checking her phone, but instantly looked up, rolling her eyes at his words. "No, thanks. I have zero interest in Lions that eat people and Elephants that trample people to death."

I chuckled at their exchange, feeling a wave of relief. Whatever else was happening didn't matter, all that was that I could relax with my friends. We had a way of making each other happy, even in tense situations.

well, but I knew I didn't have a say. I just have to stay clear of any appearance of trouble, Sofia in particular. With her display at my office the last time, I didn't know what to expect from her. But by the heavens, I hope she had the decency not

sake...and

*****

well, Sofia and her mother. The sheer number of people

wines. It could pass for a banquet instead of a dibber, and the aroma of the dishes wafting through complimented the atmosphere. Pleasantries were exchanged, and the Langleys thanked the Harrisons for inviting them. "Thank you so much for having us. Your yacht is stunning. I've never seen anything like it," Mrs Langley said with a warm smile. One could tell she was happy to be here. Mr Harrison and his wife merely nodded with a polite smile that barely got to their eyes. I could tell that, like Margaux, they probably were not informed about the invitation

the perfect host with a huge smile plastered on his face. "The pleasure is all ours," he said, adjusting his

everyone began to

looked, and Tiana leaning in now and then to whisper silent words in Jared's ears. I could feel a pang of jealousy, but I quickly pushed it aside, feeling guilty for feeling that way. I had

her mother, looking disinterested, like she would rather be somewhere else other than at the table. Her eyes were fixed on her plate, and she barely looked up to acknowledge anyone. I was totally fine with that and hoped

seemed complete with everyone except Maverick. He had suddenly felt sleepy amidst preparation for dinner, and I let him be. But right now, I was happy about that because I didn't know what his reaction would be if he saw his Daddy all loved

I chide myself, realizing I have inadvertently allowed my thoughts to trail to

suddenly said, his voice drawing me out of my thoughts. His voice was

for the distraction as I braced myself for whatever he had to say. If I was being honest, then I had to

he acted around,

want to call the shots, and his aging parents

corner of the room. "I hope you're all enjoying

his eyes, his hair disheveled from sleep. His sleepy eyes seemed to scan the room,

winced, realizing he