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

(ARIELLE'S POV)

As I stepped out onto the deck after dinner, the cool evening breeze swept through my hair like a soothing caress. The sky was a beautiful sight to see at that time of the day, a hue of blue and white.

Beside me, Ashley and Maverick were deep in conversation, laughter spilling out between them as we walked. But soon, as usual, Ashley excused herself, shouting with a grin, "I've got to go scout some handsome guys for my next evaluation sheet! Margaux's waiting for me."

I couldn't help but chuckle. It was typical Ashley-always on the lookout for "research material," as she liked to call it. I also knew, unless the situation was really extreme, she wouldn't willingly spend more than 10 minutes with a kid. Maverick was an exception, of course. But she was still a good sport. She bent down and offered him her hand, her voice sweet as she said, "Alright, little man, let's get you to your grandma. I'm sure she's waiting to spoil you rotten."

Maverick grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Thanks, Ashley! And... uh, can I join in your muscle-hunting mission next time? I've got some serious game!" He puffed out his little chest as he said it, causing Ashley to give him a playful punch on the arm.

I couldn't help but laugh at their banter. "I'll be right here when you come back," I said, ruffling Maverick's hair affectionately. "Go have fun, baby."

"Bye, Mommy!" he called over his shoulder as he skipped off with Ashley. Then, in a quieter voice, he added, "But, Ashley, if you find any real muscle men, tell them I'm looking for some tips."

Ashley pretended to be shocked, raising an eyebrow. "You're not old enough for that stuff yet, young man. Maybe when you're at least five."

And then I watched them walk hand in hand towards the doorway, and couldn't help but smile. I tore my gaze away as my eyes darted around. I wasn't sure where Dwayne had wandered off to, but I know I don't have to worry about him. The moment alone gave me time to myself as I gazed out at the sea.

The stars were beginning to twinkle in the night sky, and the endless sound of Ocean tide made it all soothing and beautiful. I felt my worries slowly ebbing away with the tide. I inhaled deeply, accepting the salty air filling my lungs, and shut my eyes, letting the peacefulness of the moment wash over me.

Tomorrow marked a new year for me, a new age. It felt like the perfect time to reflect and enjoy a few minutes of solitude.

But just as the calm began to settle in, a presence crept up behind me.

I turned to see Sofia emerging from the doorway, a drink in hand. Instinctively, my body tensed, but I forced myself to remain calm, hoping she was just passing by, not out here because of me. But no such luck. She walked closer, and then stopped right in front of me. I sighed inwardly, already bracing for impact.

"Not now, not here, Sofia," I muttered under my breath.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi," I responded in a flat tone.

"Arielle," she began, her voice reeking of forced calmness. "I've been looking for you. Can I have a word?"

"Better not."

my cold attitude at all,

know better than to accept anything from her. The cautious part of me screamed to refuse, but before I could speak, she took the glass, tipped it back, and sipped. Then, locking eyes with me, she

eased at the sight, but I still didn't trust her. I didn't

are mad at me, then

I said simply, shaking my head. "I don't have anything against you. I just don't

reached for the water on the table and took a symbolic

she shrugged, the friendly smile not leaving her

"So what is it you wanted to talk

that?" she asked, her

the nape of my neck rose to their full height. "What

you please leave him alone and stop disturbing him? You don't have to show up everywhere

request. Who's disturbing whom here? I thought. Don't be ridiculous. But I didn't want to argue, so I opted to play

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't know what you're talking about. You have

play dumb, Arielle. I know you've been pursuing him, and you have to stop. Jared deserves to be happy, and Tiana is perfect

me, but

I said, my voice steady and clear, "if Jared had the same opinion as you, he wouldn't hesitate to let me know. So until then, you can stop playing mother hen. Last time I checked, he's no

you to take a

she was going to explode. But then she seemed to regain control of herself, and a

Arielle Meyers," she said, her voice reeking of malice. "Jealous that Jared is moving on with his life with someone younger, and you're still stuck in

I refused to let her get to

time for your childish shenanigans," I said. "And oh," I

towards my

every ounce

would make us even.

interrupted by a collision with someone. I stumbled backward, my hands flailing wildly as I tried to regain my balance. It was then I saw it was Dwayne, his eyes wide with concern, his hands reaching to

going, Ostrich," he said, his voice laced

over me, and I stammered, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize

narrowing slightly as he studied me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You? Where have you been?"

anyway, "I just met a weirdo and got a bad vibe. Something doesn't sit right with me, Ari. We should talk about it when you have

the encounter with Sofia starting to hit me. "I'll head to my room now, I'm really tired from dinner. If it's not urgent, let's