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

Go shawty, it's your birthday.

ARIELLE'S POV)

As I slowly roused from sleep, I was momentarily disoriented, my mind foggy and blank. I tried to recollect where I was, and looking around, it dawned on me that I was in my room in the cabin.

I sat up immediately, rubbing my eyes to get rid of the remnants of sleep. While at it, memories came rushing back like an open dam. I had been resting in my room with Ashley and Maverick when Jared came in, and Ashley had excused us. He had apologized about Sofia's antics earlier, and surprisingly, I wasn't mad at him because I was being honest with myself-it wasn't his fault. Sofia made her choices and I can't keep blaming him and letting him bear the brute of them.

Even though I had earlier refused everyone's audience, Dwayne especially, citing that I wanted to rest, it was hard to ask Jared to leave. Having him sit beside me on the bed afterward, listening to me and Maverick talk, and the happy glow his presence brought out in Maverick made my hands tied. Maverick and I chatted for a while, with Jared watched in silence, a broad smile on his face.

Unfortunately, that was all I could remember now as I scanned the room and its emptiness. I probably fell asleep, and they all left to avoid rousing me from sleep. Well, I had had the much-needed rest, and it was time to get out of bed.

Throwing the covers off, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, feet dangling in the air. I couldn't tell why, but I woke with an unusual, bubbly spirit, one that I had not had in a long while. Glancing at the wall clock, I saw it was a few minutes to 7 am.

But just as I stood, trying to slip my legs into my flip-flops, a sound, a melodious one, suddenly filled the air, seeping through the door. I paused, startled, and wondered what it was. Just then, my curiosity was satiated because the door swung open, and a man with a saxophone stepped in, playing the popular "Happy Birthday" song. The music was soulful and lively, suddenly filling the room with a joyful atmosphere.

I gasped, hands flying to my mouth. Today was my birthday! I had completely forgotten. Different emotions immediately enveloped me-surprise, happiness, and gratitude. I felt a lump develop in my throat as I looked around the room, taking in the scene unfolding in front of me.

Behind the saxophonist, Maverick came skidding towards me, and into my arms. I squatted and embraced him, as he placed a tender kiss on my forehead. "Happy birthday, Mommy, the best mommy in the whole wide world." His eyes sparkled with excitement, as his small hands cupped my cheeks to place more kisses all over my face.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I hugged him tightly, a feeling of love and warmth overwhelming. "Thank you, baby. I love you so much," I managed to whisper after we disengaged.

Behind us, more people trooped in. Ashley, Mom, Dwayne, Margaux, The Harrisons. Thru stepped forward, wishing me a happy birthday, they'd faces filled with love.

"Happy birthday, Arielle," and good wishes rented the room.

I was completely overwhelmed with emotions as I looked at the sea of smiling faces before me. Tears clouded my line of vision, and I fought hard to keep them from falling. I had never been celebrated this way all my life. What did I do to deserve these amazing people? I felt seen, loved, and appreciated, and it was a feeling I wanted to keep reliving.

"Thank you, everyone," I managed to croak, my voice trembling with unspoken words of appreciation. "This means so much to me." I just didn't know how to put the words as my heart felt like it was going to burst with happiness. But the reassuring smiles they all gave me conveyed that they understood how emotional I was.

But as I stood there, surrounded by the people who loved me, I made a sudden observation. Out of the people that were here, someone was missing. A pang of disappointment hit me when I figured out who. Jared.

The realization hit me hard, and my smile faltered. I tried to process why he wasn't here. But then a voice in my head scoffed. What was j expecting? He had probably returned to his fiance's yacht to be with her and her family. Spending a few hours with me yesterday didn't mean anything.

I tried to shake off the feeling of hurt, but it was hard to ignore. Dwayne's concerned voice broke through my thoughts, and turned to face him, realizing he had closed the distance between us and was now standing right beside me.

Ostrich?" he asked, his brow

was slightly embarrassed as I forced a smile into my face. I thought I was just having a deep thought, but clearly my emotions must have mirrored in my face to

tell them that my mood was slightly ruined because Jared wasn't here. That would be ungrateful, and

But he let it slide. "All right, but the birthday girl should have a smile on her

genuine this time. Ashley stepped forward at this point,

right, birthday girl, it's time to get you prepped for your big day." She turned to shush

peck and the room slowly emptied. I was soon left alone with Ashley and I turned to her, my expression curious. "You, silly girl, what are

with excitement. "You wait and see." And then she snapped her fingers,

widening as I took in their strange faces. They weren't people I knew, and I turned back to Ashley. "What's going on?"

her smile growing wider. She was clearly enjoying this. "Relax, and enjoy the ride,"

Ma'am. I'm Nadia, and these are

with Jared, and the thought of being pampered again that way was both thrilling and nostalgic. I looked back at Ashley, and she nodded, reassuring me.

nodded, a warm smile still plastered on her face, and then she signaled to her colleague. Sandy, the lady with a box in her hand, stepped forward. "Excuse me, ma'am," she said, her voice soft

bathroom is?"

door on the far side of the room. "It's right

in hand. I watched her go, my brows slightly furrowed. I wasn't sure why she needed

look and stepped forward, a reassuring smile on her face. "Don't worry, Ma'am. Sandy is just preparing the bathtub and getting things ready for your

I was reassured even more. I trusted my best friend and whatever she was planning. I

me. "Okay, Ma'am. It's time for

the bed and

eyes widened in amazement. The room had been transformed

with a mix of water, fragrances, and spices.

music crowned

ambiance of the bathroom.

to the tub. "Please, get in. The warm water will help

nodded, excited about

I

pajama shirt Sandy stepped

me out

me

wrap around myself. Carefully,

the tub, the