MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(JARED'S POV)

When morning finally arrived, I couldn't shake off the feeling of relief I felt. I had never wished for morning to arrive like I did last night.

Sharing a space alone with Arielle had been a terrible idea. Last night had been pure torture. Her scent had driven me wild. But I was glad I did not attempt anything stupid but found a way to relieve myself. I walked into the bathroom to brush and splash water on my face, and as I did, I took cognizance of the dark circles under my eyes.

I wasn't surprised they were there because I had not had a decent night's sleep last night.

But I shrugged and continued with what I was doing. If anyone asked, I would tell them I stayed up later working.

That decided, I strode out of the cloakroom. On getting to the main bedroom, there was no sign of Arielle. She probably had left for the dining as my Grandma had sent for us earlier.

So I proceeded to the dining room, and true to my instincts, Arielle was already seated, conversing with Grandma.

They stopped in their conversation to greet me, and I was stunned to see dark circles under Arielle's eyes, too. Oh well, it seemed like I was not the only one who had a rough night. "Good morning, Jared," Grandma said, beaming at me.

"Morning, Nana," I replied, taking my seat.

Arielle nodded at me, her expression neutral. "Morning."

"Morning, Arielle. Sleep well?"

"It was fine," she replied, avoiding my gaze, her voice tight.

"Alright, now that you two are here, let's have breakfast, "Grandma said, beckoning the help.

Breakfast was served, and everyone ate in silence. Intermittently, I stole glances at Arielle because she seemed unusually withdrawn.

Arielle left a few minutes after breakfast, citing that she needed to be at work. I had offered to drive her, but she refused, asking for a driver instead.

"Alright, I'll have someone take you," I said, trying to get cozy with her.

"Thanks," she replied curtly, already standing up.

We walked outside, and before she got into the car, I walked closer and whispered, "Thank you."

She merely gave a nod and got into the car, and it drove off.

I was somewhat perturbed that something was off with her, but I thought against it as Arielle had never been receptive to me since her return.

I walked back into the house, as I sat down for a conversation with Grandma.

I asked about her travels, feigning curiosity when in real sense all I was interested in was why she returned.

"So Grandma, tell me, what was it like traveling to different countries?" I began.

"Wonderful, dear. Wonderful..." And then she began tales of her travels that I barely kept up with.

Bored, I decided to subtly go straight to the point. "Umm, you know, you've never told me why you suddenly returned."

She paused and fixed me a look I couldn't lay a name on, before looking away. "You're right, but before that, we need to discuss something more pressing."

I sat upright on the couch, my ears flaring in interest. "What is it?"

She looked at me with knowing eyes before letting out a cold smile.

"Do you think I do not know the mess you've gotten into?" She asked bluntly, throwing me off guard.

I suddenly felt uneasy, unsure of where this was heading.

"I don't think I understand what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb with me, boy," she said, casting a stern look.

"I know about Sofia, and I know about your past with Arielle."

My heart doubled over, as I realized she knew a lot more than I thought.

"Get yourself straightened out and keep that woman, Sofia, out of your life."

I was embarrassed, as my face heat up at Grandma's bluntness. But she wasn't done, yet.

"You're ridiculously naive, Jared," she said, shaking her head. "Thinking you can win Arielle back by resorting to the underground connection is childish."

I grew defensive at this point. I can't keep getting lashed out, without a word of defense for myself. "I was just trying to protect her."

"Protect her?" She raised a brow.

"Fine, I knew I shouldn't have resorted to that means," I admitted, "but I couldn't help but wonder if she had ties with people she shouldn't. It leaves me wary and uncertain, and I hate being in that state."

Grandma's eyes softened, as a look of understanding flashed in them. "I think I can understand where you're coming from, but henceforth, handle your affairs alone, Jared, and do not go to any other means for help." I nodded, but her words only planted a seed of doubt and fueled my suspicions further.

Shoving the thoughts aside, I braced myself and asked another question I'd been dying to ask.

"Grandmother, since you know so much," I began, my voice cautious, "you must be aware that Arielle has a son. And I know you must think I'm ridiculous but-"

I paused, and exhaled deeply. "Is Maverick...mine?"

I watched her roll her eyes in amusement and mock disappointment.

"You want me to confirm everything for you? I'm already helping you chase after your own wife, Jared. As for that child, let me put it plainly: whoever the father is, that's Arielle's son."

My heart skipped a beat. But I held my breath, awaiting her next words as I knew she was not done.

"But know this-if you dare lose my great-grandson again, I'll personally kick you out," she threatened, and from the look in her eyes, I knew she meant it.

"But... wait nana. Do you mean?" My voice faltered as I tried to process what she was saying. "Do you mean Maverick is my son? How's that possible..."

I was stunned, utterly dumbfounded.

It couldn't be. I had thought he might. be, but it had always been a passing instinct, a whisper in the back of my mind. How could Arielle have hidden it from me for all this time? Inever expected it to be real!

Is it true? Am I really a father?

I couldn't shake the image of that day, seeing Maverick with Arielle at the school gates. His wide, innocent eyes full of curiosity, the way he smiled so brightly-it was like seeing a piece of me in him. Arielle had

ine

raised him well. I didn't need words to know that.

A wave of emotions hit me-relief, joy, and an overwhelming sense of hope. I had a child. After all these years, I was a father! And to think it even was with Arielle... Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Thank you, Grandma," I said quietly, my voice thick with gratitude. She had given me more than just the truth about Maverick. She had given me a future I hadn't dared to dream of.

Her expression softened completely

and she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Listen carefully, my dear You have a lot to make up for, and 1 won't tolerate any more mistakes. You need to prove to Arielle and to that child, that you're deserving of them."

"I will," I said, the words coming out with more conviction than I expected. I wasn't just promising her. I was promising myself.

"Good, see that you keep that promise."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.