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Bargaining chips
Last Updated:
2024-12-31 18:52:05
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MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE The gray areas.
(ARIELLE'S POV)As I approached my car, I couldn't help but scan my surroundings, half–expecting to see Ashley lingering nearby. But she was nowhere to be found, and I didn't blame her. With her encounter with Jared earlier, staying back was not exactly a good option.As I slipped into the driver's seat, I made a mental note to call her as I got home, just to make sure she made it to hers safely. I started the car's engine afterward, and began my drive home. The roads were quiet, the only sound emanating, that of my car's engine, and the occasional passing cars. I tried to focus on the road ahead, but my mind kept drifting back to Jared.His words still stung, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt every time I thought about it. Why had he said he loved me, only to call it bluff moments later? I replayed the conversation in my head, trying to make sense of it all. I sighed, my head a myriad of emotions. When could he stop being so childish?I was angry at Jared for toying wi
Last Updated : 2024-12-31MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE The Devil's bargain.
(ARIELLE'S POV) After a complicated, chaotic day, I finally managed to get some barely decent sleep and was ready to start the new day with a solid dose of confidence. No more chaos. No more emotional turmoil! At least, that was the plan… Until... “Explain. This.” That was the first sentence out of my mouth this morning, my teeth practically grinding as I stared at the scene in front of me. There, on my desk, was a bunch of lavender. And sitting in my chair, my ex-husband. After our encounter yesterday, I had assumed that that would be the last I'd see of him until Maverick's Open house party in two weeks! "What the hell are you doing in my office?" No wonder Rebecca had given me that smug smile on my way in earlier, and now I understood why! Jared glanced up from the business reports he was casually flipping through, looking annoyingly cool and too handsome for his own good. "You're late," he said simply, like he belonged there, behind my desk. I took a deep breath, try
Last Updated : 2025-01-03MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Game on
(JARED'S POV)I smirked inwardly as Arielle gave in. I shouldn’t be so quick to admit it, but her reluctant response was like music to my ears.Of course, my real motive was far from what she thought it was. It was far simpler than she could ever guess.I just wanted to be close to her again. To create chances for us to be alone, to feel that spark between us once more.Yeah, I knew. I’d always been a little silly that way.Even seeing her irritated face, the way her eyes flashed with that familiar fire, made something warm spread through me. There was a certain comfort in it. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed seeing that side of her—the side that wasn’t guarded, that wasn’t numb from years of hurt. The side of her that used to laugh at my dumb jokes and argue with me about everything, even the smallest things.I almost forgot that I hadn’t slept all night.I’d been stewing over every misunderstanding and every word we’d exchanged these days, all night. And in the end, I realized
Last Updated : 2025-01-05MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE For her sake
(ARIELLE'S POV)After Stephen blushed and promised he wouldn’t disrupt the class again, Jared finally let him go with a scowl that could melt steel.I tried to keep it together while Stephen showered me with compliments. Honestly, it was nice to hear, but after a while, it started getting a little embarrassing.I glanced at Jared, who was practically fuming at Stephen's over-the-top behavior. He looked like he might explode at any second."Okay, let’s focus," I said quickly, cutting off Stephen mid-praise. "Jared, please continue.""Right, of course," he muttered, clearly trying to pull himself together. "So, Arielle, what are your goals for the restaurant?"I hesitated a bit, feeling a flutter in my chest. I hadn't expected him to ask the question as it seemed somewhat personal to me. "Well, my goal is to make the restaurant successful, of course," I said, a little weary.His brow arched as he gave me a pointed look. "That’s a pretty general answer. Can you be more specific? What do
Last Updated : 2025-01-06MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Morning encounter
"Mommy, you seem really happy about work lately," Maverick said, his voice filled with curiosity. "What's going on?"I blinked, taken aback by his sudden observation. We were in the car, on the way to school, and I hadn’t expected such an out-of-the-blue question from him.I hadn't even realized that I'd been so obvious, but I guess it was hard to hide my happiness. I'd been feeling enthusiastic and optimistic since my meeting with Jared these days, and it seemed like Maverick had picked up on it.Do these two have a father-son psychic link or something?Hesitating, I tried to decide on how much to say and reveal to him because the young man wouldn't let me be unless I gave him an answer. He was already staring at me expectantly with those large innocent eyes."Oh it’s just business stuff, sweetie," I said casually, trying to brush it off. "I’m working on some new projects, and they’re going well."But he didn't look convinced, his eyes piercing into mine, as he tried to probe more i
Last Updated : 2025-01-07MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE When business gets personal
(ARIELLE’S POV.)The air around grew awkwardly thin and very silent. Neither of us knew how best to react to the situation. I looked around the parking lot for no reason in particular, marking the time until it was okay for me to leave without looking any silly than I felt for walking up to their car to begin with. Tiana looked even more flustered than I imagined I’d appeared before them. Jared’s lips were drawn in a stiff line.“Arielle.. we umm.. I .. Good morning,” he managed to find his voice with a terrible stutter.“I guess we’ll just continue this conversation when you return,” Tiana shrugged with a placating smile.Jared ignored her comment and climbed down from the car. He had a stern face when he spoke up again. “I’ve just ordered you a ride, Tiana. Go back home.”I took the hint and excused myself from the side of the car. Jared fell into stride beside me as we walked across the parking lot to the entrance of my restaurant.“...Hi,” Jared tried to start a conversation. But
Last Updated : 2025-01-07MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Love, Loss, and Longing.
(ARIELLE’S POV.)I could feel the heat of both Stephen’s and Rebecca’s gazes on me. “Is any of that really necessary?” I asked, a frown pulling at my lips. Mixing business with personal life was a line I didn’t like to cross. Especially not with Jared, who clearly had an agenda.Jared straightened his tie, not missing a beat. “What’s more relatable than real life?” he replied smoothly, eyes flicking to me for just a second too long. “Of course, the examples I gave are purely hypothetical,” he added, the subtle emphasis making it clear he knew exactly what he was insinuating.Sometimes it’s just that hard to resist the urge to snap. Everyone here knew what he was indicating when he talked about marriage! “Let’s break it down.” he continued, ignoring my killing glare, “In any successful marriage, there’s a constant ebb and flow of communication—much like any thriving business. If one partner isn’t speaking up about their needs, or worse, if they're not listening, the entire foundation
Last Updated : 2025-01-08MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Unyielding
(ARIELLE’S POV.) His words hung in the air. He leaned in a little closer, his expression intense. I could feel my cheeks flush, and I hated myself for it. His words were like an emotional punch to the gut, stirring up feelings I wasn’t ready to face.I watched him carefully as he waited for my reaction, searching my eyes like he was looking for some sign of hope.Finally, I exhaled, a deep sigh escaping me. “If that’s all, Jared… You can leave now.”I was stunned by the calmness of my own voice. But my reaction pales in comparison to Jared’s look of confusion. He was in utter shock. He narrowed his eyes at me as if focusing on me would wake him up from an ugly trance.His face was the literal picture of shock, his eyes wide as saucers, his lips hanging apart from each other as he stared at me.His eyebrows knitted in frustration. “Why? What do you mean, Arielle? Did you hear a word of all I just said? I explained everything clearly!”I nodded as impassively as possible, my hands clas
Last Updated : 2025-01-09
Latest chapter
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Watching over her
(JARED’S POV.)I drove like a lunatic, merely waiting for traffic lights and shouting a lot of apologies into the air as I attracted irritated honking of car horns from other motorists. They just had to understand — Arielle was in danger and needed saving. It felt like my new life’s purpose; to make sure Arielle was safe.I was more than surprised to receive a call from Dwayne. Neither of us had any reason to reach out to the other so I nearly let his call ring straight to voicemail.Quickl, I pulled out my phone to contact a doctor I knew from one of the hospitals. I just had to put things in place and not take any chances. The number went straight to voicemail on the first ring. I felt my growing frustration with every voicemail tone I heard. I’d kept my eyes focused on the phone and failed to look ahead so when I looked up, I was almost running into the car right in front of mine.Cursing under my breath, I slammed down hard on the brakes before hitting the horn. I looked out of th
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Bad fever
(ARIELLE'S POV)I tried to sit up again, but my body was hit by a jolt of cold sensation. I shivered terribly, and my teeth chattering in response. Fear gripped me as I realized I was alone and helpless. I couldn't call for help, as my voice was cracked and hoarse. Goosebumps invaded my skin as my mind raced with thoughts of how I ended up like this. I was fine the previous night, laughing and having fun with family and friends. Had I overexerted myself at the party? Had I stayed up too late, thereby stressing my body?Tears brimmed at the corners of my eyes as I thought about Mom and Maverick. What if I didn't make it? What if I died in this bed, alone and unattended? Fear gripped me at the thought, and I fervently prayed, begging for someone to come and find me.Just as I thought I couldn't take it anymore, a knock sounded on the door. Hope returned to me, and I tried to respond, but no sound came out."Arielle?" Mom's voice sounded behind the door.I tried to respond again, but
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Post–celebration blues.
(ARIELLE'S POV)The drive home was quiet, save for Maverick's intermittent curious questions. "Mommy, why do the houses seem to be following us!" He asked, pointing at the houses outside the window, with wide eyes.I smiled and leaned back in my seat "They're not following us, dear. We're just driving past them," I explained, trying to stifle a yawn.Maverick nodded thoughtfully and continued to gaze out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of the passing objects. Mom sat quietly, tapping away at her phone.Dwayne, on the other hand, was fixated on the road ahead, his grip firm on the steering wheel. I sighed and took out my phone, deciding to read trending gossip on blogs to kill boredom.A few minutes later, we arrived home, and everyone alighted from the car, stretching their arms and legs. Dwayne helped with the bags in the trunk, and I asked him to come in for tea, but he declined.“I have some important things to tend to at home,” he explained, smiling apologetically as h
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Goodbye, beach house
(ARIELLE'S POV)Everyone partied hard, and the party went on and on. The music was loud, the dance energetic, and the atmosphere charged. I took turns in dancing with everyone and it was a fun experience. In between, I had asked for Maverick to be tucked into bed. He might be surrounded by adults, but it didn't make him any less a child. Jared had volunteered to escort him to his room, and Maverick had gladly gone with his Dad. And hours later, just like everything that has a beginning has an end, the party came to an end in the wee hours of the morning. Exhausted and drained, everyone retired to their cabins. I collapsed on my bed the moment I got into my room, my body numb from all the activities. And the instant I stretched out on the bed, a blissful sleep enveloped me.I didn't know how long I slept, but I woke up to sunlight streaming in through the little outlets in the window. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and a glance at the clock showed it was noon. I gasped, how did I sleep
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE A night to remember
(ARIELLE'S POV)I blinked in disbelief as I looked using Jarred, my eyes wide with wonder. "Espejo del Corazón?" I asked, my voice quivering. I wanted to be sure I was seeing right. The object I held in my hand felt like a beautiful illusion like I was dreaming.Jared nodded, his smile affirming. "Yes."My hands trembled as I turned the object in my hand meticulously, unable to still process what my eyes were seeing. It was the replica of the hand mirror Jared had gotten me on our second wedding anniversary. He had gone on a business trip to Mexico and brought it back as a gift. Unfortunately, he had accidentally broken it months later, and I had mourned its loss for so long. I thought it was gone forever, a precious memory lost as a result of a little negligence.But here it was, back in my hands, shining with the same beauty and elegance I remembered. I felt different emotions hit me; joy, gratitude."How did you manage to get another one?" I finally managed to ask, my voice crackin
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Beyond expectations
(ARIELLE'S POV)Before me was a well–decorated hall stretched out, with a reddish carpet leading up to a podium at the far end. The hall was grandly decorated with balloons, steamers, and a stunning chandelier that hung from the ceiling, casting a vibrant glow over the entire space. At the center of the wall, a large poster caught my eye –a picture of myself with the caption "Happy birthday, Culinary Queen" engraved in bold, glossy, silvery letters.On either side of the red carpet, every one of my loved ones stood beaming with smiles. My mom, the Harrisons, Maverick, Meredith, Stephen, Rebecca, Dwayne, and hold on, even Jared–everyone I cared about was there, their faces filled with affection.I was utterly stunned, my body rigid for a moment as I took in the breathtaking scene before me. Then, an overwhelming urge to cry hit me, and I covered my mouth with my hand, muttering "Oh my God," repeatedly. Tears of joy pricked at the corners of my eyes as I struggled to process the sheer m
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Grand surprise
(ARIELLE'S POV)I relished the meal, savoring each bite and enjoying the feel of each flavor on my plate. As much as I wanted to eat more of the delicacies, I had to settle for lighter meals. My stomach soon got filled, and being the minimalist I was, I had to stop. Eating beyond that point was gluttony, and I wasn't one.I covered the plates and pushed the tray aside, turning to thank Ashley. "Thank you so much, I enjoyed this.""You're welcome, even though you didn't eat as much as I wanted you to," she said, feigning a pout."Overfeeding me is not part of the plan, is it?""You're right, it isn't," she smiled ruefully and put the tray away."Now, you have to rest a little before we get down to business. We've got a lot planned for you today.""You're still not gonna tell me about this plan, aren't you?""You're right, I won't," she said, winking.I nodded, resigning to my fate. As much as I wanted to be privy to what was being planned, I also enjoyed being in the dark. It helped am
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE 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 cha
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Secrets and silence
JARED'S POVAs I walked, Arielle's cabin my destination, the weight of the conversation I had with Mrs Meyers settled heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for Mrs. Meyers to bear such a secret all these years if it was this hard for me. Indeed, some secrets were better left unsaid because of the impact they bore.I soon rounded the corner leading to Arielle's cabin, but I was stunned to find Dwayne squatting at the entrance, his eyes fixed intently on the floor. I felt curious immediately and slowed my pace, trying not to startle him."What are you doing here?" I demanded, trying to keep the suspicion in my voice away.He looked up at me, his expression unreadable. "Arielle said she's resting and she asked me not to come in.”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his response. "So you're just sitting here waiting for her?" He shrugged, seemingly unbothered by my question. "Yep, pretty much," he replied, looking away.I glanced at him, hesitating for a mo
