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The Dinner
Last Updated:
2024-11-23 20:17:38
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MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE The kind of moment she had once dreamt of
(ARIELLE'S POV)The rest of the dinner passed in an uneasy silence, heavy and suffocating. I focused on my plate, determined to avoid Jared’s gaze and suppress the memories threatening to rise.It was the scene—the warmth of a family dinner, the kind of moment I’d once dreamed of—that had unraveled me. My defenses had cracked under the weight of it. I couldn’t let it happen again. I wouldn’t.This should have been a reminder of what I could have had back then and a stark warning of what I now needed to protect.About twenty minutes later, Jared excused himself, leaving me alone with Maverick. I stayed, absentmindedly picking at the food as Maverick watched me with his curious, innocent eyes.“Mom?” His soft voice pulled me from the tangle of my thoughts.“Yes, sweetheart?”“Why don’t you talk to Daddy?” he asked, his tone careful but direct. “Did I do something wrong? Is it the food? Did it make you unhappy?”His question hit me like a punch to the gut. I forced a smile, even as my
Last Updated : 2024-11-25MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Wet dream and nightmare.
(ARIELLE’S POV) I froze in place, hands instinctively flying to cover my mouth as if that would somehow undo what just happened. My eyes squeezed shut for a moment, though the damage was already done.My mind went blank, like an error screen flashing in my head. My body froze, but my face? That betrayed me entirely, heating up faster than I could regain control.Jared looked just as startled as I felt. His hands flew to cover himself, his face a mix of shock and frustration as he avoided meeting my gaze."I was just trying to ask... if you were going to use the hot tub first. If not, then I—" He stuttered, his words tripping over themselves like his brain couldn’t quite catch up. He blinked rapidly, flustered. "Why did you come in?"My face burned with embarrassment, and my words refused to cooperate. "I—uh—sorry! I didn’t know!" I stammered, spinning on my heels so fast I nearly tripped.What was I supposed to say? That I’d been so distracted on a Facetime call with Dwayne—a friend
Last Updated : 2024-11-25MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE House husband
(JARED'S POV)It was another perfect day for a professional house husband.I stretched, feeling refreshed as I swung my legs off the bed. Habit had me glancing at the other side where Maverick usually curled up, but it was empty.Right. He’d been sleeping with Arielle these past few nights. Ever since those nightmares started, he hadn’t left her side.I sighed to myself. I’d grown used to his small frame tucked beside me, his soft breaths lulling me back to sleep whenever I woke during the night.Another thing that’d feel even more natural? Waking up to both him and his mother next to me.That thought earned a self-deprecating chuckle as I shuffled into my flip-flops. A man could dream, sure, but I knew better than to hope for the impossible—at least for now.Slipping my legs into my flip-flops, I began my routine for the day. Brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I headed to the kitchen to get started on breakfast. Cooking was something I’d gotten better at recently. I r
Last Updated : 2024-11-26MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Dinner invitation
(JARED'S POV)With that thought, I turned the laptop off, pushing it aside. Glancing at the wall clock, I pushed the chair back and rose, deciding it was time to start prepping for dinner.But just then, my phone rang, disrupting my intention. It was my mother calling, and I sighed before picking it up, praying she wouldn't get started on when I was going back home.After much pressure and questioning about my whereabouts, I opened up to her where I was, and since then, she wouldn't stop asking when I was returning home whenever we spoke."Hello, Mom," I answered."Jared, when are you going to stop playing this ‘Househusband' game?" My mother asked, her teasing.I groaned inwardly. "Not again, Mom. Don't tell me that's why you called?" "No, that's why," my mother said, her tone taking a low tempo. "I just wanted to talk to you about something."I couldn't help but notice the change in her tone. "Is everything all right, Mom?" I asked, concerned."Yes, everything's fine. It's just tha
Last Updated : 2024-11-27MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Like a mirror.
(ARIELLE’S POV) As I sat at my desk in my office, staring blankly at the computer screen in front of me, I couldn't stop my thoughts from straying. These past few days have been of constant debate about Jared's continuous stay in my house and finally it had led me to a decision –I needed to ask him to leave. I couldn't continue living with my ex-husband; it was growing awkward and difficult with each passing day. I had planned to tell him the previous night, but just as I was about to bring it up, Dwayne's call interrupted me, and I decided to put it off until today, after work. But the more I thought about it, the more I found myself growing more and more anxious. I couldn't continue to keep up with the charade of living with him, pretending that everything was fine when it wasn't. He was making me uncomfortable with all the nice things he did, and as much as I hated to admit it, they were beginning to get to my heart. I sighed, pushing my chair back from the desk. I needed to
Last Updated : 2024-11-27MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE A chance to start over.
(ARIELLE'S POV)The days flew by and it was soon the weekend–the time for the family dinner, and it also doubled as the day Jared was supposed to leave my house. It had been three days since our last conversation, and he had kept his distance and avoided me entirely.In return, I remained silent, though the weight of the silence hurt more than I cared to admit.Even Maverick had picked up on the tension, innocently asking if Daddy had made Mommy mad, one time at dinner. I managed to force a smile, reassuring him that everything was fine, though I struggled to convince myself of it."Sweetie, now that you're done eating, why don't you go watch the TV for an hour before bedtime?" I interrupted when he tried to probe further.I watched him go, feeling sad and guilty. This thing between me and Jared wasn't fair to him. He deserved better than to be stuck in the middle of our issues, and it was better Jared left so our lives could return to normalcy.As we drove to the mansion, with Jared
Last Updated : 2024-11-28MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Of a tattoo and clue.
(JARED'S POV)After Arielle left with Nana Jean, I tried to keep up with conversing with Maverick, even though my mind kept wondering about what Nana Jean needed to say to Arielle in private.I pushed the thought aside and focused on Maverick, who was talking excitedly about how big the mansion was and how beautiful his great-granny was. I listened attentively, smiling and nodding in all the right places.But my mind kept drifting back to Arielle. Speaking of her, since our last conversation three days ago, I have tried to keep my distance. Not because I was mad at her, but because it was the best thing to do.And today, when she stepped out in that dress, my breath was swept away. She looked like she was meant to be in dresses like that always. The way the fabric hugged her curves, the way the color matched with her skin and highlighted it...I felt my heart skip a beat as I stared at her.As I remembered that after tonight, we were no longer going to be staying under the same roof, m
Last Updated : 2024-11-28MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Dwayne Smith.
(JARED'S POV)At this point, my determination to learn more about the tattoo and the man tripled. I tried to connect the tattoo to the identity of the men; was it a symbol for a group or just a work of art?But before I could pursue the thought any further, Nana Jean's voice rang out from the hallway, calling out to everyone to dinner.I took a deep breath, forcing my thoughts about the tattoo out of my head for the moment. I’d have to figure this out later. For now, food.I was about to head into the dining room when a thought hit me like a freight train.Without a second thought, I walked over to Arielle, who was standing by herself. I pulled her aside, trying to keep my voice low, but I could feel the urgency in it."Arielle, can I ask you something?" My voice was almost a whisper.She looked at me curiously, her eyes narrowing in wariness. "What is it?""It's about your bodyguard...Big Joe," I added for more emphasis. "Does he have a tattoo on his right arm?"Her expression change
Last Updated : 2024-11-29
Latest chapter
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Unrequited love
(ARIELLE’S POV)When Jared finally answered my call, I could sense the stress he was already going through from his voice."Arielle, I'm in the middle of something. Can I call you back?"I hesitated, unsure how to approach this. The news still echoed in my mind, and I could barely find the words. "I… just saw the news," I chose to ignore the part where I had heard his confession, trying to focus on what really mattered. "What's going on?"He sighed, and I could almost hear him rubbing his temples. "Everything's fine. It's just a misunderstanding. My PR team will handle it, and by tomorrow, no one will remember this made-up story."His words were a little reassuring. I tried not to stress him further, not wanting to add to his stress. "I'm not worried about you; I'm just afraid this will affect our son's open day.""Don't worry,” He smiled softly, “I have everything under control. The Open Day will go smoothly, and this scandal will blow over," he assured me.I nodded, even though he c
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Perfect PR or real confession?
(Jared’s POV)I knew I had to get out of here before the situation grew worse. The frenzy was growing by the seconds, with Sofia's mother still yelling and weeping, throwing accusations at me left and right.I tried to step away amidst the crowd of reporters swarming around me, but they were relentless, shoving the mics close to my mouth, asking questions, and urging me to answer "Mr. Smith, is it true you drove your fiancee to attempt suicide?" One reporter asked, her voice loud and accusatory.“No. That’s not true.” I refuted simply, struggling to keep my composure. Every word I spoke felt like it was being twisted, and the situation was only getting worse. The best choice was to shut up.I pulled out my phone, my jaw clenched in frustration and anger. I didn’t know what the Golds were playing at, but they wouldn’t get away with this. If they thought they could destroy my reputation with lies and scandal, they were gravely mistaken.Oliver picked up on the first ring. “What can I d
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Brewing scandal
(JARED'S POV) “Ma’am, you need to quiet down. You’re drawing so much attention to us,” Tiana rushed over to restrain her. “Let them hear! Let the world hear, Jared Smith, you wicked man!” Sofia’s mother screamed, her voice raw with grief and fury. “It’s your fault my daughter is in that ICU, fighting for her life! If anything happens to her, I swear to God, you will pay for this!” Her words were like a slap, each one stinging with a venom. I took a step back, trying to keep my own voice steady, trying to keep control. “Come on, ma’am, this isn’t the time for this. This isn’t the place for this kind of conversation.” “I’ll speak my mind whenever I damn well please, Jared!” she spat, her face twisted with anger. It was then that I saw him—the man standing at her side. Sofia’s father. I had no idea he was here. Wasn’t he supposed to be recovering from his illness? What was he doing here, in the same hospital as Sofia? Sofia’s father took off the oxygen mask he’d been holding against
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Hanging on a thread
(JARED’S POV.)The room was still covered in a cloud of smoke. I stood in a state of confusion, unsure whether to start cleaning the kitchen from the pan on the floor or the lump of burnt ginseng lying on the other side of the kitchen. Then there was the cooktop to clean out.Arielle shook her head and opened the windows wider to let out the smoke.“Oh yeah,” I cursed under my breath and beat her to open the sliding glass doors that led to the backyard.“What were you even cooking?” she asked, with an amused smile.“I was trying to cook some soup,” I replied like a child caught doing something silly.Dwayne, unbothered by the chaos, continued preparing his Caesar salad. “I told him to stick to stocks and shares, but he didn’t listen,” he chuckled, clearly finding this whole thing amusing.“This is all funny to you, right? Well, it’s all your fault. If you hadn’t riled me up I’d have kept my focus on the pan and none of this would have happened,” I pointed at him accusingly.Dwayne shr
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Kitchen chaos
(JARED’S POV)I couldn’t quite put what I was doing in the kitchen into the adequate words, but I felt my way through it. I pulled out a pan from the cupboard above me and placed it down on the cooktop. Moments later, Dwayne shuffled into the room.Arielle had fallen asleep on our watch— more like she’d asked us to give her space to rest from our bickering. It was always Dwayne instigating fights and bickering.“You’re not given up on seeking me out, huh?” I said to him with a little eye roll.He let out a scoff and walked past me to the other end of the kitchen. “You wish. I’m here for something better. You’re not worth my time,” he said.I bit back a sharp retort and pretended his words hadn’t sent a convulsing sting down my spine. He was clearly in the kitchen for some silly competition. But I was more than ready for him this time. Arielle was yet to touch either of our flasks which were cooling away in the fridge somewhere. So technically, we didn’t have any place making more food
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Rivals in care
(ARIELLE’S POV)I turned in my sleep. My left side was beginning to hurt from lying on it for too long. Morning sounds floated around me, and I dated a peek out the open window from my lying position. The lights hit my eye with such harshness that I shut them back and willed myself to go back to sleep. I was very grateful to be lying on my own bed, in my own room, under my own roof, far away from the smell of disinfectant and air freshener laced with a myriad of medicine smells. I felt nauseous at the mere thought. This felt good— being back in my room felt good.But apparently, fate had other plans because almost immediately I settled in for another round of sleep, the sound of the doorbell ringing through the house filled my ears and chased away whatever little tranquility I was trying to savor.The ringing didn’t stop no matter how hard I tried to will it away into nonexistence. I let out a weak sigh and gently threw the bed covers off my body. I swung my legs down to the floor wit
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE Brothers at odds
(DWAYNE’S POV)I paused in my tracks as I took some moment to take in the sight before me. Arielle was sitting up on the bed, while Jared sat at the foot, feeding her. Scanning the room further, I realized there was no sign of Mrs Meyers and Maverick.Where could they be? But the sight before me wouldn't let me dwell much on the thought. It was hard to ascertain how I felt at the moment. The scene playing out before me was proof that all my efforts have been wasted. I briefly stared down at the food package in my hand, and for a moment, I wanted to match over to Jared and haul him away from her.That was supposed to be me. How come he was here this early, earlier than I was? From the look of things, it seemed I wasn't the only one who had the plan of returning early to the hospital this morning.If only that traffic that occurred on my way here didn't happen, I probably wouldn't be in this position. And Jared wouldn't be having the time of his life smirking at me triumphantly.“I dou
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE In the light of the morning
(JARED'S POV)"Are you in that much hurry to get rid of us?" I asked Maverick, raising a brow as I tried to stifle a grin. He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with more mischief. "Maybe. My mommy needs rest and she doesn't need two bodyguards watching over her."Dwayne and I exchanged puzzled looks. What was this kid saying? We were trying to protect his mother, not guard her like prisoners. As if on cue, Mrs Meyers, who was almost dozing off on her seat, stirred and opened her eyes. She tiredly stretched her arms, and then her eyes landed on us."It's time for you two to leave," she announced, her voice gentle but firm. "You should go home, freshen up, and have a change of clothes and proper meals. I appreciate you both coming, but I just have to insist that you leave."Dwayne and I protested in unison. "We're fine–" but she held up a hand, cutting us off."I mean it, you two. You can't stay here all night. Besides, I'm sure you both have work to attend to tomorrow." She glanced at t
MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE The path to recovery
JARED’S POV)I arrived at the office, intent on doing a little work before returning to the hospital. But concentration never felt like a Herculean task like it felt for me today. The more I tried to focus on work, the more my mind remained restless. My thoughts kept drifting back to Arielle, wondering if she was okay. And the other times, it wandered to Oliver, and if he has been able to get the drug from Sofia.Two hours later, as I sat behind my laptop, fiddling with the keys, Oliver returned. "I got the drug," he said, his face in a smile as he walked in and closed the door behind him.I sat up in my chair, my eyes conveying my curiosity. "That easy?" I asked, my tone skeptical.He sighed, taking a seat in front of my desk. "Miss Sofia refused at first–wouldn't even open the door," he explained. "But then Miss Tiana intervened, spoke to her privately for a while and that did the trick because the next minute, she walked out smiling, the drug in her hand."I frowned, my eyes dilat
