MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

My last words were firm: "Don't come any closer, Jared. I mean it."

He halted, his eyes misty. For a moment, I thought he'd defy me, but then he nodded and stepped back.

Without another glance, I turned around and hurried off. I refused to look back, quickening my step along the hallway. My heart thudded in my chest, relief flooding my system when I finally reached the sanctuary of my hospital room. I shut the door behind me, leaning against it as I let out a shaky breath. The encounter with Jared has left me badly shaken and drained.

My mind kept racing, as I couldn't get rid of the thoughts of what would happen now that Jared knew Maverick's paternity.

Would he go to court and try to take him from me, especially as I have refused to let him into our lives? No way, my inner mother instincts instantly kicked in at the thought, and I vowed fiercely that no one would take my child from me. But as much as I was being optimistic, I couldn't rule out the fact that Jared's pursuit to get back into I and Maverick's life won't halt, not when he knew the boy was his.Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Ashley. I had called her earlier from the hospital and, despite wanting to rush over, she'd held off when I promised her I was stable. But she'd insisted on picking me up.

"Ashley?" I said into the phone.

"Hey, girl. How are you holding up?" Concern filled her voice.

"I'm alright. The doctor says I can leave. Can you come pick me up? I'm ready to go home."

"You don't sound so alright," she said, instantly catching on. "I'll be there in 20. Tell your mom and the little boy you're spending the night at my place."

I smiled, always like that, typically Ash.

"Alright queen," I said and dropped the call.

After splashing water on my face in the bathroom to freshen up, I gathered my things and waited for Ashley. She arrived as promised and texted me to meet her in the parking lot. I prayed I wouldn't run into Jared on my way out-and thankfully, I didn't. As soon as I got into the car, she looked at me, worried. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I am. Quit being a mother hen and let's get going already." I managed a small smile.

"That bitch is damn lucky I was not present at the time of the incident, else she would be in coma now, fighting for her life," Ashley hissed, as she inserted the car's key in its hole.

I stifled a laugh, but knowing Ashley, I was glad she wasn't there because she sure as hell would have gone through with her threat.

As we drove, she lightened the mood with jokes and updates from her job, filling the silence with her curses about her workaholic boss and laughter. I was grateful for her efforts; bit by bit, the day's nightmares faded.

By the time we arrived at her apartment and settled in with pajama pants and a classic movie, it felt almost normal.

She handed me a beer, and I took it without question, letting the burn settle me.

At some point, a tear slipped down my cheek, surprising me as I realized how raw I felt.

"Ari, I'm here," she murmured, hugging me and brushing the tears away.

"Jared knows Maverick is his," I smiled bitterly.

Ashley paused, not looking surprised. She took a sip of her beer, then asked, "How'd he find out? Did he confront you?"

"I don't know how he did it, but he definitely knows. Maybe he did a secret DNA test? Maybe it was Sofia's lies catching up to him. But somehow he knows," I sighed. "You don't seem surprised."

"Not really," she shrugged. "Anyone who looked could see Maverick is his. Actually, I'm shocked it took him this long to figure it out."

"Guess so." I let out a self-mocking laugh, rubbing my temples. "What do you think I should do?"

She looked at me intently, "What do you want?"

I paused, analyzing the question.

What do I want?

This was the most difficult question for me now. If I had any choice, I never wanted to lie to my child. Maverick was little, yet he deserved the truth. I was wrong on one thing when confronted with Jared, that I did owe my son, I owe him an answer.

But how could I tell him? What was I supposed to say? 'Your father never knew of your existence just because he was too wrapped up in his good friend? or hiding the Sofia part, telling him it's because 'your mother lost a child before you just under your dad's nose so she's not feeling safe with him and left?'

Ridiculous.

I took another long sip of beer.

"I don't know exactly, but I do know that I do not want anything or anyone to ruin a life I have managed to build for myself and Maverick."

"Then don't," Ashley said, simply, taking another drink herself.

I laughed, shaking my head. "I wish it were that easy."

Ashley raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly, "You must think I don't have a kid so I could say that easily."

"No-"

"Let me finish it," she hiccupped, then continued, "I kinda witnessed your marriage with Jared, Arielle. I saw how Jared treated you-the way he was never around the first two years, the way he avoided you, then е suddenly threw you aside for

someone else when you twinally

seemed to have a chance. And where was he when you were in Italy, raising Maverick on your own? Did he come looking for you? No. And now he waltzes back, wanting to play dad?"

I listened, her words hitting close to home.

"It just burns me," she continued, eyes flashing, "Why is it so easy for a man to make every choice? When his grandmother told him to marry, he married. When his mother said, you two should have a child, he slept with you. Then Sofia wanted him to divorce, and he did it without a second thought. Now he's telling you to 'do right' by Maverick, like he's the noble one. What a jerk? He's always the 'victim,' just following everyone else's wishes. But the truth is, he never paid the price for any of it. Every single responsibility landed on you, Arielle. Every time."

Then she looked at me, deeply into my soul, "It's your turn now, Arielle. Do what you want for a change and forget about everyone else's expectations. Normally I'd hate saying this, but girl, this time, act like a man."

I took a whole bottle of beer and then hiccuped like she did, shaking my head. "Ashley, fess up. Have you secretly married and divorced a hundred times? Because, honestly, I'm ashamed to admit that you see this all way clearer than I ever did." "Well," she blinked, "how do you know I haven't?"

I chuckled as she kept saying with a dramatic sigh, "See how I'm single Ari? Very balanced. Very peaceful. Very not getting cheated on."

Finally I burst into a huge laugh with tears and so did she. We toasted and toasted, like the night will never end. As the sun rose, we got so drunk and slept on the couch, side by side. I swear I had the best dream ever.