MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
He doesn't want to lose her.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The day after a hangover was always brutal a not-so-gentle reminder that I wasn't as young as I used to be. As I worked at the restaurant, my back ached in that relentless way it always did these days.

When I left, Ashley was still asleep, even snoring a little. Poor thing; she's really been worn out lately. No wonder every time we chat, she curses her boss like he's some monster. But when I called him this morning to request a day off for her, his calm, gentle baritone was nothing like the tyrant she described. Imagining her face as she ranted about him, I chuckled.

Stephen passed by just then. "Something good, ma'am?"

I nodded back, offering him a bright smile of my own. After yesterday's incident, I felt a little closer to him, though I wasn't yet used to casual conversations with him.

He flushed, muttering something under his breath before hurrying off. His reaction definitely lifted my spirits, and for the first time, it didn't seem so bad to have a younger guy crushing on me.

I continued on my way to my office. On arrival, I glanced at the calendar and realized it was the date for my usual call with Dwayne. I haven't thanked him for getting a dog for Maverick. He loved the puppy.

On that thought, my hands instinctively reached for my phone in my bag, and I dialed his number. For reasons I couldn't fathom, I craved to hear his voice more than usual, maybe because I need its soothing event considering the turmoil that has been brewing inside of me since yesterday.

As the phone rang, I tapped my foot impatiently on the floor. But to my surprise, he didn't pick up. I frowned, feeling somewhat disappointed.

"He's probably busy," I told myself, trying to shake off the feeling.

Dwayne would never ignore my call unless he was truly occupied.

Just as I was about to put the phone away and head out to the kitchen, it rang. My heart leaped in elation and anticipation as I saw his name flash on the screen.

"Hey," I answered, trying to keep out the flutters in my belly.

"Hey Ostrich," Dwayne's voice was rich, smooth, and just the sound of it tugged me into comfort. "Sorry I missed your call. I was in a meeting, but I called you back the second I could." "No worries," I said, waving it off.

A pause, then his voice softened, almost too gentle. "Alright, what's going on?"

I blinked, caught off guard. Could he really tell something was up? Hesitating, I wondered if I should tell him about yesterday's encounter with Jared.

"Nothing, just work," I replied, finally deciding against it.

But Dwayne knew me too well, and he refused to budge.

"Come on, don't give me that, check your dark circles," he teased. "I can hear the distress in your voice from here. Something's bothering you."

I sighed, still reluctant to spill it all.

"I'm fine, really."

And then he asked calmly, "Is this about him?"

"Who?" I inquired, even though I had the gut feeling I knew who he was referring to.

"You ex husband. Are you considering going back to him, Arielle?"

At that moment words failed as I was taken aback by the question. I wasn't expecting it, and definitely not from Dwayne.

But I quickly recovered, clearing my throat to avoid stuttering.

"Of course not," I responded sharply. "I've worked too hard to build my life to this point, to replace peace. I can't, and won't risk another heartbreak." "That's understandable," Dwayne said, and I could imagine him nodding.

"But do you still have feelings for him?"

Now, this was getting more intense I thought, shaking my head like he could see me.

"No," I denied fiercely. "I'm over him."

There was a pause, but I knew better than to take Dwayne's silence for granted. His silence spoke volumes of unspoken thoughts.

"One last thing," he began again. "Would you consider giving him a chance -for Maverick's sake?"

What's with all the questions today, Dwayne?

A barrage of thoughts whirled

through my mind. "Honestly, I don't know. I don't think so, and I also talked with Ashley. But..." I faltered struggling with the complexities. "If Maverick wanted his father in his life could I really stand in the way?"

"Listen, Arielle," Dwayne said, assuming the tone he used

whenever he wanted to talk about something serious. "Maverick knows who's been there for him all long -me, his uncle Dwayne. He doesn't

need his father's drama, so don't open the door to it."

I knew he was speaking from a place of care, but his words made me chuckle unexpectedly. "Come on, Dwayne Thalf-expected you to tell me to give Jared a second chance. You're always about forgiveness, aren't you?"

But his response surprised me. "Not everyone deserves one. Some people are just... toxic. They'll only hurt you."

There was a fierce protectiveness in his voice that took me off guard.

"But...I thought you'd want me to-" I started to say, but he abruptly cut me short.

"No. I do not want you to even consider him. I don't want to lose you."

The possessiveness in his voice left me stunned, words dying on my lips.

"I... I need to go now," I stammered, trying to gather my scattered thoughts.

"Did I say too much, Ostrich?" he asked, his tone gentler, softer, but I just could feel his usual teasing tone in it.

"No, no... it's fine," I replied, my words stumbling. "I just... need to take care of something. I'll talk to you later, okay? Bye."

I ended the call, and kept the phone away, trying to process what Dwayne meant. The words came rushing back, and I felt shivers run down my spines.