MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Nothing is promised.

ARIELLE'S POV)

It's been days since the kidnap incident, and I'd been trying to move on, getting back to my life. Though the experience still lingered, I took preventive measures to ensure it didn't repeat itself.

I'd taken the week off, leaving the restaurant in the capable hands of Stephan and Rebecca. They'd managed everything flawlessly, for which I was endlessly grateful.

First, I took Maverick to the doctor the very next day. The relief I felt when I was assured he was physically unharmed was immeasurable. Next, I made him talk to a children's therapist-just to be certain the experience hadn't left any invisible scars. Thankfully, the therapist was confident Maverick wasn't traumatized.

My son, it seemed, was stronger than I could have ever imagined. My heart swelled with pride.

Then came the hard part: security. I enforced stricter measures, something I'd once resisted for fear of making Maverick feel trapped. From now on, only his Nana, Big Joe, or I would pick him up from school. No exceptions. I even had to pull him out of his beloved music class, replacing it with a private teacher at home.

I hated doing this to him, robbing him of his freedom, but I reminded myself it was temporary. A few weeks, maybe a month or two, and things would ease back to normal.

"Baby, you know why we're making these changes, right?" I asked, sitting beside him on the couch as I announced the new arrangement to him.

He nodded solemnly, his big, innocent eyes searching mine. "Because of the bad man, Mommy?"

"Yes sweetheart," I said softly, pulling him close. "We just want to make sure you're safe. But don't worry-you'll still have music lessons. They'll just be at home for now."

He smiled and snuggled closer to my side, making the butterflies in my stomach flap their feathers. "I like that, Mommy. I don't want to see the bad man again."

I hugged him tightly, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Guilt for not being able to protect him initially, gratitude that he was returned unharmed, and determination to ensure his safety.

However, Jared's call the next day brought up more questions than answers. Maverick excitedly recounted his "Daddy's rescue", and despite Jared denying his involvement in the rescue, I couldn't squash the little man's hope and how much of a superhero he sees his father as.

Over the days, Jared called twice every day to check on Maverick. I let them speak once at some point, and Maverick was so excited to hear his voice. It was no news that he was smitten by his father, and on most occasions I felt guilty for keeping them both away from each other.

It was in one of Jared's daily phone calls that he made a tough request I almost turned down.

"Arielle, I want to meet Maverick properly," he said, his voice filled with longing and nervousness.

I was taken aback at first, then I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for what he was asking for. The memory of Maverick's fuss about him flashed in my mind.

"What do you mean by 'properly'?" I asked, stalling and trying to appraise his intentions.

"I want to spend time with him, even if it's just for a few minutes. Get to know him, and have him know me," he explained.

My first instinct was to refuse. But something about his tone-earnest and vulnerable-made me hesitate. He had, after all, played a role in ensuring Maverick's safety. And Maverick... well, he adored his father.

"Okay, fine," I said reluctantly. "But I have to be there. You don't get to speak to my son without me present."

"Of course," he agreed quickly, as if he'd expected no less.

"When were you thinking?" I asked warily.

"How about tomorrow?" He suggested. "I'd love to take you both out for an early dinner."

I frowned, uneasy with the idea of going out in public. "Let's keep it simple. Dinner at my place instead. And Jared," I added firmly, "don't forget why Maverick was targeted in the first place. If your enemies ever endanger my son again, I won't forgive you. Ever." "I understand," he said, his tone unusually serious. "Thank you, Arielle. This means everything to me."

There was a pause on my end, and for a moment, I wondered if I'd made a mistake.

"It's fine," I mumbled. "This doesn't count as anything serious, though," I was tempted to add, but I bit the words back.

"Look, Arielle, I know I hurt you -" Jared tried to say, but I cut him short, knowing where he was headed. I was not ready for another apology speech or to revisit a conversation from the past.

"Well don't get started, please. I have to go now, thanks for checking in."

"Alright. Thank you for letting me speak to you. Good night."

"Yeah," I mumbled and dropped the call.

I kept the phone and lay on the bed. Did I just make the right decision?

Only time will tell.

*******

The next day.

As dinnertime approached, I found myself agonizing over the menu. Cooking had never been a struggle for me, but the thought of preparing a meal for Jared made everything feel wrong. Every dish I considered reminded me of the past-memories I'd rather forget. In the end, I settled on Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Pizza Casserole, King Ranch Mac and Cheese. Comfort food. Neutral.

At exactly 6 p.m., the doorbell rang. I wiped my hands on a towel, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

Jared stood outside, a bottle of wine in his hand.

"Hi," he beamed at me, his eyes shining.

"Hey, I replied, accepting the wine. I took a moment to take in his appearance. He looked good in his simple grey shirt and dark pants.

"Come in," I said, stepping aside to let him pass.

"Thanks," he said, walking in while I shut the door and followed behind.

As he stepped inside, my mother glanced up from her magazine in the living room. Her disapproval was immediate and palpable.

Despite returning after her trip and

me telling her about the role Jared played in rescuing Maverick, she still didn't warm up to him. I knew if she had the means to talk me out of letting him come for dinner, she would have.

"Hello, Mrs. Meyers," Jared greeted, approaching her.

"Jared," she responded curtly, rising to her feet as she walked off.

Jared turned and gave me a knowing look, but I looked away, pretending not to see what happened.

Just then, Maverick came skidding down the stairs, breaking into the awkwardness

"Daddy!" he exclaimed, lurching himself into Jared's arms.

Jared lifted him, spinning him around.

A smile inadvertently crossed my features at how they seemed to be bonding despite meeting officially for the first time. It was a bittersweet scene to see. "Hey, little man, you weigh a lot more than you look," Jared teased, setting him back on his feet.

Maverick giggled, obviously pleased with the compliment. But just then, my mother reappeared with a stern expression.

"Arielle, dinner is ready," she announced.

"Let's head to the dining room," I said.

"After you," Jared said, and Maverick immediately slipped his hand into Jared's.

I looked at them, and I had to admit that they looked good together as father and son. Quicky, I shook the thoughts off and walked ahead.

We settled into the dining room, Maverick still holding Jared's hand.

I hated how natural it looked-how much it reminded me of what we could have been. Shaking off the thought, I focused on serving dinner. Maverick climbed onto his chair, his eyes fixed on Jared.

"Daddy, what do you do?" Maverick asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Jared smiled. "I'm a businessman," he replied. "I run a couple of companies"

"Wow, that's cool," Maverick exclaimed. "Do you make a lot of money?"

I intervened. "Maverick, that's not polite."

Jared chuckled. "It's okay. I like curious kids."

"Maverick, don't worry about it, and to answer your questions, yes, I do well for myself," he continued.

Then Maverick's eyes widened as if he'd just solved a mystery. "Why aren't you with Mommy then?"

I almost choked on my food. Boy,

why now? I coughed, shooting a desperate glance at my mother, who suddenly found her plate

I.ne

fascinating. What? Am I the only person at this table who doesn't

want to hear the answer?

Clearing my throat, I tried to redirect. "Maverick..."

But Jared held up his hand, his expression calm but firm. "It's okay, Arielle. I want to be honest with him."

Maverick tilted his head, waiting

expectantly, Jared's jaw tightened

él.n

briefly as he took a deep breath. My own pulse quickened despite myself thated to admit it, but wanted to hear his version too. How he'd explain the gaps in our story to our son.

"Your Mom and I... we weren't together when you were born," Jared explained gently.

"But why?" Maverick probed, frowning slightly.

Jared glanced at me briefly before answering.

"We had some differences. Mistakes...and regrets. All grown-up things to you. But that doesn't mean I don't care about your mom or you. I care about you both, a lot." Jared said. Something in his voice made my chest tighten. Before Maverick could dig any deeper, I swooped in, skewering a meatball and popping it into his mouth. "Here-try this, sweetie." Maverick blinked at me, wide-eyed but obediently chewed. He nodded thoughtfully, his mouth too full to reply. For a moment, I thought I'd successfully derailed the conversation. Then he swallowed and opened his mouth again.

Of course, he wasn't done.

"Nana doesn't like you," he stated bluntly.

"I've noticed," Jared said, chuckling dryly.

"Why?" Maverick asked.

He paused, addressing Maverick with a thoughtful tone. "Maverick, sometimes, people don't understand each other, and that's okay."

"But I like you, Daddy," Maverick said, smiling.

For a moment, Jared's composure cracked, his surprise obvious. His smile softened into something warmer, more genuine. "I like you too, buddy."

I stared at the two of them as they conversed, and for a fleeting second, I let myself imagine this was what a real family dinner could feel like. A complete picture, unbroken.

But I knew better than to get too comfortable. Reality always had a way of sneaking back in.

Nothing is promised.