MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
It’s impossible… between me and her.”

(ARIELLE'S

POV)

I watched Jared pause, his eyes widening like saucers, and almost bulging out of their sockets. But I was not fazed, I still wanted to hear his response.

Silence hung between us.

"What did you say?" he asked, his voice still tinged with shock, his expression frozen.

"Do you still want to be with her?" I went on. When I said "her," he knew exactly who I was referring to.

"Pardon me, but you're not being coherent."

"Fine, I will spell it out to you!" I exclaimed. I was suddenly bored and wanted to cut to the chase.

"These days, I have been doing a lot of thinking, and have figured out some things. If you still can't let go of Sofia, then I will set you free to be with her. I will not stand in the way of you being with your longtime sweetheart. We will part ways amicably, and if you two want, I can give my blessings."

"What in Hades' name are you talking about!" Jared exploded, rising to his feet. His warm blue eyes have now turned icy, and his Adam's apple bubbled. "Who is feeding you with these ideas? Is it Ashley?"

I felt my face screw up in anger, offended at his subtle indication that I can not make such a decision on my own. "Keep Ashley out of this," I growled. "I'm a grown woman, and I can make decisions for myself."

"Oh well, this doesn't sound like a decision you'd make!"

"Does it matter? Just give me an answer!"

I paused, we both paused, staring at each other angrily. Each person, angry at the other for different reasons. After what seemed like eternity, Jared blinked and averted his gaze. He looked slightly embarrassed. And then he turned around and made for the door. But he halted, hand on the handle, and without turning he said, "It's impossible... between me and her," he paused, like he was being cautious with his words. "It's never going to happen."

Without another word, he opened the door and walked out, closing it behind him. I didn't let out a breather, until seconds later. I placed a hand on my chest, a feeble attempt to steady my thudding chest.

What had gotten into me?

I had never lost my temper like that-especially not in front of Jared. He, too, had always been calm, composed. He liked smiling, and I... I didn't know what to think anymore. Sofia had changed everything between us.

Tears blurred my vision. Maybe Sofia wasn't the real issue. Maybe we were both hiding our most ugly sides from each other.

But no, that couldn't be it. Our marriage shouldn't end like this even if it had to end. Not in this hurtful way. I still hoped we could part on softer terms, a gentle goodbye. I owed him that much.

I waited. And waited.

I fell asleep and was roused by someone's warm arms around me. I stiffened, ready to scream when I felt his warm breath on my neck. It was Jared.

"Shhhh...it's me," he whispered.

I nodded, and was starting to relax when a smell sailed into my nose. I paused, flared my nose to catch the whiff of the smell again, and I did. I swirled around to face Jared, my face questioning. "Did you smoke?"

He made to say something, and then stopped, throwing his face away.

"Jared, answer me, what's this smell on you?"

"Yes, I did take a few drag," he mumbled, his face still thrown away.

"What? I thought you said you quit smoking?" I inquired, propping myself up one hand. "Did you lie to me?"

"I didn't," Jared defended, turning to face me now. "After the argument, I just needed something to help me let off some steam."

I want mute at this point, as I felt a spark of guilt explode in me. It was all my fault. Jared used to smoke when we met, but after marriage, I told him about my dislike for smoking and he promised to stop. He did stop, because for the three years of our marriage I have never caught a whiff of cigarette on him or seen him smoke. And now, he went back to his old habit because of me.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, when I could finally replace my voice.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I'm sorry."

I opened my mouth to say something else, but the tears started falling before I could speak.

"It's fine," he murmured, his arms pulling me toward him. He kissed the tears from my cheeks, his touch warm and comforting. "Come here."

I let him pull me close, and for a moment, didn't care that he smelled like smoke. It didn't matter. What mattered was that it was just us, together. Just him and me. That was enough for now.

*******

The next day arrived, and Jared and I, the conflict between us resolved, started our day. We got ready for work, and finished at the same time.

"So what's your schedule for today like?" Jared asked, starting a light conversation as we walked down the stairs together.

"We're having a meeting with the restaurant owner today. I can't wait to see the face behind the chain of restaurants."

"Alright. I hope the meeting goes well. I will come pick you up at your closing time as usual."

"Alright," I nodded, as we descended the last of the stairs.

"How about you?" I asked, stopping Jared in his tracks. I just realized that I had not asked him what his schedule for the day was gonna be like What's your schedule for the day?"

"Nothing unusual. Work, and a little hang out with my homeboys at noon. We're planning a get together for everyone on my set, and we need to fix a date for it." ""Ummm, that's nice."

"Oh there you're, Jared," Sofia's voice echoed as she appeared in sight.

"Hi, Sofia," Jared greeted.

"Hi," Sofia responded, not casting a look in my direction. "I see you're ready for work."

Since Sofia chose to ignore me, I might as well act as the bigger person that I obviously am. "Good morning, Sofia," I said with a sweet smile.

"Oh, Arielle, I didn't notice you," she said, looking up at me now.

I scoffed. I didn't realize she was having issues with her eyes. "I see. You should have your eyes checked," I said, the smile still on my face.

She ignored me and faced Jared,

placing a hand on his chest. "Jared, I

picked the hospital I would love to resume my antenatal session in. You will have to drive me there at noon, to check it out."

"I'm sorry, that won't be possible, Sofia. I have a meeting at noon. But not to worry, I will have my driver come pick you up at that designated time."

I saw anger flashed in Sofia's eyes. It always happens whenever her request is turned down. "But you promised to drive me there," she whined.

"I know, but I'm occupied today. Let Joffrey drive you -"

"You can't force me to go with a total stranger. It's you I want, else I'm not going!" Sofia yelled, making no effort to hide her anger now.

"Then you will have to postpone the visit until whenever I'm disposed."

The look of shock that crept into Sofia's face was priceless and I would do anything to see that look on her face every day.

"Come on, Arielle. Let's go," Jared beckoned me, oblivious to the reaction his words had elicited from Sofia.

I nodded and followed him, stifling a laughter.