MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Road to recovery

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I puffed out air as the nurses helped me into the wheelchair. I was having my first physiotherapy session today, and the wheelchair was to aid my movement since I couldn't walk properly yet.

As I sat in the chair, my emotions were a whirlwind. Fear of the unknown, and determination. The nurses helped me get settled, and Ashley stood beside me, her hand on my shoulder. "Ready?" The doctor asked, beaming at me.

I took a deep breath, trying to expel the feeling of nervousness. "Yes.

Ashley got behind me, pushing the chair as we made our way to the physiotherapy department.

We soon arrived, and the doors opened, and we were welcomed by the lady in charge.

"Welcome, Arielle," she said beaming with a warm smile, and momentarily wondered how she knew my name. But then, I recalled that the doctor must have shared my medical file with her. "We're going to get you moving in no time. Trust us," she went on.

I returned her smile. "Thank you."

"Alright, I guess my job is here done. I'll come back when you're done. Have a nice time having your joints fixed," Ashley said and leaned down to peck my cheek. We bid each other goodbye, and she left.

Left alone with her, the Physiotherapist, Sinai, began the session by outlining and explaining the exercises we would be engaging in. She began with some gentle stretches, her hand guiding my movements. "Remember to be focused, and take it one step at a time. Don't push yourself too hard," Sinai instructed.

"I'll try."

As the session progressed, and I grew weary, Sinai kept encouraging me. "You're doing great, Arielle. Keep it up!"

After what felt like forever, the session came to an end. Sinai patted mg shoulder. You did great on your first day. I'm proud of you, Arielle. If you keep going like this, you should be back on your feet in a week's time." "Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Thanks," I said, feeling optimistic. I honestly could not wait to be out of the hospital. It felt like my life has been placed on pause, and I didn't like the feeling.

Ashley arrived just then. "How was it?" She asked, helping me back into the wheelchair.

"Quite tough and painful, but I made it through."

"I'm so proud of you," she said, patting my hair.

I smiled.

As we headed back to the room, she asked about the exercises, and I shared every detail with her. When we got to the room, Ashley had already set up lunch. We ate in silence for a while before she spoke up. "That reminds me, I got a call from your junior chef, Rebecca. She's been worried, and your boss too. Do you want me them to know where you're and what happened?"

I paused, and after a moment's thought replied, "yes."

"Alright, I'll inform them. And tomorrow, I'll get your phone fixed. Who knows who else is trying to reach you."

"Thanks, Ashley. I don't know what I'd do without you," I said, growing sober.

"You'd do just fine, but I'm here for you anyway," she responded with a smile.

And then we continued eating the rest of the food in silence, and in between, my thoughts trailed to Jared.

(JARED'S POV)

"Mr. Smith, do you agree with the suggestion?" one of the board members asked.

I blinked, jolting out of my thoughts. I turned to the rest of the members, and was embarrassed to see the questioning look on their faces. I mentally smacked myself, get a grip on yourself, man.

I was in an important board meeting,

but kept zoning out. I couldn't

concentrate as my mind was on Arielle. I was unable to visit her in the morning because of the meeting, and had decided to, the moment the meeting ended. But to my chagrin, the meeting had stretched on into noon.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat the suggestion?" I responded, trying to mask my embarrassment.

The board members of exchanged disappointed glances, but of them obliged. "We're proposing a 10% increase in production costs to accommodate the new machinery."

I nodded, trying to appear attentive. "Yes, that sounds reasonable."

Minutes later, the meeting finally ended. I gathered my things and hurried out, ignoring the curious looks from my colleagues.

I stopped by a mall to pick up some essentials for Arielle; toiletries, fruits, and flowers. I soon arrived at the hospital, and stopped at the reception to sign in.

"Hi, I'm here to see Arielle Smith," I said, pen hovering over the sign-in sheet.

The nurse scanned a file, her expression turning apologetic. "I'm afraid you can't see the patient, sir."

My brows creased in a frown. "Why not?"

"It's on the patient's request."

I was stunned, but I pushed further to confirm my suspicion. "Is it just me, or...?"

The nurse nodded. "Yes, just you."

My frown deepened. Why would Arielle do this? A misunderstanding was not enough for her to deny me access to her. So I tried again, attempting to convince the lady. "Look, I mean no harm. I'm her husband, and her closest family member. I was here yesterday, don't you remember?"

"I do recognize you, but there's nothing I can do."

Seeing that the lady was unmoved,

desperation crawled in, and I

decided to play a different card. "You

bel.

realize who I am in the country, don't you?" I asked, flashing her a charming smile. One that made ladies drool over me. "I'll give you any amount of money. Just let me

see her."

The lady's expression turned offended and icy. "With dye respect, Sir, I cannot be bought."

Of course, what was I thinking? She was simply doing her job, and saying what I said was totally disrespectful Realizing my mistake, I quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, that didn't come out well. I didn't mean

imply... I need to see my wife."

The lady's expression only softened slightly. "It's alright," she mumbled.

"Thank you. Umm...can you at least help me deliver these to her?" I asked, holding out the shopping bags.

She hesitated a bit, eyeing the bags, before obliging. "I'll give them to her."

I handed over the bags, "thank you."

And I turned around and left, sad.