MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Of forgiveness, reconciliation, and discharge.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I moped at the figure, my mouth wide agape. Recognition of who she was, registering in my memory.

"Mum?" The word tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop it.

The woman, an older version of myself, stood in doorway, her eyes locked on mine. "Arielle," she responded.

I couldn't still believe my eyes that my mom was standing a few metres away from me. My gaze shifted to Ashley, who looked guilty. "You snitch!" I growled.

She took a step back, hands raised in defense. "I'm sorry, I had to inform her. You need your mum, Arielle."

My mom's presence stirred up different emotions within me. We hadn't spoken for years, not since I got married to Jared. Seeing her now felt awkward. I didn't think I would see her soon. My mom's eyes were sober, devoid

of it's usual defiance and condemnation as she took slow steps toward me. "Arielle, my child," she whispered.

I felt a lump in my throat, my stomach churning. How long has it been since she called me that? Ten years? Twenty? I couldn't remember. It was almost like she never called me that.

Ashley broke the silence, "I'll give you two some space." She slipped out of the room, closing door behind her.

My mom resumed walking towards me, and stopped beside the bed. Her hand hovered over me, like she was scared to touch me.

"I'm so sorry, my dear. I had no idea... about the accident, else, I would have hurried down here as soon as I can. No mother would have held on to a grudge when their child was in danger.

Tears bite painfully at the corners of my eyes, but I held them back. I wasn't ready for this encounter, not yet. "What are you doing here, Mrs Brad?"

I watched her wince as I addressed her formally. I wasn't to blame, calling her mum after three years felt weird and a hard thing to do.

She took a deep breath, her eyes watering. "Ashley called me. She told me you had an accident. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I know you hate me, but I want to make things right. Just the thought of almost losing my only child is traumatizing," at this last words, a tear slipped from her eyes.

I studied her face, my heart reaching out to her against my will. "Let's start with why you're here now," I said, finally. "Have a seat."

She nodded, taking the seat Ashley vacated. "I've regretted every moment we spent apart. Regretted judging you in the past and never supporting most of your decisions. When Ashley called, I knew I had to come. I want to be there for you, for once, as a mother." I stared at her intently, and my eyes became cloudy. It's been long I saw her speak with such kindness towards me. How long was it? Since highschool, after Dad moved out of the house without warning, and sent her divorce papers weeks later.

She went berserk, crying and cussing at him. When she managed to recover, she took it out on me. Living with her became hell as she would never support anything I do. My decision to become a chef, and to marry Jared, even though she had been on my neck to get married.

"I don't know, Mom," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You treated me badly. You took out the frustration of you and Dad's separation on me, like it was my doing."

"I don't expect your forgiveness overnight. But please, let me be here for you now. We can take things a step at a time.

I nodded. "I need some time. I think you should leave."

If she was hurt, she did well masking. She rose to her feet, leaned over and placed a kiss on my cheek. "I'll come back soon. Get some rest," she said, before walking away.

I exhaled sharply, lowering my head in my palm after the door closed behind her. It went open again, and I looked up, at Ashley.

I'll kill you," I threatened.

**************

"It's been quite an experience," I thought to myself as I prepared to leave the hospital. My therapy sessions were complete, I was finally being discharged.

My mom was helping me pack, while we chatted idly as we put my belongings into a small bag. Ashley was absent because she had gone to settle the hospital bill.

Speaking of my mom, she had

visited frequently after our initial

meeting, even spending the night on

some days. Our relationship was still strained, but we were making progress. en Ebookex

"Which one would you love to wear?" She asked, holding out two dresses for me to choose from. One was

black, the other yellow. I paused et

staring at the dresses. I've always had a thing for yellow; it represented sunshine and hope. I pointed to the yellow.

She handed it over to me, and I slipped into it. We were done packing now, and all we had to do was wait for Ashley.

"Are you sure you don't want to come home with me?" she asked, looking at me with concern.

I shook my head. "No, I'm fine with Ashley's."

She nodded understandingly. "Okay, dear. But know that my door is always open for you."

"I know," I mumbled.

Just then, Ashley walked in, a happy smile on her face. "All settled! Let's get you out of here."

"Finally!" I exclaimed with so much happiness.

We got into Ashley's car, and hit the road. On the way, she suggested we stop by the mall to get some beverages as she was running low on them.

Mom and I had no problem with

that, and we stopped at the nearest

mall. We alighted and got into the mall, making for the beverages section While we shopped, I moved to the lady's care section as I needed to get my favorite sanitary pad brand. Ashley had gotten the wrong one the last time she shopped.

As I stood over the counter, I heard a deep "hello," and on swirling around, my face broke out in a smile.