MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Transcend running into each other.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The young man chuckled and took off his shades, revealing piercing eyes that sparkled with amusement. "Alright, there was a catch. How're you, Madam?"

I was stunned, my eyes widening in surprise. Dwayne? Of all people? Before I knew it, laughter bubbled up from my chest, and I burst into tears-streaked giggles.

He was the last person I expected to see, and I couldn't believe I sang alongside him without even recognizing him.

"You're so-" I started, still chuckling.

"A jerk?" He finished, grinning. "I know, guilty as charged. I'm sorry if I startled you. I didn't want to reveal my identity and startle you. I wanted to hear you sing, and I'm glad you did. You sing so well. Are you sure you've never had a music career? My cheeks turned warm at his flattery. I shook my head, still trying to process running into him again. Is this a coincidence, or some planned act?

"Here," he cut into my thoughts, handing me a tissue. "You need it."

I nodded and accepted it, dabbing at my cheeks and eyes. Just then, Ashley and Juliet approached us.

"Bestie, that was a stunning performance," Ashley said, and then she turned to Dwayne, you too, gentleman. You were-" She paused as recognition dawned on her face. "You again? Dwayne, isn't it?" Dwayne nodded, grinning.

"How come we didn't recognize you?" Ashley turned to me. "Did you know it was him?

I let my hand up. "I didn't."

Surprisingly, Ashley didn't seem weary of Dwayne like she used to be, in our previous encounters. She flashed him a smile. "It's nice to see you again. Thank you for singing along with her."

I restrained a chuckle. Typical Ashley, always nice to anyone nice to me.

"It's a pleasure," Dwayne responded.

"Didn't you say you don't know how to sing?" Juliet chipped in, staring at me curiously.

"I don't, for real. I haven't even been to a karaoke bar until today," I replied.

That drew surprised stares from Dwayne and Juliet. "You're kidding, aren't you? You're in your twenties, if I guessed correctly, and never been to a karaoke bar. Is that what you're trying to say? Juliet inquired. "She's right," Ashley concurred. "She's been so uptight in college, always buried in her books. And when we graduated, she went off to culinary school."

Dwayne's eyes sparkled with interest. "Culinary school, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you as a chef."

"So you're insisting you've never been to a karaoke bar? Not even once, and probably you forgot?" Juliet pressed on, amazement in her eyes. She seemed bent on not letting the topic slide until her curiosity was satisfied. "It's true. She's been my friend for years and I can attest to that," Ashley said.

"Ashley, you can't be so sure. She might have visited without your knowledge. With a boyfriend or someone."

"That's not true," Ashley shook her head. "Arielle is not like that."

Juliet looked even more intrigued now. "Are you saying she doesn't have a boyfriend, fiance, or a man in her life?"

At this point, Ashley's eyes lost some of their cool. "Let's not talk about that anymore."

But Juliet was not ready to back off. "No, I want to know."

"I said the conversation is over," Ashley hissed. I could tell she was growing annoyed.

"It's fine," I raised my voice in a placating tone. And then I turned to Juliet. "I've never been to a Karaoke bar until today, and it's true. And about my relationship status, I'd rather not talk about it. I hope you respect that."

Juliet must have realized how prying she was because her face fell. "I'm so sorry if I was being too pushy."

"Oh no, it's fine," I said, flashing her a kind smile.

She nodded. "I just can't get over how well you sang, hence the reason I was surprised you've never been to a karaoke bar. You're really talented." Dwayne nodded in agreement. "She is. I was blown away when she started singing.

Ashley smiled; she was back in an excited mood. "We should do this again sometime. Maybe next time, we can even get you to sing solo, Arielle."

I laughed, feeling so at home amongst them. I was glad I agreed to come. "Maybe, but don't screw your faces when my frog voice emerges."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Suddenly, Dwayne checked his

watch. "I'm afraid I have to run. It

was great running into you again, he said with a knowing wink. "It was great connecting with you too, Juliet and Ashley."

"It was great having you," they chorused.

As he turned to leave, I felt goosebumps. I didn't expect to enjoy his company this much.

"Wait," I called out.

He turned back, his brows raised.

"Thanks for the sing-along," I said with a smile.

He nodded and, with his hands in his pockets, strode away. Ashley turned

to me the instant he was out of sight, a sly grin on her face. "Is it just me, ondoes this transcend running into each other? I mean, this dude is at every turn you make."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't start, Ashley."

"But seriously, Arielle, he seems cool and nice," Juliet opined.

I shook my head and began walking off. "I'm going to get myself a drink. Are you girls coming?"