MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Only divorced on papers.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"Leaving? What do you mean?" Ashley asked, looking stunned.

"I...I can't stay here anymore. I need to get away from everything. From Jared, from Sofia, from all of this," I responded.

I watched Ashley's face fall, and my heart broke even more. I knew she was not going to take the news lightly, but hours ago, after crying and waking up, I had a deep thought and decided leaving was best. I doubt I would ever get the healing I deserved if I kept staying in a place that reminded me of my pain and loss.

"Where will you go?" Ashley asked, her voice surprisingly calm. I knew it was a facade, but I was grateful she was trying to be the stronger one compared to me, who already had tears threatening to spill down my face.

"I honestly don't know yet. I just know I have to leave. I can't stay here and pretend everything is okay when it's not. I want to get a new life and heal faster. I deserve peace and happiness, and so does my child."

"Ummm, I don't know, but I think we have to talk about this later. I'm sorry, I think I've lost my appetite," and with that, Ashley rose and left the dining room.

"Ashley "I tried to call, but she was gone.

(JARED'S POV)

I was seething in anger as I drove Sofia home from the hospital. Oblivious to my mood, she kept chattering away about her doctor's appointment. I had driven her to the hospital to get her pregnancy supplements, and we had bumped into Arielle and Ashley.

For a moment, I was lost in thought, wondering why Arielle was at the hospital. But I decided to push it aside for now. I had a more pressing concern to tend to.

As we pulled into the driveway, my anger doubled, threatening to burst through the surface. We alighted and stepped inside, and I shot the door behind us.

"Sofia, we need to talk," I said, turning to face her.

"About what?"

"About this." I reached out and grasped her hand, my fingers closing around her wrist. "Where did you get this ring from?"

Her eyes narrowed as she eyed me warily. "I found it in your pants pocket while sorting out your clothes for laundry." And then her tone turned defensive. "I liked it, so I put it on."

"Found it?" I repeated. "And you didn't think it was right to return it to me?

Her eyes flashed with defiance. "What's the big deal, anyway? It's yours, and it automatically belongs to me too."

"The big deal?" I took a step closer, my voice firm. "The big deal is that that ring belongs to Arielle, and you have no right putting it on."

Sofia's eyes hardened. "Why are you still hung up on her? You two are literally divorced, and she's supposed to return the ring. It's not hers anymore, so what's the fuss?"

"Point of correction, we're not fully divorced. The divorce papers have not been submitted to the court, and the official divorce decree has not been issued yet. We're merely divorced on paper, but not officially. So until then, quit trying to take over everything that belongs to Arielle," with that, I released her wrist, stepping away.

Sofia was stunned and it reflected on her face. I wouldn't blame her, I doubt I've ever spoken to her that harshly. I can't be blamed, though; she's making being with her difficult.

Sometimes, I wondered if it was truly the pregnancy hormones or if the young and sweet Sofia I used to know had permanently been replaced by this difficult woman I was living with.

I stood there, my chest heaving with

anger when suddenly, a sniffing sound brought me back to reality. I turned to Sofia and my expression softened. Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

en Ebookex

I took a step closer and wrapped my arms around her. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just...that ring belongs to Arielle, and it's not yours to take."

"That's the point; you're still chiding me instead of apologizing," she accused in between her sobs.

I sighed, stroking her hair. "Fine, no more scolding. I'm sorry I yelled at you. You're pregnant, and I shouldn't have done what I did."

Her tears slowed, and she looked up at me. "You're still thinking about her, aren't you?"

I sighed again, I was not in for her accusations right now. "Sofia, this has nothing to do with Arielle. This is about you and me, and what's right and wrong."

She sniffed again, and I handed her a tissue from the box on the table in the foyer. Gently, I led her upstairs and didn't leave the room until she was asleep.

That night,couldn't get rid of the

thoughts of Arielle at the hospitab

Why was she there with Ashley? No one visits the hospital if everything is okay with them health-wise.

Before I slept, I made a vow to visit the hospital and snoop around. I could easily ask my investigator, but I wanted to get the information myself. The next day at work, Cristina knocked on my door.

"Come in," I called out.

"Hi, Sir. I have feedback on the social media handle you asked me to look into," she announced after walking in.

"What did you replace?" I asked, sitting up and trying to mask my curiosity.

"Nothing serious. Except she's been visiting the gym and trying some new activities."

"Activities like?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Umm.. trying new dishes, early morning jogging, and attending a few events."

"Thanks, Cristina. This should remain between us. Can you do that?" I asked, staring at her intently.

She cowered under my gaze and nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Good. You may leave."

At lunch break, I left for the hospital to dig around. On arrival, I asked to see the head doctor.

"I'm looking for information on a patient," I said, the moment we were in her office and after exchanging pleasantries.

The doctor looked surprised, but she nodded. "Name, please?"

"Arielle," I replied.

There was a look of suspicion in the

doctor's face and then it was gone, replaced by a professional smile "I'm afraid I can't disclose any

information about our patients."