MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
The dinner.

(JARED'S POV)

"What do you think your mother wants to talk to us about?" Sofia asked, breaking the silence in the car.

We were on the way to my mother's place for dinner the next day, and Sofia wouldn't stop worrying about the motive behind the invitation.

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"I hope it's not for something bad," she went on.

"Yeah, me too."

We drove in silence for a few more moments until Sofia spoke up again. "Are you sure you're okay? Your mood hasn't been your best since you returned home yesterday."

"I'm fine," I responded, keeping my eyes fixed on the road. There was no way I was going to tell her that I had been worried about Arielle since yesterday. No way. It was going to cause another rift. Sofia nodded and looked out the window.

We soon arrived at my mother's house, and the butler was already waiting at the door to take our coats. My mother was a fan of having numerous staff with different job descriptions, unlike me, who liked my space. "Welcome, sir, Madam," the butler greeted, taking the coats. "Your mother is waiting for you in the dining room."

As we walked into the dining room, my Mom rose from her seat, a bright and warm smile on her face. "Hey, dear. It's great to see you both."

"Hi, Mom," I replied, walking over to kiss her cheek.

"Hi, Mom," Sofia chimed, doing the same.

My mother's eyes sparkled as she took in Sofia's baby bump. "Oh my, you're glowing, dear. Motherhood suits you."

A blush spread across Sofia's face. "Thanks, Mom."

We took our seats, and the chef, who was standing just by the table, began to serve the meal.

"What's the occasion, Mom?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. "You said you wanted to talk to us about something important." "Yes, I did," she affirmed, chewing her coleslaw slowly. "And it's a very delicate matter."

Sofia and I exchanged a glance, our curiosity piqued.

"What is it?" I pressed.

She paused as if collecting her thoughts before speaking. "It's about your relationship with Sofia, Jared..."

She trailed off, and I suddenly felt uneasy about the direction the discussion was about to take.

"Go on," I urged.

But before she could continue, the chef interrupted, "Would you like me to refill your glasses, Ma'am?"

She nodded. "Yes, please."

The brief interruption gave me time to process what she might say next. What could be going wrong with my relationship with Sofia?

The chef poured the drinks and left, and we were alone again. I turned to my mother, urging her to resume talking with my eyes. "Jared, I think it's time we discussed what's going on between you and Sofia," she dropped the bombshell.

I paused, momentarily thrown off

guard by the question and, at the same time, confused about what my mother meant. "I don't think I understand you, Mother," I said stealing a glance at Sofia. Her expression was blank.

"What's going on between you two?" She reiterated, her eyes locked in mine. "Ummm..." I stuttered, but Sofia beat me to it.

"Jared and I are in love," she said, placing a hand in mine, "and if he's okay with it, we can make our

relationship official. People can net

know he's divorced and we're.

together now, and not just fooling around."

Mother's expression turned approving and she nodded. "I'm glad you get my point, Sofia. Not everyone knows he's divorced, or

was even married. He's a billionaire,

and we don't want bad lionaire,

you two will declare your

ou

rétationship publicly and stop the

rumors."

So,

I sighed; this was the last topic I expected to be discussed when my mother said she had something important to discuss with us.

Ruffling my hair, I said, "So, what do you suggest, and how do we go about it?"

"I suggest you engage Sofia, and the paparazzi can carry the news," my mother replied.

I choked on my drink, coughing hysterically.

"Are you alright?" Sofia asked, offering me water.

"I'm fine," I said, clearing my throat. "The drink just went the wrong way."

Mother gave me a stern and disapproving look and resumed talking. "After your engagement, you two can have a little wedding after she gives birth."

I turned to Sofia, expecting some disapproval, but she seemed pleased judging from the smile on her face.

"Um... don't you think it's a bit too early? We can do all of that after Sofia has given birth," I said, turning back to Mother.

"No, we can't," mother said firmly.

"Why not?"

"You've been wanting to run for chairman of the board of New York's billionaires, right?"

I nodded, confused about what that had to do with the conversation.

"Well, the campaign starts in three months, and you can't run for the position with such rumors flying around about you. We have to make it all go away before that time."

I paused, finally seeing some reason in her words. But still, my opinion about getting engaged to Sofia too early didn't change.

Mother's eyes locked on mine again. "So, what do you say?"

I turned to Sofia, and she kept nodding.

And reluctantly, I nodded yes.