MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Ashley leaned over the partition between the drivers side and passengers side, crooning her neck so he could hear her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry, but we'll have to reverse and take Margaux home, first."

"Alright, Ma," the driver said, and immediately put the car in reverse. As we sped off, I was glad I was able to take care of Margaux for her grandparents. All I wanted was to get her home safely, and then Ashley and I would take a cab to her mother's place. We all settled into silence, with the gentle snoring of Margaux, and the sound of the car's engine and the occasional passing cars breaking the stillness.

Soon, the car pulled up at Harrison's house, a warm and cozy Victorian home with a beautifully trimmed lawn. We sent the driver to call the butler to take Margaux in.

"Thank you so much, guys," Margaux said, her voice sleepy, as the butler helped her out of the car. She stretched, arching her back, and then smiled at us.

"No problem, take care," Ashley and I responded, smiling as we waved our goodbyes.

"Phew, let's order a ride before it's too late," Ashley sighed, after Margaux had disappeared inside with the butler.

I nodded, I immediately took out my phone to place an order for our ride. "Done," I said, shoving my phone back into my purse.

"Hey, you okay?" Ashley asked, giving me a concerned look.

"Yeah, sure," I responded, knowing exactly why she was asking. "Look, Ash, I'm not feeling bad, alright? I'm okay."

"I know," she offered me a small smile. "I love you."

"Eww," I scrunched up my face in fake disgust. "Why would you tell your fellow woman you love her?"

Ashley's face turned pale as she stared at me in confusion, and then her face relaxed when she saw how hard I was trying to hold back my laughter.

"You, brat!" She snarled, as it dawned on her I was kidding. "Come here," she said, advancing towards me but I ran towards that which had now arrived, and was pulling up to the curb, giggling.

We settled into the cab afterward, and chatted more until we got to our destination. Ashley and I alighted and made our way to the front door of the sprawling duplex, which was Ashley's mother's house.

The front door went open immediately, and Ashley's Mom surfaced, a bright smile on her face. She was a pretty petite woman with a kind face and a warm smile.

"Arielle, it's great to meet you again," she exclaimed, instantly enveloping me in a warm hug. She smelled like freshly baked cookies, and I sighed in nostalgia, realizing how long it's been since I saw her last.

I smiled when we finally pulled away. "It's great to meet again, Ma."

Ashley grinned, looking pleased. "Mom's been dying to meet you again" she said, rolling her eyes playfully.

Mrs Thompson playfully hit her on the arm. "Shhh...you don't have to be too loud with your mother's secret."

We all laughed, a genuine sound coming right out from our bellies. And then Mrs Thompson invited us in. "Let's go inside and have dinner, girls. There's a lot to go round."

We giggled and trooped in, in excitement. As we stepped inside, Mrs Thompson led us to the dining room. The table was already laid, and the delicious aromas wafting from the dishes made my stomach growl, and my mouth water. "Please, girls, take your seats and see yourselves," Mrs Thompson said, smiling and gesturing to the table.

We thanked her and proceeded to serve ourselves. The table consisted of roasted chicken, barbeque, green salad, fruit salad, basmati fried rice, cookies, doughnuts and a variety of desserts.

As we ate, Mrs Thompson started a conversation. "I've been following your progress so far, Arielle, and I just say, I'm impressed," she began, her eyes glowing with admiration.

"Thank you, Mrs Thompson," I replied, grateful. "That means a lot coming from you."

She faked a frown. "Please, call me mom. I told you so the last time you visited. We're family now, sweetie."

I nodded, beaming with smiles. "Noted, Mom. I'll make corrections from now on."

"And, I'll visit your restaurant one day. I've heard a lot about it, and the reviews in your app are mind-blowing.

"I'd love to have you visit, Mom. Do give me heads up about when so I can prepare a special dish for you."

"Of course," she nodded, and we fell into silence.

Dinner went smoothly and was graced by the clinking sounds of silverware and our cheerful banters. After eating, Ashley and I helped cheer the table, after which we proceeded to the living room to rest. Just then, after settling into the plush sofa, Mrs Thompson cleared her throat, drawing me and Ashley's attention to her.

"Arielle, I need to ask you for a huge favor," she said, her voice low and pleading.

I sat up in surprise, glancing at Ashley, who looked equally startled. "What is it, Mom?" I managed to ask.

Mrs. Thompson took a deep breath.

"My... brother's company is in

trouble. There's a wine company under J&S Group that's been giving them@hard time, and if they go under... well, things will get messy for me and for the family."

J&S. Jared's company?

I frowned and was speechless for a moment, but it was nothing compared to Ashley's reaction. I felt her stiffen beside me, her face a mask of disbelief and confusion. It was obvious she was not privy to this information. "Mom! Why didn't you tell me about this?" Ashley asked.

Mrs Thompson sighed, unable to meet her eyes. "I didn't want to burden you, dear. But I was hoping... Arielle, you know Jared. Maybe you could talk to him and see if there is anything he can do to help."

I felt a pang of unease at these words and I shifted on the couch.

How could I help? Jared and I are divorced, and even when we were still married, I never got involved in his business.novelbin

"Ari, please. I know it's a lot to ask, but we need the help."

"Mom," Ashley spoke up, frowning. "Arielle doesn't have to do this. It's not her problem, please, don't string her into it."

But Mrs Thompson shook her head. "No, dear. We can't tell if she doesn't try. She's the only help I have at this point."

I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. I was caught in this tug-of-war between wanting to help, even though I had no idea how, and refusing to get involved without hurting my best friend's mom in the process.

"Dear, please," Mrs. Thompson said,

her voice soft but pleading. "If my brother's company goes under... it's gonna be a huge blow to me. You know Ashley's father, and what kind of man he is. My husband's family... they won't keep me around if don't have a solid background. You know how it works in wealthy families. I need this, to back up Ashley."

Her words hit me hard, and I could hear the desperation in her tone. Ashley winced, her hands going to her face as she let out a soft, almost defeated sigh. "Mom... you don't need to do all this," she whispered, her voice cracking a little.

Mrs Thompson's face twisted with regret. "It's not your fault you were born into this kind of family, Ash... it's mine," she muttered, her voice barely audible now as tears welled up in her eyes. Seeing them both like this broke my heart. Before I could talk myself out of it, the words just spilled out.

"I'll help."