MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(JARED'S POV)

My phone rang, breaking the silence in my office. I glanced at the screen to see my investigator's name flashing. "Talk to me," I answered. "Do you have an update?"

"Yes, I do," he replied and hesitated.

"Go on," I urged.

"Unfortunately, I was unable to trail her to her house. She noticed I was following her and she made me lose her."

My jaw clenched and my grip on the phone tightened. "Is all you do is give excuses?" I snapped.

"Calm down, Sir. Please, hear me out," he pleaded.

I exhaled, forcing myself to remain silent and let him continue.

"I was unable to follow her to her house as planned yesterday, but I managed to get the address of her restaurant."

"Her restaurant?" I repeated, my interest piqued.

"Yes, she's building her restaurant, and it's opening next week."

I sat up straight on the chair now. "Send me the address."

After the call ended, I reclined back on my chair, lost in thought. Arielle was not just back; she was setting up her own restaurant? Wow, this woman was just so full of surprises.

A few minutes later, still in thought, my phone beeped indicating the arrival of a message. It was from my investigator and I immediately opened it. It was the address of Arielle's restaurant.

I went over the address, and suddenly developed a cold feeling. Now that I have managed to get the address, what next?

My phone lay on the desk, with the address staring at me like a dare I wasn't sure I had the courage to accept. Arielle's new restaurant, a symbol of her independence.

The thought of her thriving, building something without me, stirred something complicated in my chest-pride tangled with regret.

But then the familiar fear gnawed at me again.

Would she even want to see me?

The memories of our last conversations suddenly swirled in my mind. It's been three years and I never had the courage to recall that day, that cold finality in her voice as we signed the papers, the way she asked me to leave without a second thought. My heart clenched at the thought. I could already imagine her reaction if I showed up at her doorstep.

She'd probably slam the door in my face.

What if she hated me now? Oh she must have. What if I'd waited too long, and I was nothing more than a distant memory, buried beneath the layers of her new life? Sighing in resignation, I tried to put my phone away. I couldn't do it, couldn't face her.

Then, as I was hesitating, something caught my eye-an advertisement.

I scrolled down, noticing the name of Arielle's restaurant in bold letters. Below it, a call for potential shareholders. Immediately, an idea took root in my mind.

What if I invested?

It seemed absurd at first. An investment wouldn't bring me closer to her. It wouldn't give me the answers I needed. But what if... what if I could help her? What if, without knowing it, I could support her new dream?

I was going to apply, but under a different name, keeping my identity hidden. She'd never have to know.

Without another thought, I picked up my phone and dialed the number listed for potential investors. The phone rang twice before a professional voice answered.

"Yes, I'm calling regarding the notice for investors in the new restaurant," I said, keeping my tone steady, rehearsing my plan in my mind. "I'm interested in learning more about the opportunity."

"Of course," the voice on the other end responded. "We can set up a meeting to discuss further. Can I get your name?"

"Richard Gray," I said smoothly.

"Thank you, Mr. Gray," the receptionist continued. "We'll be in touch to schedule a meeting."

A sly smile crossed my face as I returned to work afterward, waiting for the D-day to come.

Days later, it was finally the long anticipated day. I paid extra attention to my look. I wanted to make a good impression and it had to start with my physical appearance. I wore a well tailored suit, adjusted my tie, and ensured my hair was perfectly styled.

I soon arrived at the restaurant, and I was in awe of the look. The exterior was sophisticated and modern, with an elegant gold plated sign bearing the restaurant's name -"A and M." I guess the initials stood for aname or an entity.

The parking lot was spacious, and the surrounding was impeccably manicured and trimmed.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

As I stepped inside, I was struck by the interior design. It was tastefully designed, with soft luminous lighting, expensive furnishings, and culinary artwork adorning the walls, but that wasn't what caught my attention. Right in the center of the restaurant, above the main bar, there she was-Arielle.

The photo wasn't one of those formal portraits; it was candid. Very inconspicuous, it was difficult to notice if you didn't pay extra attention.

She was mid-laugh, her eyes bright

with joy, holding a glass of wine in one hand and a plate in the other. There was something so alive about

her in that moment, so free. Her· smile, the one I hadn't seen in years, hit me harder than I expected.

My breath caught in my throat.

The aroma of freshly made meals welcomed me, teasing my senses and serving as a gentle reminder of how much I missed Arielle's cooking.

However, for a second, I felt like an outsider looking in, like I didn't belong in this world she had built for herself.

She had indeed made a name for herself and I could only be proud of her.

I snapped out of my thoughts and approached the security desk, where a guard greeted me. "Can I help you, sir?'

"I'm here for the shareholders meeting," I responded, showing him my online pass.

The guard nodded, his eyes examining the pass. "Right this way, Sir. The meeting is on the third floor, room 104. Take the elevator just down the hall."

I thanked him and followed his directions. As I stepped into the elevator, my heart began to race with anxiety. What would she say when she saw me?

I pushed the thoughts aside, deciding not to let any negative thought creep in and dissuade me. The elevator doors opened on the third floor, and I made my way to room 104. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what was to come. With a resolved push, I opened the door and walked in. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to me. I scanned the room fleetingly, my gaze settling on a figure at the far end.

Arielle.