MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"Mommy, Uncle Dwayne and I are taking the dogs out for their evening walk. We won't stay long, love you!" Maverick's voice rang out from the porch.

I was in the kitchen, trying to get dinner together while he was out with Dwayne, who had just shown up a few minutes ago.

"Alright," I called back, and soon, I heard their retreating footsteps and the happy barks of the dogs.

Sighing, I covered the cooking pot of pasta and went to sit at the kitchen table. The evening was cool and lovely, sunlight streaming through the windows, but my thoughts? Not so peaceful.

It's been a week since my fight with Jared, and I hadn't heard from him since. Dwayne, on the other hand-despite his busy schedule with the whole business expansion thing-still made time every evening to take the dogs for their walks with Maverick. With three dogs now, their little routine had become part of their day, like clockwork.

Every time I looked at the golden retriever puppy, I couldn't help but think about Jared-the day he gifted it to Maverick. Then I'd think about the day he stormed into my office and beat the crap out of Mr. Zeke, the perv who tried to take advantage of me.

Has Jared's injuries healed? I don't know. And honestly, I'm not sure if I should even care anymore.

Yesterday, I had tried to casually ask Dwayne about him, using their business rivalry as a facade.

"Umm, Dwayne?" I started, trying to sound chill as we drank tea in the living room. "Do you know what Jared's been up to lately?"

Dwayne had looked up, "Why do you want to know?" He asked, teasingly.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm just curious, alright? Have you two even spoken since the dinner night, or are you still basking in your sibling rivalry?"

He smiled, and shook his head. "You're thinking about him, aren't you?"

"I'm serious, Dwayne. I just want to know what's up with him, "I said the last words with a low tone.

He ruffled my hair. "Trust me you won't be happy knowing," he said, getting up like he was about to leave.

I sighed, shaking my head. But honestly, I couldn't help the curiosity gnawing at me.

So Jared was back in his company and maybe took all his shareholders back? If that was the case, Dwayne must be feeling the pressure. Or maybe Dwayne was good at business too? Otherwise, how the hell could he compete with Jared? Or maybe Jared hadn't figured out who's the spy in his company yet. Did it have something to do with Dwayne?

As I sat in the kitchen, waiting for Dwayne and Maverick to return from their walk, those thoughts kept circling in my head.

When I was married to Jared, I never interfered with his business. I knew I wasn't much help in that area. But now, I think maybe I was just selling myself short. Sure, I didn't know much about investing, but Jared's hotels or resorts were bound to have management problems at some point, right?

If I'd learned more back then, maybe I'd have more experience now for my own restaurant.

The sound of the front door opening broke the silence, and I looked up to see Dwayne and Maverick walking in, the dogs trailing behind them.

"Hey, kiddo," Dwayne said, smiling at me. "How was your day?"

Ugh. When did he start calling me "kiddo"? I've protested like a million times, but he's still at it.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It was fine, I guess. Just missed you guys."

Dwayne chuckled and ruffled my hair. "We missed you too. Now, how about we get some dinner started?"

I smiled and nodded, and the three of us set to work making dinner together.

Maverick still didn't fully understand what Dwayne's Mafia connections meant. One time, Dwayne tried to explain it to him, but it only got Maverick more excited. He wanted to know if it was like The Godfather.

I just about died inside when Dwayne nodded seriously and said, "Yeah, I've got another name. Michael Corleone."

Maverick screamed in excitement.

Despite all the warmth and laughter, I couldn't stop thinking about the days when Jared was here. And I tried to shove that thought aside.

I was only curious about their business.

I promised myself I'd ask Dwayne again when he visited next. But of course, he showed up just when I was in the middle of cooking. We exchanged a few quick pleasantries before he grabbed Maverick and the dogs for their walk. I checked on the pasta-it was cooked perfectly-and then pulled the chicken out of the oven. As I did, I made a mental note to bring up Jared with Dwayne again, and this time, I wasn't letting him bail out on me.

Minutes later, I was done cooking, and I set the table, after which I sat back to wait for them. I didn't have to wait for long, as they returned a few minutes later, the dogs trailing behind them

But to my surprise, Dwayne didn't plan to stay long.

"Hey, ostrich, sorry but I gotta run," he said, stopping in the doorway. "Got a virtual meeting I totally forgot about."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a jolt of disappointment. "Everything okay?"

He nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just a last-minute meeting. I'll catch up with you guys later."

I nodded, deciding not to press further. "Alright."

He blew me kisses and pecked Maverick who was close to him before hurrying off. I stood watching him disappear from sight after which I sighed and turned to Maverick, "come on, Man, let's go have dinner."

*******

The next day at work, I was busy, monitoring all that was going on in the dining area. It was a typical lunchtime, and the rush was much as usual.novelbin

After a while, kmoved in to chat with

Mr Trevor, another regular customer

I had struck close acquaintances

with after the old couple, The

. Mr Trevor had connet

in

for his soup of the day and I was enquiring if he loved the new spice that was introduced to it

"I love it, it amplifies the taste of the soup. Trust me not to miss a plate any day," he complimented.

I nodded, grateful that he loved it. I had my fears when I first incorporated the spice into the soup as I feared the customers would not like it, fortunately, they all loved it.

"I'm glad you love it, Mr Trevor. Trust me to always serve the best. Let me know-" I was cut short by the noise from the table behind us.

A commotion had formed and I was

surprised to see old Mr Harrison slightly bent over his plate, his face bright red and clutching his throat. His wife, Mrs Harrison, who was seated beside him looked in horror, too stunned to do anything.

"Goodness!" I exclaimed, realizing what was happening. Mr Harrison was choking.

I didn't hesitate. I immediately jumped into action, rushing over to Mr Harrison's side. I had been trained in the Heimlich maneuver, and was quite experienced with it. Hopefully, this was a case I could salvage.

"Ma'am, please step aside," I said to Mrs. Harrison, and then I turned to the small crowd around us. "Please, move away everyone, he needs plenty of air."

After they obeyed, I positioned myself behind Mr Harrison and wrapped my arms around his waist. I made a fist with one hand and placed it just above his navel. With my other hand, I grasped my fist and gave it a quick upward thrust. Mr Harrison coughed, and a piece of food flew out of his mouth. I gently rubbed his back and he took a deep breath, his face still red, but he looked relieved.

Mrs. Harrison rushed to her husband's side, tears of happiness and gratitude streaming down her face. "Oh, thank you, Arielle. We're so grateful. For a moment, I thought something bad was gonna happen to him."

I smiled, trying to brush off the praise. "It's no big deal, Ma'am. It's our responsibility to keep all our customers safe. As a matter of fact, every staff member here knows how to perform the technique. I just happened to be here."

But Mrs. Harrison wouldn't let it go. "No, Arielle, it's a big deal," she said. "You saved my husband's life. We can't thank you enough."

I nodded, as the scenario just

reminded me of a similar incident. The day I saved Nana Jean at the restaurant I was working as a chef that was before I met Jared. I had performed the same technique on Nana Jean when she choked, and that had marked the beginning of our acquaintance.

A bitter nostalgia smile hit my lips and I shook my head, now was not the time to get thoughts about the past running.