MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV

As we drove along the road, I leaned closer to the window, my gaze fixed outside. It wasn't the scenery that held my attention but the way my thoughts felt heavier with every mile. Then something caught my eye-QuickFix Auto.

At first glance, it was just a car repair shop. Ordinary, unremarkable. But as I stared, recognition hit me like a wave.

I blinked, the name tugging at a memory I hadn't thought about in years. Suddenly, it all came flooding back.

It was six years ago, early in our marriage. I'd spent an entire day selling cakes at a charity event. The rain had started pouring just as the event ended, and I'd gotten stuck with kids whose parents hadn't shown up to pick them up yet. I called Jared, frustrated and soaked, filling him in.

What I didn't know then was that he had canceled a flight and rescheduled an important meeting. Just to come for me.

But life being what it was, his car broke down as soon as he reached me.

I could still remember the two of us, shivering and laughing like we were two invincible high schoolers, pulling his car over, to this very shop. It was one of those moments that felt so intimate. Just us, no pretense, no world watching.

Now, staring at the shop, I felt the sharp ache of that memory. It wasn't just bittersweet-it was choking. Like the weight of all the nearly seven years I'd bottled up was finally too much to bear. "S-stop the car," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Everyone turned to look at me in surprise.

"Stop the car!" I said again, louder this time, my words firmer.

Ashley was the first to ask. "Arielle, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I responded simply.

Turning to Roman, I added, "Please, tell the driver to stop."

There was something in my tone, or maybe the look on my face, that made him nod without question. "Pull over," he instructed.

The car slowed to a stop, and before I could even unbuckle, Ashley reached for my arm. "I'll come with you."

"No," I said firmly. "This is something I need to do alone."

Her hand lingered on mine. "Arielle..."

"I'm fine. It's just..." the words snagged somewhere between my chest and my throat. "He wasn't always like this, Ash. Jared... Jared wasn't supposed to be like this..."

The weight of it all pressed down, and my voice faltered. Tears burned at the edges of my resolve, but I swallowed hard.

I need to do this alone.

Jared was the only man I'd ever loved at least, in those three years of our marriage. That memory wasn't a lie. That man wasn't a lie. He was the Jared I knew, the one I trusted. The man I had loved couldn't be the cold stranger at the club who refused to help us. The Jared I knew would've offered a hand to anyone in need, even a stranger.

He shouldn't be like this. He couldn't be like this!

I was in a complicated mood, with a strong indescribable urge to face Jared and figure out how all of these had happened. I didn't even know what I wanted to ask, but I desperately needed an answer! Ashley's eyes bore into mine, her hand wrapping around mine in silent support. She knew me. Oh she always did.

"Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yes."

This was important, as going to see Jared was me looking for a chance to free myself.

From the demons from my past, the emotions, anger and bitterness I have hoarded.

No matter what the result was, this decision was a choice I made for myself.

Ashley hesitated, worry etched on her face, but my resolve silenced her. With a deep breath, I opened the car door and stepped out, ignoring the concerned stares that followed me.

Just as I thought I'd be left alone, I felt Dwayne's presence behind me.

"Dwayne, I don't think " I began, turning to protest, but he cut me off with a small gesture, signaling Roman.

Before I could stop it, the limousine door shut, and the car drove off, leaving the two of us standing there.

I turned to Dwayne, about to ask him what he was doing, but he met my gaze with a determined one, and I knew it was pointless fighting.

"No matter where you're going," he said gently, his voice steady yet soft, "it'll be faster and safer if I take you there."

His tone wasn't just reassuring; it was firm. It was as if he could see right through me, knowing I was teetering on the edge.

"I know the owner of this shop," he added. "He fixed my bike once. I'll borrow a motorcycle."

I stared at him for a moment before nodding, too drained to argue. Even if I tried, Dwayne wouldn't budge. And deep down, I didn't want him to. The fire in my chest-the one fueled by unanswered questions and a desperate need for closure was burning too hot to contain.

He took my silent agreement as permission, his expression softening into a small smile before he jogged toward the repair shop.

I stood there, staring at the ground, my mind racing as I waited. Minutes later, the roar of an engine snapped me out of my thoughts. Dwayne pulled up on a sleek black motorcycle, his dark hair slightly tousled by the breeze. He removed his helmet and handed it to me. "Are you ready?"

"Yes."

After making sure the helmet was secure, he got on the bike, waiting for me to climb on behind him. I slid onto the seat, my arms instinctively wrapping around his waist.

With a gentle roar, the bike sprang to

life, and we were off. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying away the heaviness in my chest, even if only for a little while. There was something liberating about the speed, the open air.

Dwayne seemed to know exactly where I wanted to go. The route was familiar, back to the club.

"How... do you know?" I asked, my voice barely cutting through the roar of the engine. "I didn't tell you."

I could feel him smile despite not seeing his face. "No one knows you better than I do, Ostrich," he said, his voice carried away by the wind, but loud enough for me to hear them.novelbin

My heart sighed, and I hugged his waist tightly. I was grateful to him; he was giving me the courage and support to face my past and confront the demons that had haunted me for so long.

I exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry I'm a terrible person who doesn't deserve a friend like you..."

The words were just a whisper, gone with the wind.

That wind roared past my ears, and there was even a slight drizzle starting as we neared the club, but my thoughts were more adamant than ever. My resolve was even firmer when Dwayne slowed the bike to a stop outside. "We're here," he said, his voice calm.

I got down from the bike and looked

at Dwayne, taking in his appearance. He looked handsome as usual, but his face was somewhat drawn in a bitter line. I wanted to ask why? Was it because of the wind and slight drizzle during the ride here? Was it something else?

I wanted to ask him, to inquire about what was going through his head. But I didn't ask. Instead, I could only whisper, "thank you."

He smiled, and leaned forward to ruffle my hair. "Don't look so sad. Jared is still inside. I just saw his car parked. He hasn't left yet. Don't worry, I'll be here for you. I'll be waiting outside."

From his leather jacket, he pulled out a sleek black card and handed it to me. "This will get you in without a problem. No one will stop you-"

Before he could finish, I stepped forward and hugged him. The movement surprised us both.

My arms encircled him for just a moment, but I held on tighter than I intended, trying to convey something that I couldn't put into words.

Dwayne went stiff at first, and didn't respond immediately.

Then, almost hesitantly, his hands settled around me. I thought I felt them tremble, just faintly.

"Thank you," I whispered again, my voice muffled against his chest. I finally let him go, stepping aside.

"Good luck," Dwayne said softly.

I nodded, turned away, and headed toward the club's entrance. Before stepping inside, I paused, drawing a deep, steadying breath. It was time.