MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

At the sound of Jared's voice, Sofia quickly withdrew her hand and swirled around to face him. The coldness in her eyes was now replaced with warmth, and I wondered how she effortlessly switched personalities. "Nothing Serious. Arielle, here, just arrived and I was informing her how worried we were in her absence," Sofia said smiling.

"Arielle?" Jared called and hastened his steps, and soon he was in front of me. "You got me worried. Where have you been?" "Somewhere safe," I mumbled, avoiding eye contact with him.

"I was so worried when I called Ashley and she said you were not with her. I wanted to call the cops but Sofia suggested we stall a bit. She was really optimistic that you were fine and would return home, and she was right." Sofia flashed me a smug triumphant smile.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

I stifled a scoff. How blind can Jared be? Sofia's suggestion was not from a place of concern for me, but because she didn't want him to look for me. But as usual, she had played her card so well that he saw her for the saint she's not.

"Look, Arielle, I know you're hurting from what you heard," Jared continued, attempting to hold my hand but recoiled. I saw a look of hurt flash on his face but he quickly recovered and went on. "Things are not what they appear to be, really. If you'd let me " "Let's not do this now, Jared," I interrupted. "I'm here for a change of clothes and I have to get on with it, else I will be late for work."

Again, there was a look of hurt and disappointment on Jared's face, but he did his best in masking it. "Alright. If that's it, I'm leaving for work too. I will wait for you to change and then drive you to work."

I wanted to decline, but Sofia beat me to it. "C'mon, Jared, you're late for work and should get going. I'm sure Arielle can find her way to work the same way she found her way home," she said the last words with an angry look shot in my direction.

"I'm the boss, and arriving at work a little late won't get me scolded or fired. Arielle, go on, I will wait for you," Jared said firmly.

"Ummm...that won't be necessary. Ashley is waiting outside. She will drive me to work."

Jared's eyes narrowed. "Ashley? I thought she said she was unaware of your whereabouts?"

Dang it! How could I have forgotten? "Ummm, actually I called her this morning to come pick me up at the hotel I lodged," I responded quickly.

The suspicious look in Jared's eyes receded as he seemed convinced by my explanation. But Sofia gave me a smirk that suggested she knew I was not telling the truth. It's not like I care, though. She can think whatever.

"I will go on now," I said, desperate to get away from the tense environment.

"Alright," Jared responded.

I nodded and ascended the stairs. I hurried to my room and quickly changed into a gray pants and white shirt. I wore a black low pump to match and grabbed my work bag with my work ID in it. I applied a little powder and lip gloss, sprayed perfume, and rearranged my hair. Satisfied with my look, I hurried out.

I got downstairs, and thankfully neither Sofia nor Jared was in sight. I continued outside, and there they were, with Sofia trying to knot Jared's already perfect knotted tye.

"You're ready?" Jared inquired, like he was waiting for me.

"Yes," I responded, still moving.

"Alright. You're sure you don't want me to drop you off at work?"

Sofia quickly chipped in. "Arielle is not a child, Jared. Let her be."

"Yes, thank you," I said and hurried out.

I got into Ashley's car and let out a sigh of relief.

"Are you alright?" Ashley inquired, looking at me with concern. "You took so long."

"I'm fine. Let's go please, I'm running late."

"Alright." Ashley started the car and we were soon on our way.

"Did you see Jared?" She asked, breaking the silence after a while.

"I did, but I don't want to talk about it," i said dismissively.

Ashley nodded, and we did not say a word to each other until she pulled up at the restaurant's parking lot.

"We're here," she announced.

"Thank you for dropping me off," I said and grabbed my bag, making to alight.

"Hey, I might not pick you up after work. We are having a meeting with the company's board members and it might run into the evening. You will be safe, won't you?" "Sure. I will," I responded.

"Fine. Have a nice day at work today."

I nodded. "You too," and I alighted.

I barely got to the restaurant's entrance, when Rebecca accosted me, her usual grin on her face.

"Good morning, Ma," she greeted, hurrying to catch up with me.

"Good morning, Becca. How was your weekend?"

"Normal, as usual. How was yours?"

"Fine," I said simply.

"I can see. You look radiant today," she complimented and then her voice lowered in a conspiratory whisper. "But, I didn't see your handsome husband drop you off today."

I paused, as it dawned on me that

this was the first time Jared was not dropping me off at work. But quickly, I regained composure, making up a convincing lie. "Umm...he had.

something to do at the office, so he left even before/

up.

"Oh, I'm sure it was so important."

"Yes, it was."

"Okay, but I'm sure he will -"

"Umm...Rebecca have you seen Mr Stone today?" I quicky interrupted her, in a bid to evade any more of her questions.

"I think I saw him around the the store area..."

"Okay. See you later," I said and hurried off, not giving her room to talk further.

I got to my office and puffed out air.

I was grateful to have escaped

Rebecca's inquisitive self. Isn't it

ironic how she thought my marriage

and husband was perfect, when the

reverse was the case?

I puffed out air again, and shoved the thoughts behind. It was a working day, and I have to get to work. With that thought in mind, I walked out of the office and made for the kitchen.

******

The day went in a blur and it was

soon closing time. I clocked out and made for the restaurant's exit,

preparing to book a cab. On arriving outside, I saw Jared waiting, Ca

bouquet in hand.

"Jared?"

"Hi, wifey. Flowers for you," he said handing me the flower. "I'm here to drive you home."