MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The next morning, I got prepared and left for work early. With all I overheard the previous night, I would rather not face Jared or Sofia.

As I boarded a cab to work, I couldn't stop thinking about how to come up with a plan to send Sofia away and take back control of my life and marriage.

I arrived at work and tried to distract myself with tasks and meetings, while also trying to evade Rebecca's curiosity on why Jared didn't drive me to work.

During lunch break, Ashley stopped at the restaurant on my plea. I really needed to talk to her in person because if there was anyone who could help me, it was her.

Seated in my office, Ashley cut to the chase. "So, have you come up with a plan yet?"

I shook my head, feeling frustrated. "No, I haven't. I've been thinking about it all morning, but can't think of anything."

"You have to, Arielle," Ashley said, sitting up on the seat, her expression serious. "Before things get out of control. Sofia is already plotting your divorce; who knows what she's capable of?"

"I know. It's just that, every idea I come up with seems ridiculous or impossible. You know how adamant Jared is, about her living with us. I'm so tired and clueless."

Ashley sighed and went silent, an act she does whenever she was in thought. "Actually, I thought of something," she finally said.

"Really?" I asked, leaning forward in expectancy.

Ashley nodded. "Yes. I think you should do something endearing to soften Jared's mind, and get him to have a rethink."

My eyes narrowed. I wasn't expecting that. "Something like what?"

"Something like preparing his favorite meal. You know how much he loves eating your food. After cooking, ask that you both eat alone in your dining room upstairs. Emphasis on alone, Sofia shouldn't be there. Lastly, make sure you look and smell nice, too." My brows shot up in confusion. "Is that your plan?"

"Not entirely, hear me out."

I nodded, urging her to continue.

"Let him finish with dinner, relax, and then you can bring up the topic. This time, approach it in a more polite and convincing way. Explain how you feel, and why you think Sofia's presence is putting a strain on your marriage and the bond you two share."

I thought about it for a moment. It wasn't a bad idea. Maybe, a calm and intimate setting with just the two of us, would help Jared see things from my perspective.

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll try it."

Ashley smiled. "That's the spirit. And please, Arielle, when I mean "look nice," I don't mean one of your neutral night gowns. I mean something hot, and if possible, transparent. All your goodies should be on display."

My face flushed in embarrassment as I reached to hit her, but she ducked. "You, silly girl. You didn't have to spell it out. I know what you meant."

"You do? But in case, you don't have something befitting, I could help you order some sexy lingerie from Jennifer's secret." As she said those words, Ashley grabbed her handbag and hurriedly rose from the chair because this time, I was determined to hit her naughty head.

And then she paused and glanced at her wristwatch. "Okay. I have to go back to work."

"So soon?" I asked, pouting. "At least, let me buy you lunch."

Ashley sneaked a peak at her watch again. "I really have to go. Some other time."

"Alright, let me see you off."

As we walked out of the office, she gasped. "Oh, I almost forgot!"

She reached into her handbag and pulled out a ffier, handing it to me. "Here, when you get Jared to change his mind, tonight, you two can attend this marriage conference being held during the weekend. It will help you both."

I accepted the flier, grateful. "Thanks, Ash. You're a lifesaver."

Ashley smiled. "Alright, time to leave. Good luck tonight, and keep me posted."

With that, we shared a quick hug, and she hurried off. After Ashley left, I returned to work, but my mind was preoccupied with the task ahead. Jared's favorite dish was Sushi, a

Japanese dish that required tie net

and efforts to prepare. I knew I had to leave work early to start cooking before hr got back from work, so I hurried to finish my tasks and find Rebecca.

I found her in the dinning area, and beckoned her over. "Rebecca, I need a favor."

""What is it, Ma?"

"I need to leave work early to tend to something important, and I was wondering if you could fill in for me."

Rebecca nodded. "Of course, I'd be happy to help. What time do you need to leave?"

"As soon as possible."

"Go ahead, then. But you have to give me the lowdown, that's if it's not personal."

A gossip, that one. I thanked her and hurried off to my office. I gathered my things and exited the restaurant.

My next stop was the market, where I had to buy fresh seafood and ingredients for the Sushi. As I boarded a cab home after making my purchases, I texted Ashley to fill her in on the progress I have made.

I soon arrived home, and as I stepped into the compound, something seemed off. Jared's car was parked, and that was unusual unless he was home. But then, he can't be home, he has to be at work.

I waved the thought aside, deciding he might have gone out with one of his other cars. It was not unlikely of him, even though the black Bentley was his favorite car.

I entered the house, calling out to see if anyone was home. Maybe Sofia, but there was no response. She probably was in her room, or had gone for antenatal. I shrugged, and walked into the kitchen to unpack the foodstuffs. Speaking of antenatal, I realized that I hadn't started mine, even though I was a month gone now, and it was paramount I started, for the baby's safety and health.

I sighed, and resumed taking the

foodstuffs out. If things worked as

I

planned tonight, I can finally break the news to Jared, and it would no longer be a secret even though never planned for it to be.

Circumstances just made it that

way.

Just as I was about to start cooking, it dawned on me that I was still in my work clothes. I mentally smacked my head as I walked out of the kitchen for the room.

I ascended the stairs, and got to the bedroom door, but a noise caught my attention. I paused, fear crawling into my skin. Was someone in the room, or had Jared indeed returned?

I stood rooted to the spot, scared to walk in just in case a bugler was in the room. But the sound came again, and this time it was louder and clearer.

It was a masculine grunt, Jared's. My eyes narrowed as I wondered why he was home early, so I pushed the door open and walked in.

What I saw took my breath away...