MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

After Jared Left, I was left speechless. I sat numbly on the bed, staring into space, while trying to figure out what just transpired. My head was fogged, as I tried to digest the fact that Jared heaped blames on me while taking sides with Sofia. Minutes passed, and I fell asleep in that state, my mind still in shock from the argument. I woke up to the grumbling of my stomach, recalling that I hadn't had dinner.

Turning to scan the room, I noticed Jared hadn't returned. It seemed he was determined on spending the night in the guest room.

I tried not feel hurt as I got off the bed. I walked to the bathroom to shower, attempting to shake off the feeling of emptiness. After bathing and slipping into my nightdress, I wandered out of the room searching for food. I walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge, scanning the contents for something to eat.

As I waited for my food to heat up, my mind trailed off Jared. I contemplated going to the guest room to talk to him. Like Ashley said, communication was paramount in relationships.

As I took out the macaroni from the microwave, I made up my mind to go talk to Jared after eating. I could take him dinner too because I doubt he had had anything to eat since we got back.

Done eating, I dished out his portion and placed it in a tray with a bottle of water. I walked upstairs and made for the guest room. As I approached the door, I heard voices and stopped. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized Sofia's voice.

"Tell me, why are you are still with her when she's obviously not the one you want?" Sofia's shrill voice sounded behind the door.

Jared sighed before responding. "Because I respect her. She's not like the other women who are gold diggers. Besides, we're compatible."

"But do you love her?"

Jared paused, and I inched closer, held my breath, while waiting for his response.

The seconds dragged on, and I felt my pulse quicken, the tension in the air suffocating. Then, he muttered with a touch of annoyance, "Don't ask me stupid questions, Sofia. It's not about love—"

"That's the point! You DON'T love her, and you can't stay married to someone you don't love. You shouldn't be married in the first place."

I gasped, my thoughts drowning out Sofia's words. I was shattered by Jared's revelation. I knew he didn't love me, he probably admired and respected me like he admitted, but hearing him admit it was heartbreaking.

It took a lot of self-control not to let the tray slip from my hands, thereby alerting the duo that I was eavesdropping.

But Sofia's next words snapped me out of my misery. "You should divorce her."

What? My eyes dilated, and my throat went dry. Did I hear her correctly? Sofia was suggesting divorce to Jared?

How dare she?

Heat flooded my face, and I almost stormed into the room to confront her, but I hesitated. I wanted to hear Jared's response would he even consider it?

"That's not possible, Sofia," Jared replied, his voice sounding final.

But Sofia seemed all out. "Why not? If you're worried about the divorce process, I have a good lawyer friend who can help us, and ensure that Arielle doesn't request for a dime from you. And it's even better

because she has no child for you, so you won't have to pay for child

support."

My mouth hung open, beyond stupefied at how conniving Sofia can be and how much she wanted me out of Jared's life.

"I can't do that to Arielle. I can't divorce her without a reason. She doesn't deserve it."

Sofia's response was even more shocking than the last. "Then we can come up with one."

At this point, I decided I had heard enough. I couldn't bear to listen to the conversation anymore. I hurried away, returned the tray of food to the kitchen, and went back upstairs to think about what I heard.

What did I ever do wrong to Sofia that would make her want me out of my marriage? My head was muddled now, and I couldn't stop myself from calling Ashley. She was the only one I had except from my mother, and calling my mother was a bad idea that I would never dare to attempt.

I quickly dialed Ashley's number, my hands trembling. She answered on the first ring, and I poured everything to her.

Ashley listened attentively, but I could sense her anger over the phone

"I warned you, Arielle," she said finally. "I told you to send that woman out of your home, but you wouldn't listen. Now see what she's up to; plotting your divorce under your own roof."

Tears stung at the corners of my eyes, but I bit them back. "What do I do, Ashley? I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I-I need help."

Ashley went quiet for a moment, and as I waited for her to speak, my mind wandered. Jared's words kept echoing in my head: "It's not about love." Did he mean that he didn't need to answer Sofia? Or was he admitting that he simply didn't love me the way I loved him?

Love had always been a luxury to me. Our marriage was calm, stable even, but lacking that deep passion once without sex. It wasn't like we'd had a fairytale beginning. He came from a wealthy family, and my place in his life had always been one of convenience. I wouldn't have been with him if not for his grandmother's insistence. But Jared never

complained.

I'd always thought he was the kind of person who didn't need the words "I love you." He never seemed the type to shout it loudly. For years, I convinced myself that love didn't really matter to him, just as it didn't to me. But hearing his words now, something clicked. I was a fool. A complete fool.

Then Ashley spoke, her tone sharp.

"Beat her at her own game, Arielle.

She wants you out of your marriage? Then kick her out of your home. Show he who's really in charge. Even if you end up divorcing, don't let her take a damn thing from Jared! You might not have his heart, but you've got his home. Use that. Make her leave. I don't care how you do it, but make sure she's gone."

I took a deep breath. "You're right, Ashley. I won't let her win. I have to make things work between Jared and me. I have to." As I said those last words, it was more of an affirmation to myself than a response.

I had to make it work-for Jared, for our child, and maybe, just maybe, to prove my mother wrong. I could do this. I had to.