MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"No way! You actually spent the night with him? Just because of his grandmother?" Ashley's voice rang with disbelief.

"Shh! We didn't sleep together, Ash!" I felt the heat rise to my cheeks at the memory of last night. "We just... stayed in the same room, that's all."

"Oh, sure," she teased. "So innocent. You know what that sounds like, right?"

I rubbed my temples, trying to sound less flustered. "Ashley, do you have something important to talk about? It's a busy morning here, and I thought you'd be drowning in work too."

"Pff. I'm doing you a favor, breaking up your focus on all those orders. And if you even think about contacting him again, I'll strangle you."

Her laughter was infectious, and I found myself smiling, despite everything.

"Right," she went on, her tone shifting slightly, "remember that time I mentioned the whole Italian mafia thing?"

I rolled my eyes. "Vaguely. You mean that fling you had with that 'charming, dangerous man'? Marco, or...?"

"Keith," she corrected, a hint of nostalgia creeping into her voice. "And no, we're not together anymore. But, well... I got some news, and you should probably know."

"Okay, go on," I said, only half-listening as I checked the kitchen orders.

"There's been a shake-up in leadership," she said slowly. "The new boss... he's supposedly even worse than the last guy."

I paused, giving her my full attention. "That sounds serious, Ash. Why are you telling me this?"

"Because he's expanding part of their operations to New York."

My smile faded. "Are you sure about that? I mean, I don't doubt you, but... why New York? Wasn't he running things just fine in Italy?"

She hesitated, then added, "Look, my old man's still connected to a few people from his old gang days. He told me to be careful. And considering your ties to Jared... well, I thought you should know. His family's business has always had certain connections, and I worry about you and the little boy getting mixed up in anything dangerous."

The whole thing felt surreal. Back when I was married to Jared, I'd never asked about the details of his family's business. And now that we were even divorced, did I really need to care about it?

"Thanks for looking out for me, Ash," I said, my mind half a world away. "But I have security here. And as for Maverick, he's perfectly safe. No one even knows his real background."

"Still my girl," she chuckled. "But really, how did you manage to keep Maverick's identity under wraps all that time? Maybe Jared suspects?"

"I don't care if he does. No matter what, Mave is my son, first and foremost."

A pause, then she asked, "Seriously, Ari, what's your plan? Are you really going to keep playing happy family just to keep his grandma content? I doubt Jared's motives are that simple. And as for the 'fragile grandmother' excuse-last time I saw her, she looked like she could kick ten of my dad's asses. I don't buy that she'd just 'break' from hearing the truth."

I sighed, searching for the right words. Part of me knew she was right. Jared likely had his own reasons for wanting me to play along. But I couldn't bear to disappoint Nana Jean. And besides...

"Trust me, Ash. I'm not going back to Jared. I've had more than enough of his games. Whatever he's up to, I'm just going to ignore it."

Just as I hung up the phone, Emma, one of the newer waitresses, rushed into the kitchen looking flustered.

"Ma'am, there's someone here to see you," she said, a bit out of breath.

I wiped my hands on a towel and turned to face her. "Who is it? Someone we know?"

Emma shook her head, her brow furrowed. "I don't think so... she's not a regular. I don't recognize her."

"Her?" At that point, any thoughts of the visitor being Dwayne or Jared ebbed away.

"Yes, it's a lady," she confirmed. "And, um... she specifically asked for you."

"I'm busy. Have one of the managers check in with her."

Emma hesitated, glancing over her shoulder. "Stephan is dealing with her. But...I really think you should come. She... she seems a bit... intense."

This was something familiar. My mind immediately flashed to Sofia, but I dismissed the thought. She wouldn't dare return to the same place she was blacklisted and her engagement called off. Sighing, I washed my hands and followed the waitress out of the kitchen. As we walked out, I scanned the dining area, searching for the mysterious visitor.

The restaurant was a beehive of activities, as it was noon, it was bustling with lunchtime crowd and orders.

We approached the bar, and that's when I saw her.

Sofia.

Of course. Not a surprise for me anymore.

Standing by the bar, her eyes locked into mine with a mix of malice and fierness.

Her sleek hair looked somewhat tussled, her designer dress crinkled at some part.

I drew in a deep breath, bracing myself. This wouldn't be pretty.

"Arielle." She said, her voice reeking with a sweetness and I know was fake, as she stepped forward.

Beside her, Stephan's eyes narrowed, clearly irritated, though he kept a polite, professional smile. Turning to me, he whispered, "Should we call the police?"

I gave his shoulder a light pat, keeping my own voice low. "Stay calm, Stephan. Let's see what she wants."

Then I turned, frowning as I glanced at the security staff hovering nearby. "Why is she even here? Wasn't she barred from entering?"

One of the guards stepped forward, looking uncomfortable. "Ma'am, we tried to stop her, but she said-"

Sofia's smile then grew wilder, her eyes sparkling like someone who's just won a jackpot.

"They don't dare. Let me tell you Ms Arielle," she announced, her voice loud enough to draw attention from nearby patrons, "I'm pregnant." "Sorry what?"NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

"Well this is news for you. I'm pregnant, with Jared's child," she reiterated, this time for more emphasis, her voice filled with satisfaction. The news hit me hard, that I had a problem still keeping my expression neutral. I managed to, but inside, I was reeling with shock. Good for you Jared! So much for "moving on" these past three years huh?

"Is that so? Then congratulations," I replied, my tone controlled, betraying none of my inner ordeal. "But remind me again; why do I need to know this?" Sofia's eyes narrowed, obviously taken aback by my response. I guess she was expecting a hurt reaction from me, but trust me, she wasn't getting any.

"You need the information because I

want you to know that no matter

how you try; you can't get back with Jared! I'm having his child now, Arielle It's time you stepped aside," she said, looking me up and down with condescension.

Just then, Rebecca came in, her brows raised as she took in the scene. Our eyes met, and I gave her a subtle signal.

Not again, I thought. I have had enough of this entanglement, and most especially, I was not ready for Sofia's madness, not in my workplace.

Turning back to Sofia, I kept my voice calm.

"Sofia, let's get one thing clear. Jared and I are over, he's an adult and you too. You can't change his mind if he's already made a decision. Honestly, I don't care about

whatever is going on between el

two You are pregnant? Then take it up with the man responsible for it. Not me."

Her face immediately contorted in anger as she stepped towards me. "You think you're better than me?" She spat.

"I'm just saying you should leave," I replied, taking a step forward.

That seemed to trigger her as she turned vicious. She suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling violently.

"Let go of me Sofia," I demanded, trying to pull free, "what are you doing?"

But her grip tightened.

"You're not going to ruin my life," she hissed.

Around us, the other patrons started noticing, and a few began to step forward, wanting to intervene. But Sofia glared at them, her voice rising. "Back off! I'm pregnant, and this is none of your business!"

Knowing Sofia's volatility, I quickly

addressed the gathering crowd. "It's all right, everyone. Just a minor misunderstanding," I said, forcing a reassuring smile. I didn't want any of them caught in the middle of this.

Sofia took the chance to pull me toward the exit, dragging me with surprising force. I decided to go along, hoping I could diffuse this away from the crowd.

Once we were outside, I twisted, preparing to push her away, but she tightened her hold, her manicured nails digging painfully into my skin.

"You're not going to win," she snarled, her face contorted with crazy rage.

Before I could react, she took a sudden step toward the street, pulling me along with her-straight into oncoming traffic.

"Stop!" I shouted, horrified.

Cars screeched to a halt, horns blaring.

Her grip was unrelenting, her eyes locking onto mine with a chilling intensity. Her nails bit deeper, sending sharp pain up my arm. In that instant, her smile turned almost triumphant, a cold gleam in her eyes. "If I go down, you're coming with me," she whispered.