Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 1

(ARIELLE’S POV)

The scent of the dinner wafted through the room, as I focused on my husband, Jared. His dark hair falling just right, framing his straight nose and sharp jawline. Even in his casual clothes, the man had an undeniable presence—broad shoulders, a sculpted chest. He could’ve walked right out of a magazine, yet here he was, with me.

It was our anniversary, and in commemoration of that, I had suggested that we had an indoor dinner– just the two of us.

Despite his usual aloof self, Jared had created time from his usual busy work schedule, and that was a gesture I considered lovely. Especially when he looked up at me with those smoldering eyes, it was hard to stay upset.

I had chosen to sit across from him instead of our usual dinning position–beside him because I wanted to see all of his reactions when I finally broke the good news to him.

You see, I just discovered that I am pregnant yesterday from our family doctor, and I stalled the news, so I could break it to Jared during the anniversary dinner.

Whatever way would have been better? Celebrating an anniversary, and the conception of a baby. Sounds like a double party to me.

“This meal is delicious, Arielle,” Jared commented, interrupting my line of thoughts. "I don't understand why I'm always awed by your culinary skill. You are a chef after all.”

I flashed him the most beautiful smile I could muster, feeling flustered by his compliment. “Thank you, Jared. That means a lot coming from you.”

He smiled back, but his was not as wide and bright as mine. “You didn't have to make so many dishes, though. Two or three would have been just enough. It's only the two of us after all.”

I clicked my tongue, there he went again. I was just about to reply to him, to tell him that it was our anniversary and I wanted to make it special, when his phone rang, the shrill sound disrupting the calm atmosphere.

Jared's face fell when he looked at the screen, and then his expression turned apologetic. “Excuse me, Arielle. I have to take this. It's work,” he said and rose to his feet.

I felt a lump form in my throat, as I nodded in understanding, trying to mask my disappointment.

“It's fine, go on. I'll be here,” I said, my voice coming out flatter than I intended.

“I'll make it up to you, I swear. I'll get you new jewelry, whatever you want,” he called out as he rushed out of the dinning room.

I reclined back on my seat, frustrated and disappointed. It’s 9 o’clock. Who leaves their home at this time for work? It’s our special day for crying out loud, and making it up to me with jewelry?

My eyes inadvertently rolled. Men need to learn that gifts are not always the key to a woman's heart; quality attention is.

I sighed for the umpteenth time. He hadn’t mentioned when he’d return, as usual. Would he even remember our anniversary when he was done with work? The food once appealing, now looked unappetizing. Our anniversary dinner, ruined by a work call.

Then I proceeded to cover the food. While at it, I decided that I will wait for Jared in the sitting room while entertaining myself with my favorite reality show.

I got to the sitting room to wait for Jared. Pregnancy reactions made me drowsy, and even before I knew it, I fell asleep and woke up with a start hours later. My eyes groggily opened to an eerily calm house. I was still on the couch, alone.

Looking up at the clock, my heart sank. It was a few minutes past 12 o'clock.

A painful realization dawned on me; our anniversary was over. Anger and disappointment enveloped me as I realized that Jared wasn't home yet. I had been excited to share my news with him, but now, that too was ruined.

I walked over to the dining room, the remnants of our anniversary dinner still laid out on the table. Fine, guess this was the karma for me, a star chef, taking a two-day leave and not cooking for my appreciative guests but cooking for my husband.

Sighing in resignation, I cleared the table and sent some of the food to the trash.

In the early morning, I arrived at the restaurant, the familiar chaos of the kitchen greeted me like an old friend, and so did my colleagues. Their expression is a mix of concern and curiosity.

“Arielle! You came so early! I thought you were taking a two-day off.”