Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 122

(ARIELLE’S POV)

After leaving the restaurant, Dwayne and I strolled through the city, enjoying the feel of the warm sun on our skin. I still couldn't believe he was really here, walking beside me. Our daily calls and messages weren't the same as having him physically present.

"I'm still in shock," I said, smiling at him. "Why did you come?"

His eyes dangled with amusement as he glanced at me. "I missed you. Simple as that."

His response left me momentarily speechless. I guess I would never get used to how straightforward he can be most of the time. We walked in comfortable silence for a while, taking the sights of the street together.

“I noticed that young manager,” Dwayne suddenly said, making me halt in surprise. I told him about Stephen and even sent a photo, but I didn't expect him to recognize Stephen that easily especially when they were not up close.

“He looked at you like he was ready to devour you whole,” Dwayne went on, his tone teasing and amusing. “Ah, youth.”

I laughed, feeling a slight blush rise to my cheeks. “Stop it Dwayne. You know I’d never take that seriously. He’s just a child."

Dwayne chuckled, “He’d be heartbroken if he heard you say that. But hey, it’s good news for me. I can stop worrying about you being charmed away.”

I punched his shoulders lightly, rolling my eyes playfully. "You're ridiculous."

As we walked on, I couldn’t help but notice how much Dwayne had transformed since we first met years ago. Back then, he was quiet and carried an air of melancholy that puzzled me. Now, while he still held onto some mystery, it felt lighter—perhaps Italy and the art of cooking had softened him.

And I didn't hesitate to voice my thoughts to him. “You know Dwayne,” I began. “You've changed a lot.”

He stopped to give me one of his signature amused looks before he resumed walking. "You think so?"

"I know so," I replied. "You seem more... carefree."

“Maybe I am. Somebody cares about me so I won’t have to care that much."

I blinked, and we were once again plunged into silence.

We've walked a reasonable distance on foot but I didn't care, as long as it was with Dwayne.

Instinctively, I turned to spare him a glance, and was surprised to see him looking at me. His eyes were now intense holding something I couldn't decipher.

"What's up with the look?" I asked, giving off a laugh to mask how awkward I suddenly felt.

He slowed his pace, eyes locking into mine, as if preparing to say something important. I slowed down, too, my heart beginning to beat slightly faster.

"What is it?" I asked.

But before he could respond, my phone rang, shattering the moment. I sighed inwardly and took it out of my purse, checking the caller.

Jared. His name flashed on the display, and a shiver ran down my spine. Why was he calling me? Just then, a text arrived too.

"Pick up, please, it's urgent," it read.

"I'm sorry, I have to take this," I said to Dwayne, feeling a little guilty.

He gave me a reassuring nod. "Go ahead. It seems important.

I answered the call, my eyes never leaving Dwayne's.