Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 134

(JARED'S POV)

“Why did you save me first this time?”

Her question hit me like a jolt, slicing through the silence. She asked it so directly, as if it were a simple thing to answer. But I had no words for her.

Not for this.

What could I even say? Should I confess how my heart nearly stopped when Rebecca’s voice trembled over the phone, telling me Sofia was at the restaurant? How my mind had been a storm of dread as I drove, running red lights, my only thought was to get to her? Should I admit that I’d spent years wrapped in regret, haunted by the choices that led us here?

When I saw Sofia holding her, willing to drag them both into death, I didn’t think. There was only one truth pulsing through me: I can’t lose you, Arielle. I couldn’t live with myself if I did.

But now? Now I had no right to say any of that. My words felt hollow—especially when I thought of everything I’d done three years ago, all the ways I’d chosen wrong. And then there was Sofia, spinning tales about her pregnancy, leaving me in knots of guilt and doubt.

What had she told Arielle? What did Arielle say to provoke Sofia’s madness? I didn’t know. I couldn’t even begin to fathom it.

When I didn’t answer, Arielle finally looked away, her voice soft. “Forget it. I’m going to rest.”

I nodded, bitterly, reaching to hold her hand.

She didn’t pull away this time, maybe she’s too tired. But it was enough to hold me to her. To make me believe she’s alive, and she’s here, with me.

I stayed until she fell asleep, then slipped quietly out of the room. There was something I needed to do.

I found Sofia’s room and entered. On taking in her look, I realized her injuries were mostly minor but her face bruised.

On noticing my presence, her eyes snapped towards me, red–hot like coal.

"You saved her first! You chose her over me,' she spat, her voice bearing accusations.

I held my ground, hands tucked into my pockets, bracing myself for her fury.

"Sofia, I—" I began.

But she cut me off, her voice raised.