Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 135

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I think it was exhaustion, but I dozed off a little, while still talking to Jared, but it didn't stop me from realizing when he left the room, being a light sleeper.

Curiously, I decided to go after him and see where he was headed. Barely a second after he left the room, I got off the bed and went after him.

I was careful not to be seen, as I followed him closely through the hallway. He soon stopped at a room door, and walked in.

I hastened my steps and got to the door, but it was not a see–through one, but luckily it wasn't sound proof so I could hear everything from outside.

A bit worried about who he was there to see, I subtly leaned my ear in the door to pick out every sound that came from the room. Fortunately, I didn't have to wait for long as Sofia's angry voice seeped through.

Oh, he was here to see her. Of course. The bitterness clawed at me. No matter how many times he claimed things were over, she still held this sway over him. Saving me today? Just a show.

I was about to turn away, when I heard Jared speak. My breath hitched as I heard him defend me, warning Sofia to leave me alone or face the consequences. He even said he’d put her in jail.

I froze, barely processing what he’d said. Jared, protecting me? It didn’t feel real, not from the man who once watched in silence as I endured so much.

Still lost in thought and analyzing what changed, I didn't realize Jared was done talking to Sofia and had swung the door open until I saw him standing a few inches for me.

"Arielle?" His voice was low, frowning.

Heat flooded my face, embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping. I looked past him, catching a glimpse of Sofia’s tear-streaked face, her shoulders shaking as she wept in silence. A part of me almost pitied her, but I pushed it aside, taking a step back.

I had no interest in whatever mess they shared.

I turned to walk away, but Jared’s voice stopped me. “You were listening, weren’t you?”

"I wasn't," I said sharply as I continued walking.

"I know, Arielle," he suddenly said, making me halt in my steps.

I froze. “Know what?”

For a beat, he just held my gaze, locked onto mine with an intensity that sent chills through me. I could barely breathe.

Then in a tone that was filled with so much conviction, leaving no room for doubt, he asked the one question I have been dreading.

"Maverick is my son, isn't he?"

My world reeled, and I was thrown into a dizzying panic. “What are you talking about—”

“Don’t lie to me, Arielle,” he interrupted, his voice steely. “I know he’s mine. I am Maverick’s father.”

Rage snapped through me like a whip. “How dare you?” I hissed, stepping forward. “How dare you even say his name?”

I saw the shock flash across his face. Maybe he’d never seen me this way before. But I didn’t care. My fists clenched as years of anger and heartbreak surged to the surface, boiling over.