Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 136

(ARIELLE'S POV)

My last words were firm: “Don’t come any closer, Jared. I mean it.”

He halted, his eyes misty. For a moment, I thought he'd defy me, but then he nodded and stepped back.

Without another glance, I turned around and hurried off. I refused to look back, quickening my step along the hallway. My heart thudded in my chest, relief flooding my system when I finally reached the sanctuary of my hospital room.

I shut the door behind me, leaning against it as I let out a shaky breath. The encounter with Jared has left me badly shaken and drained.

My mind kept racing, as I couldn't get rid of the thoughts of what would happen now that Jared knew Maverick's paternity.

Would he go to court and try to take him from me, especially as I have refused to let him into our lives? No way, my inner mother instincts instantly kicked in at the thought, and I vowed fiercely that no one would take my child from me.

But as much as I was being optimistic, I couldn't rule out the fact that Jared's pursuit to get back into I and Maverick's life won't halt, not when he knew the boy was his.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Ashley. I had called her earlier from the hospital and, despite wanting to rush over, she’d held off when I promised her I was stable. But she’d insisted on picking me up.

"Ashley?" I said into the phone.

“Hey, girl. How are you holding up?” Concern filled her voice.

“I’m alright. The doctor says I can leave. Can you come pick me up? I’m ready to go home.”

“You don’t sound so alright,” she said, instantly catching on. “I’ll be there in 20. Tell your mom and the little boy you’re spending the night at my place.”

I smiled, always like that, typically Ash.

"Alright queen," I said and dropped the call.

After splashing water on my face in the bathroom to freshen up, I gathered my things and waited for Ashley. She arrived as promised and texted me to meet her in the parking lot. I prayed I wouldn’t run into Jared on my way out—and thankfully, I didn’t.

As soon as I got into the car, she looked at me, worried. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

"Yeah, I am. Quit being a mother hen and let's get going already." I managed a small smile.

"That bitch is damn lucky I was not present at the time of the incident, else she would be in coma now, fighting for her life," Ashley hissed, as she inserted the car's key in its hole.

I stifled a laugh, but knowing Ashley, I was glad she wasn't there because she sure as hell would have gone through with her threat.

As we drove, she lightened the mood with jokes and updates from her job, filling the silence with her curses about her workaholic boss and laughter. I was grateful for her efforts; bit by bit, the day’s nightmares faded.

By the time we arrived at her apartment and settled in with pajama pants and a classic movie, it felt almost normal.

She handed me a beer, and I took it without question, letting the burn settle me.

At some point, a tear slipped down my cheek, surprising me as I realized how raw I felt.

“Ari, I’m here,” she murmured, hugging me and brushing the tears away.