Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 147

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The next day was a Saturday, and Maverick was not going to school. I woke up early, feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty.

It would be my first time leaving Jared alone with Maverick for the day, and I couldn’t shake the nagging worry that he might—well, not exactly cause trouble—but stumble into it somehow.

Still, I had little choice. Mom was leaving for her trip, and taking Maverick to the restaurant wasn’t an option, because I didn't want him in public eyes these days.

After getting dressed, I walked into the living room. Jared and Maverick were on the couch, watching CoComelon, their laughter filling the space.

“Morning,” Jared greeted, his gaze flicking to me.

"Morning," I replied, taking a seat beside Maverick.

Maverick grinned up at me, his cheeks bulging with what looked like a candy bar.

"Mom, can I go for a walk with Dad later?" He asked.

"Not today, dear," I said, and turned to Jared.

"I need to talk to you," I said, my tone serious so I could drive home how important what I had to say was.

"Of course," Jared replied, giving me his attention.

“I’m leaving Maverick with you today,” I began, keeping my voice calm but direct. “Mom’s heading out for her trip, and I can’t take him with me to work. I don’t want him in the public eye.”

Jared nodded. "Don't worry, I've got this," he said reassuringly.

"I know you do, but I still need to warm him," I said, turning to Maverick again.

I turned to Maverick, who had already peeled his gaze from the TV to focus on me.

“Remember what I told you? Be good, okay? And don’t give your dad any trouble,” I said, crouching beside him for emphasis.

He nodded. "I'll be good, Mommy."

I smiled, and pulled him into a hug. "I know you will."

Standing up, I grabbed my bag and turned back to Jared. “Call me immediately if there’s any issue. Promise?”

"Got it," he saluted.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“That’s Ashley,” I said, heading toward the door. “I’ve gotta go. Bye, baby!”

Maverick waved at me, his candy bar still clutched tightly.

Outside, Ashley waited in her car, her signature mischievous grin already in place.

I had texted her the situation of things last night, and she had insisted on picking me up today just so she could hear the gist first hand. I don't think anyone likes to listen to gossip like my best friend.

“Ready to go?” she asked the second I slid into the passenger seat.

“Let’s go,” I said, fastening my seatbelt.

She didn’t waste a second before diving in. “Alright, spill it! And don’t you dare hold back. I want everything uncensored.”

I laughed, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. “Fine, fine. Here’s the rundown...”

As we drove, I filled her in on the latest drama with Jared and Maverick.

"And now he's staying with you?" She exclaimed in disbelief.

I nodded.

"Temporarily," I added for clarity.

Ashley cocked her eyebrows. "Interesting."

I rolled my eyes, hitting her slightly on the shoulder. "Don't start."

"I'm just saying, this is you calling for disaster upon yourself," she teased.

I blushed, shaking my head. "Not gonna happen.”

“We’ll see,” she said with a knowing smirk. Then, her expression shifted as I pointed to the faint hickey on her neck.

“Too obvious,” I teased. “Let me guess—last night. Whose bed?”

“Ugh, don’t even,” she groaned, rolling her eyes.

I leaned closer, more intrigued now. “What? Bad date? Zero chemistry?”

“Zero everything,” she said with a dramatic shake of her head.

“Well,” I said, barely suppressing a laugh, “maybe hold out for someone who doesn’t make you regret it by morning?”

“I am waiting! And while I’m waiting for the right one, I’m having fun with the wrong ones.”