Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 165

(ARIELLE’S POV.)

I sat at the dining table, messing around with my laptop, trying to nail down an idea for a food blog. But so far, nothing was really clicking. I was just staring at the screen, at some animated chef holding a tray of pasta. The smile on his face felt almost ironic, given where my head was at.

“My respect, my queen. You still got the mood to work?”

I heard her before I saw her—Ashley’s voice echoing down the stairs, and I couldn’t help but flash a bitter smile. I looked up, and there she was, walking toward me. She had quietly stepped in to help with Maverick, and honestly, I couldn’t thank her enough for it.

“He’s sound asleep. Was a little sad mummy couldn’t read him his favorite bedtime story though,” she sighed with a tired smile as she plonked down into a chair beside mine at the dining table.

I let out a long, exhausted breath, slumping back in my seat.

“Thank you, Ash. Seriously, what would I do without you?”

“I know, right?” She did a little happy dance in her seat, then winked at me. “I’ll wear my trophies with pride, thank you very much.”

I chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood.

“So…” She dragged the word out, clearly building up to something. “Two guys fighting over you? For a chance to be with you? I gotta admit, I misjudged Dwayne. If he ever switches careers, he’s definitely winning an Oscar. Jared, though? Not so much.”

“Geez, Ash.” I sat up, feeling more self-conscious.

“I mean they literally almost tore out at each other’s eyes back in the car,” she said on a humorous note and burst out laughing.

“Shhh, you’ll wake Maverick,” I said, rubbing my temple, but I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. I guess that’s just how it goes when you’re a single mom—finding a reason to smile, even in the middle of all the chaos.

“Oh yeah. Right. Bet he’ll find it funny too,” Ashley laughed again, quietly this time. “But how’re you really?” she asked, her voice growing more serious.

I let out another heavy sigh, shaking my head. “I don’t even know. It’s all just... confusing. I’m in this mess, and I don’t know how to get out. I’ve got questions, Ash. Why now? Why me? Why am I caught up in all of this?”

“Maybe you’re just too much of a hot cake, and fate’s offering you up to some really fine men,” Ashley said, flashing me a coy smile. “One really fine guy... and another fine guy, but he’s a little silly, so he’s not so fine.”

“Not helping, Ash. Not helping at all,” I sighed.

“Sorry, sorry,” she said, though she was clearly still amused.

“It’s fine. I’m just.. lost you know. I need advice. What would you do if you were me?” I looked up at her.

“Me? You need my advice? What’s there to say really?”

“Oh, come on, Ash. Be serious now,” I said.

“Okay. Okay… Honest opinion: I’ll go with the hotter, wealthier guy. He has a sense of fashion as well,” she shrugged.