Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 204

(ARIELLE'S POV)

As the party got underway, I insisted on stepping aside for a moment to call Rebecca and Stephen. I needed to let them know about my decision to take two days off.

They readily agreed, assuring me they’d keep things running smoothly at the restaurant in my absence. Relieved, I thanked them and ended the call before heading back inside.

What Ashley called a pre-party turned out to be a lively, classic celebration—music, drinks, dancing, and endless chatter. It had been ages since I’d attended something like this, and I couldn’t help but feel a little thrill as I mingled, catching up with people and sneaking in a few moments to casually promote my restaurant.

But as the evening wore on, the fatigue of the day finally caught up with me. My energy waned, and I felt the telltale weakness creeping in.

Dwayne, as if sensing it, stayed close by. At one point, he gently patted my shoulder, leaning in to whisper, “If you’re tired just go back to your room and rest. You’ve got tomorrow and the next two days to enjoy your little vacation, Ostrich.”

I shook my head, unwilling to dampen the mood for anyone else. “I’ll just rest on one of the lounge chairs over there,” I said, gesturing to a quieter corner of the deck. “It’s fine, really. You all keep enjoying yourselves.”

His eyes softened with concern, but when I smiled and reassured him, he finally relented. “Alright,” he said with a small, understanding smile.

I playfully added, “My mother’s over there too. I’ll go chat with her.”

With that, I turned and headed toward that short but steady figure.

Mom stood by the railing, the endless ocean stretching before us, her smile knowing. We’d found a quiet spot on the ship to sit and talk, away from the noise of the party. She glanced at me, her eyes filled with curiosity and warmth.

"Finally found some peace," she said, shaking her head with a small laugh as she took a sip of her drink. "These young lives... always so busy. So, how’s everything going, sweetie? Work, Maverick?”

I sighed, already feeling lighter just being able to talk to her. “Work’s been hectic, as usual. Maverick... he’s almost four now, Mom. Can you believe it? He’s becoming his own little person, and he’s so excited about life. He’s made new friends, and next week is his school’s Open House. He’s been talking about it nonstop.”

I paused, the mention of the Open House tugging at a thread of unease. Mom noticed immediately, her perceptive gaze softening.

“And his father?” she asked gently. “Will Jared be there?”

I hesitated, my voice quieter. “Yeah, he will. Jared wants to come, and I agreed. It felt like the right thing to do for Maverick.”

What I didn’t tell her was how Jared had leveraged Uncle Ashley’s business for this opportunity. Some truths felt too heavy to share, even with her.

Mom studied me closely. “You don’t sound entirely comfortable with that. Are you really okay with it?”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, “It’s just… Jared and I have a complicated history. We always have. But Maverick needs us both, and I’m trying to keep things civil—for him.”

She nodded, sensing I wasn’t ready to say more, but her silence spoke volumes. Mom could read me like an open book, and I knew she was piecing together the parts I hadn’t shared.

“And Dwayne?” she suddenly asked with a pointed look. “I saw the way he was talking to you earlier—the way you were talking to him. Don’t tell me you don’t feel it. That kiddo definitely has a thing for you. He looks at you like you hung the moon.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her phrasing, though I shook my head in disbelief.

Mom, if only you knew. That ‘kiddo’ you’re talking about is a mafia boss.

“It’s not what you think,” I said carefully, trying to put my tangled emotions into words. “I’ve been trying to keep things clear between us, but it’s not working the way I want. It’s… complicated.”

The thoughts came rushing in. I had tried to set boundaries—I really had—but Dwayne never quite stayed within them. He didn’t want to remain in the ‘just friends’ zone, and it wasn’t hard to read that.

“He’s so stubborn,” I admitted with a small, almost bitter laugh. “More stubborn than I expected, especially when it comes to talking about... us. And I know why. I know he’s scared of hurting me. He’s always so careful, always thinking ahead, like he’s tiptoeing around a minefield.”