Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 65

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The young man chuckled and took off his shades, revealing piercing eyes that sparkled with amusement. "Alright, there was a catch. How're you, Madam?"

I was stunned, my eyes widening in surprise. Dwayne? Of all people? Before I knew it, laughter bubbled up from my chest, and I burst into tears–streaked giggles.

He was the last person I expected to see, and I couldn't believe I sang alongside him without even recognizing him.

"You're so–" I started, still chuckling.

"A jerk?" He finished, grinning. "I know, guilty as charged. I'm sorry if I startled you. I didn't want to reveal my identity and startle you. I wanted to hear you sing, and I'm glad you did. You sing so well. Are you sure you've never had a music career?

My cheeks turned warm at his flattery. I shook my head, still trying to process running into him again. Is this a coincidence, or some planned act?

"Here," he cut into my thoughts, handing me a tissue. "You need it."

I nodded and accepted it, dabbing at my cheeks and eyes. Just then, Ashley and Juliet approached us.

"Bestie, that was a stunning performance," Ashley said, and then she turned to Dwayne, you too, gentleman. You were–" She paused as recognition dawned on her face. "You again? Dwayne, isn't it?"

Dwayne nodded, grinning.

"How come we didn't recognize you?" Ashley turned to me. "Did you know it was him?

I let my hand up. "I didn't."

Surprisingly, Ashley didn't seem weary of Dwayne like she used to be, in our previous encounters. She flashed him a smile. "It's nice to see you again. Thank you for singing along with her."

I restrained a chuckle. Typical Ashley, always nice to anyone nice to me.

"It's a pleasure," Dwayne responded.

"Didn't you say you don't know how to sing?" Juliet chipped in, staring at me curiously.

"I don't, for real. I haven't even been to a karaoke bar until today," I replied.

That drew surprised stares from Dwayne and Juliet. "You're kidding, aren't you? You're in your twenties, if I guessed correctly, and never been to a karaoke bar. Is that what you're trying to say? Juliet inquired.

"She's right," Ashley concurred. "She's been so uptight in college, always buried in her books. And when we graduated, she went off to culinary school."

Dwayne's eyes sparkled with interest. "Culinary school, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you as a chef.”

"So you're insisting you've never been to a karaoke bar? Not even once, and probably you forgot?" Juliet pressed on, amazement in her eyes. She seemed bent on not letting the topic slide until her curiosity was satisfied.

"It's true. She's been my friend for years and I can attest to that," Ashley said.