Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 73

(ARIELLE’S POV)

“So, what are you gonna do with the packages?” Ashley asked when we were seated side by side on the couch watching Steve Harvey hours later.

I whipped my head to face her, realizing the packages were still outside, on the porch. “I don't know,” I shrugged. “Probably send them back to her. Politely, of course.”

“Um, um,” Ashley said, shaking her head. “You'll do no such thing. It's disrespectful.”

“No, it's not,” I countered. “She has to know that I meant it when I said I do not need anything from her family anymore.”

“Still, you should accept this one gift; maybe after it, you can tell her you do not want any more of them. Speaking of that, you should call her and let her know you saw the gifts.”

“There's no point, I'm not accepting them,” I insisted stubbornly.

“You already did.”

“Really? They're gonna be there on the porch if you don't let me return them.”

“And who said they are still on the porch? I brought them in already. They're in the store room so you better go check what's in them.”

“Ashley!,” I called, offended.

“I love you too, best friend. Come on, let's go see what the old lady got you,” she said, pulling me up.

Reluctantly, I followed her to the store room. Ashley did the unboxing while I stood, watching with disinterest. The boxes contained jewelry, really nice ones. Dresses, shoes, designer perfumes, and even female supplements.

“Look, she even got your favorite green tea,” Ashley exclaimed, holding out the pack to me.

“I'm not blind, I can see it.”

"Come on, Arielle, drop the attitude. This woman means well."

But despite her persistence, I remained resolute. "I'm still sending them back," I declared, folding my arms.

Ashley stared at me for a while and then sighed, “Fine, do what you want."

I nodded. "I'll have them sent back."

The next morning, as it was too late to get a dispatch rider the previous night, I got one and had the packages sent back.

Next, I picked up my phone and dialed Jared's mother's number.

"Hello, dear," she answered warmly.

"Hi, Mrs Smith," I replied formally. "I wanted to talk to you about the gifts you sent over."

"Oh, yes! I hoped you'd like them," she said enthusiastically.

"I appreciate the thought, but I had to return them. I meant it when I said I don't want anything from your family anymore," I explained firmly but politely.

There was a brief pause before she spoke. "Arielle, I understand. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It was just my way of showing I care."

"I appreciate that, Ma, but please, no more gifts. I need to move forward, and this is best for me."

"I understand, dear. I'll respect your wishes. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience," she said graciously.

"Thank you, Ma. I appreciate your understanding."

We exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call. As I hung up, Ashley walked into the room.

"How did it go?" She asked.

"Good. She understood," I replied.

Ashley nodded. "That's been sorted, I guess."

"Hopefully. I have to go prepare for work now, and you should do the same too."

As I took a step, the sensation in my stomach hit me, and I gasped, quickly holding on to the nearest couch for support.

Ashley was beside me the next second, concern on her face. "What's happening, Arielle?"

I couldn't say a word as I waited for the wave to pass. When it did, I felt dizzy and sat on the chair. I don't know why, but this one felt worse than the rest.

"What's wrong?" Ashley pressed, kneeling beside me.

"It's nothing," I replied, trying to brush it off.