Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 76

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"Leaving? What do you mean?" Ashley asked, looking stunned.

"I...I can't stay here anymore. I need to get away from everything. From Jared, from Sofia, from all of this," I responded.

I watched Ashley's face fall, and my heart broke even more. I knew she was not going to take the news lightly, but hours ago, after crying and waking up, I had a deep thought and decided leaving was best. I doubt I would ever get the healing I deserved if I kept staying in a place that reminded me of my pain and loss.

"Where will you go?" Ashley asked, her voice surprisingly calm. I knew it was a facade, but I was grateful she was trying to be the stronger one compared to me, who already had tears threatening to spill down my face.

"I honestly don't know yet. I just know I have to leave. I can't stay here and pretend everything is okay when it's not. I want to get a new life and heal faster. I deserve peace and happiness, and so does my child."

"Ummm, I don't know, but I think we have to talk about this later. I'm sorry, I think I've lost my appetite," and with that, Ashley rose and left the dining room.

"Ashley –" I tried to call, but she was gone.

(JARED'S POV)

I was seething in anger as I drove Sofia home from the hospital. Oblivious to my mood, she kept chattering away about her doctor's appointment. I had driven her to the hospital to get her pregnancy supplements, and we had bumped into Arielle and Ashley.

For a moment, I was lost in thought, wondering why Arielle was at the hospital. But I decided to push it aside for now. I had a more pressing concern to tend to.

As we pulled into the driveway, my anger doubled, threatening to burst through the surface. We alighted and stepped inside, and I shot the door behind us.

"Sofia, we need to talk," I said, turning to face her.

"About what?"

"About this." I reached out and grasped her hand, my fingers closing around her wrist. "Where did you get this ring from?"

Her eyes narrowed as she eyed me warily. "I found it in your pants pocket while sorting out your clothes for laundry." And then her tone turned defensive. "I liked it, so I put it on."

"Found it?" I repeated. "And you didn't think it was right to return it to me?

Her eyes flashed with defiance. "What's the big deal, anyway? It's yours, and it automatically belongs to me too."

"The big deal?" I took a step closer, my voice firm. "The big deal is that that ring belongs to Arielle, and you have no right putting it on."

Sofia's eyes hardened. "Why are you still hung up on her? You two are literally divorced, and she's supposed to return the ring. It's not hers anymore, so what's the fuss?"

"Point of correction, we're not fully divorced. The divorce papers have not been submitted to the court, and the official divorce decree has not been issued yet. We're merely divorced on paper, but not officially. So until then, quit trying to take over everything that belongs to Arielle," with that, I released her wrist, stepping away.

Sofia was stunned and it reflected on her face. I wouldn't blame her, I doubt I've ever spoken to her that harshly. I can't be blamed, though; she's making being with her difficult.

Sometimes, I wondered if it was truly the pregnancy hormones or if the young and sweet Sofia I used to know had permanently been replaced by this difficult woman I was living with.