MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

"Mommy, you seem really happy about work lately," Maverick said, his voice filled with curiosity. "What's going on?"

I blinked, taken aback by his sudden observation. We were in the car, on the way to school, and I hadn't expected such an out-of-the-blue question from him.

I hadn't even realized that I'd been so obvious, but I guess it was hard to hide my happiness. I'd been feeling enthusiastic and optimistic since my meeting with Jared these days, and it seemed like Maverick had picked up on it. Do these two have a father-son psychic link or something?

Hesitating, I tried to decide on how much to say and reveal to him because the young man wouldn't let me be unless I gave him an answer. He was already staring at me expectantly with those large innocent eyes.

"Oh it's just business stuff, sweetie," I said casually, trying to brush it off. "I'm working on some new projects, and they're going well."

But he didn't look convinced, his eyes piercing into mine, as he tried to probe more information from me.

"What kind of business stuff?"

I chuckled, impressed by his persistence and how much I can predict him. "Let's say that I'm working on a new project, and it has the potential to take my business to the next level. It's still in the early stages, but I'm really excited about it." "Alright, Mommy," he said, nodding solemnly like a little grown-up. "I wish you all the best, and I hope everything works out the way you want them to."novelbin

"Thank you, sweetie," I murmured, reaching over to ruffle his hair.

He gave me a small, happy smile and turned his attention back to the window, watching the world rush by. That was his favorite part of our morning drive he liked how everything seemed to blur in a fast-forward motion, like his own little version of a movie scene. For a few minutes, the car was quiet, and I thought the conversation was over. But then, out of nowhere, he turned back to me, his expression suddenly heavy.

"Mom," he asked, his voice quieter now, "why doesn't Daddy come to see me lately?"

My chest tightened, and for a brief moment, I forgot how to breathe. My heart lurched, caught between wanting to protect him and not knowing exactly how to explain the mess that had become his father's absence.

I didn't want to lie, but I wasn't ready to tell him everything.

I took a deep breath, "Well, sweetie, Daddy's been really busy lately, he's been... competing with Uncle Dwayne's company, and that's taking up a lot of his time."

Maverick's eyes widened in surprise, his brows furrowing as he processed this. "But Nana said they're brothers!" he exclaimed, looking at me as if I had told him the sky was green.

"Why are they fighting, Mommy? Are Daddy and Uncle Dwayne enemies now?"

I paused for a moment before answering, trying to keep it simple but honest.

"No, sweetie, they're not enemies," I said softly. "They just have different goals, and they're both trying to succeed in their own way. Neither of them wants to give up, that's all."

Maverick looked up at me, clearly trying to make sense of it all. His small face scrunched up in thought.

I softened my tone and added, "Competition isn't always a bad thing, baby. Think about it. If your teacher said she was giving a big prize to the student who gets the best score on the next test, wouldn't you want to do your best? You'd be competing with your friends, right? Like with Bella?"

He paused, his eyes focused on something far beyond the window, his tiny frown deepening as he considered my words. "I guess it depends on how good the prize is," he mumbled.

I couldn't help but smile. "Fair enough, champ. And there's something else, too." I paused, trying to find the right words. "Some things happened between me and your Daddy." Maverick nodded thoughtfully. "I noticed, Mommy. Can you tell me what happened?"

Once again, I was amazed at my son's observation skills and glad that I did not choose to lie.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my words. "Well, we've had some disagreements. Some stuff that might take a little time to sort through. And honestly, I'm still working through my own feelings, too. But here's the most important thing-we both love you, and we don't want to ever let you down. Can you please be a little patient with us?"

Maverick was quiet for a moment, his little brow furrowed as he processed my words. Then, after a long pause, he nodded solemnly.

I smiled and ruffled his hair, feeling a rush of relief that I had managed to explain it in a way that made sense to him.

But then his face turned serious again, and I inwardly groaned. Not again, this boy was going to wear me out with his numerous questions. "Mommy, I have one more question. Do you love my Daddy...?"

My mind went blank for a second, and I found myself stalling. It seemed like recently my little man was becoming really curious about the idea of love. "Don't you think you've been asking too many questions?" I feigned irritation, trying to deflect. If I could stall him just long enough...

"Please, please, please, tell me, Mommy!" He pleaded, clasping his palms together.

I chuckled softly at the display. "What do you think love is?"

Maverick's cheeks flushed as he thought it over carefully. "I think... like, if he's sad, you feel sad too. And if he's happy, you feel happy too, right?" I nodded, smiling and impressed by his thoughtful response. "If that's the case, then I love a lot of people. I love you, Grandma, aunt Ashley...don't I?"

Maverick paused, his little face scrunching up in confusion. "But... but you know that's not what I meant. Everyone says love is... well, it's special. But..."

I couldn't help but smile at how serious he was. I slowed the car as I approached the school compound, cutting him off gently with a grin. "Alright, sweetie, it's time for school. We can talk more about love later, okay?"

He sighed dramatically, his face falling into the most disappointed expression. "Argh, Mommy."

"Hurry along, boy," I laughed, shaking my head.

He leaned over and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. "Bye, Mom," he said, still grumbling under his breath about how confusing adults and love were, as he bounced out of the car.

I watched him walk toward the school, his little voice trailing off, muttering something about how love was a real puzzle.

As I drove off, couldn't help but

chuckle silently. Poor

Maverick caught up in a question that had baffled humanity for

centuries. I could only hope he'd find

the answer before he was old enough to drive himself crazy over it.

****

After arriving at work a few minutes later, I parked in my favorite spot in the lot, the one that felt like it came with a gold star for "Best Employee of the Day." With a spring in my step, I got out of the car and started

walking toward the entrance.

But then, I noticed something that gave me pause. Jared's car was parked nearby, engine still running.

Considering what a good mood I was in, I decided to go over and say hello.

As I approached the car, I was surprised to see a woman sitting in the passenger seat. On a closer look, I realized it was Tiana, Jared's supposed fiancee.

They were engrossed in a deep conversation, with words like "mother," "child," and family mentioned. I couldn't make out the exact conversation as they spoke in hushed tones.

Jared seemed irritated, speaking in a hushed harsh tone. He didn't notice me standing there, watching him.

It wasn't until Tiana's surprised eyes met mine that he turned his head to look at me, equally surprised.

I waved awkwardly, hoping to play it cool. "Haha... Good morning..."

Smooth, Arielle. Real smooth.