MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

After leaving the restaurant, Dwayne and I strolled through the city, enjoying the feel of the warm sun on our skin. I still couldn't believe he was really here, walking beside me. Our daily calls and messages weren't the same as having him physically present. "I'm still in shock," I said, smiling at him. "Why did you come?"

His eyes dangled with amusement as he glanced at me. "I missed you. Simple as that."

His response left me momentarily speechless. I guess I would never get used to how straightforward he can be most of the time. We walked in comfortable silence for a while, taking the sights of the street together.

"I noticed that young manager," Dwayne suddenly said, making me halt in surprise. I told him about Stephen and even sent a photo, but I didn't expect him to recognize Stephen that easily especially when they were not up close.

"He looked at you like he was ready to devour you whole," Dwayne went on, his tone teasing and amusing. "Ah, youth."

I laughed, feeling a slight blush rise to my cheeks. "Stop it Dwayne. You know I'd never take that seriously. He's just a child."

Dwayne chuckled, "He'd be heartbroken if he heard you say that. But hey, it's good news for me. I can stop worrying about you being charmed away."From NôvelDrama.Org.

I punched his shoulders lightly, rolling my eyes playfully. "You're ridiculous."

As we walked on, I couldn't help but notice how much Dwayne had transformed since we first met years ago. Back then, he was quiet and carried an air of melancholy that puzzled me. Now, while he still held onto some mystery, it felt lighter-perhaps Italy and the art of cooking had softened him.

And I didn't hesitate to voice my thoughts to him. "You know Dwayne," I began. "You've changed a lot."

He stopped to give me one of his signature amused looks before he resumed walking. "You think so?"

"I know so," I replied. "You seem more... carefree."

"Maybe I am. Somebody cares about me so I won't have to care that much."

I blinked, and we were once again plunged into silence.

We've walked a reasonable distance on foot but I didn't care, as long as it was with Dwayne.

Instinctively, I turned to spare him a glance, and was surprised to see him looking at me. His eyes were now intense holding something I couldn't decipher.

"What's up with the look?" I asked, giving off a laugh to mask how awkward I suddenly felt.

He slowed his pace, eyes locking into mine, as if preparing to say something important. I slowed down, too, my heart beginning to beat slightly faster. "What is it?" I asked.

But before he could respond, my phone rang, shattering the moment. I sighed inwardly and took it out of my purse, checking the caller.

Jared. His name flashed on the display, and a shiver ran down my spine. Why was he calling me? Just then, a text arrived too.

"Pick up, please, it's urgent," it read.

"I'm sorry, I have to take this," I said to Dwayne, feeling a little guilty.

He gave me a reassuring nod. "Go ahead. It seems important.

I answered the call, my eyes never leaving Dwayne's.

"Arielle, it's me," Jared said, his tone usually urgent. "We need to meet. Now."

"What's wrong?" My frown deepened.

"My grandmother will be back in the country soon and we need to talk. Please meet me at Cafe Bliss, the one close to your restaurant."

The call dropped, and I paused, trying to assimilate the information. His grandmother, the grand monarch of the family, was returning? I felt a chill at the thought.

The older woman had traveled shortly after our wedding to Greece with the intent to die there and meet with her ancestors. She had loved me so much and was always in support of Jared and I's union.

Her return didn't sit well with me, as it only meant one thing; something serious might be amiss.

Against my will, I suddenly became nervous. Dwayne seemed to notice my dilemma, as he stared at me with empathy.

"Go if you need to,' he said in a soft tone. "I don't mind."

I hesitated, unsure on what to do. I

was torn between my curiosity to find out why the monarch of the Smith's family was suddenly returning to the country and my desire to spend more time with Dwayne, especially since talking to

Jared was the last thing I wanted on

the earth.

Still not convinced that he was okay with me leaving, I asked, "Whatever you going to say earlier? You seemed like you wanted to tell me something."

"Oh, it's nothing serious," He responded, chuckling. "It's just that I'll be heading back to Italy soon."

My heart sank at the news. "So soon? You just got here and you haven't even met with Maverick."

He tapped my forehead lightly with his finger. "I know. I only took today off to see you. But I promise I'll return once my work is complete."

I nodded, trying to put up a smile to hide my disappointment. "You're sure you will visit anytime soon?"

"Absolutely. And I hope when I do return, you'll still welcome me as warmly as you have today."

I smiled genuinely, "definitely will."

As he prepared to leave, Dwayne's eyes met mine in an intense gaze.

"Take care of yourself and the little champ, ostrich," he whispered.

"I will," I smiled, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Will you miss me?" he asked suddenly.

My heart skipped a beat. "Come on, since when did you get so emotional Dwayne? I..." Before I could continue, he leaned in, closer than ever before. He captured my chin with his fingers, tilting my face up to meet his gaze. My words faltered as I found myself lost in his sinfully beautiful eyes. I sighed, conceding, "I will. Because—"

Then, without warning, he crushed his lips against mine.

The kiss was fierce and demanding,

igniting a fire deep within me. His mouth moved against mine with an urgency that left me breathless as he coaxed my lips open. I gasped against him, and he seized the opportunity, plunging his tongue into my mouth with a boldness that made my head spin.

Every nerve in my body ignited as I melted into him. His taste was like the finest whiskey. I couldn't remember when I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer as our bodies pressed together, heat radiating between us like an electric current.

It was a kiss that spoke of possession and urgency. I surrendered completely, losing myself in the moment as passion surged between us. When we finally pulled apart, breathless and dazed, his eyes burned into mine.

"Baciami prima dell'alba," he murmured against my lips as he pulled away just enough for our eyes to lock again. "I'll miss your taste, Arielle."