MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

I blinked in disbelief as I looked using Jarred, my eyes wide with wonder. "Espejo del Corazón?" I asked, my voice quivering. I wanted to be sure I was seeing right. The object I held in my hand felt like a beautiful illusion like I was dreaming. Jared nodded, his smile affirming. "Yes."

My hands trembled as I turned the object in my hand meticulously, unable to still process what my eyes were seeing. It was the replica of the hand mirror Jared had gotten me on our second wedding anniversary. He had gone on a business trip to Mexico and brought it back as a gift. Unfortunately, he had accidentally broken it months later, and I had mourned its loss for so long. I thought it was gone forever, a precious memory lost as a result of a little negligence.

But here it was, back in my hands, shining with the same beauty and elegance I remembered. I felt different emotions hit me; joy, gratitude.

"How did you manage to get another one?" I finally managed to ask, my voice cracking with raw emotions.

His smile grew wider and he seemed pleased with my reactions. "After years of trying, I finally located the designer who created the mirror. Unfortunately, he had retired and was vacationing in the Caribbean," he paused to look at me, building the tension. "But I pleaded with him to craft the mirror one last time. It was hard to convince him at first," Jared continued. "But he eventually gave in. He crafted it, and he was supposed to present it to you in person, but something came up, and I had to go pick it up myself." I felt my throat go dry as I processed the effort Jared had put into replacing the broken mirror. I thought of years back when we were still married and I had continuously lamented how much I missed the mirror. Now, years later, despite being separated, he still remembered and went out of his way to replace the mirror.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your cabin like everyone else this morning," he added, his voice sincere and full of regret. "But I hope this makes up for it."

I was dazed, my emotions all over the place. And before I could even process my feelings, I was shooting out of my chair, and throwing myself into Jared's arms. I felt him freeze like he wasn't expecting the gesture, but then he relaxed almost immediately, and gently held me. He was careful about it, like he didn't want to touch me anywhere considered inappropriate.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice muffled against his chest. "Thank you so much. "I felt tears tugging at the corners of my eyes, and I knew I was on the verge of breaking down.

"You're welcome," he replied.

We soon disengaged from the hug before things got awkward, and before we started to draw attention from the others. I took a step back, trying to compose myself. Jared did the same, tucking his hands into his pants pockets.

I was just about to thank him again when I was interrupted by the sound of intro music, and I turned to see the last person I expected, Sia. Sia is a celebrity singer with millions of fans, and was stunned to see her walking up the podium. How did she get here? I wondered, my Jaws dropping at the sight of her up close. I had planned to buy a ticket for her next concert whenever she was holding one, but having her perform on my birthday was a mind-blowing life changer.

Sia launched into one of her most popular debut songs, "Unstoppable," and the crowd erupted into cheers as they sang along. I was too mesmerized to join them as I sat, watching her perform with her unique voice and style. That was one thing I loved about Sia: her songs were unique and different.

As she performed, I couldn't believe the extent to which everyone had gone to make my birthday party w success. I thought of the last few hours. From the surprise party to the heartfelt speeches, to the amazing gifts, this was a perfect birthday, no doubt. And now, with Sia performing live, it was like the cherry on top of a perfect cake.

An hour later, Sia was done performing. We all cheered, and before she left, we took pictures together and she wished me a happy birthday. For the pictures, heaven knows I was going to make a frame of each of them.

Ashley mounted the podium again, and I must say that she effortlessly embodied the role of an event anchor. No one would have done it better. "That was amazing. Sia is a darling."

The crowd cheered affirmatively.

"And now, it's gone for your final speech, and thank you," Ashley continued after the nice died down.noveldrama

I was thrown into another bout of emotion as Ashley began to speak, thanking everyone for coming and for collectively making my birthday special. Hooked around the room, seeing the faces of everyone I held dearly, and I felt like tearing up saw my mom beaming with happiness and Maverick looking proud and happy. I saw Jared standing a little apart from the others but still

smiling. And I saw Dwayne, a smile plastered on his face, and there were the Harrisons, Stephen, Rebecca, Meredith, and even the crew members.

When Ashley finally finished speaking, the crowd cheered and

clapped once more, and I stood up,

clapping along with them. My eyes glistened with tears again, and this time, didn't fight it. This was my moment, my time to be genuinely happy and share the happiness with loved ones, and I was going to enjoy it to the last second without any restraint.

"And now, "Ashley said, her voice rising above the applause, "it's time for the after-party!" The crowd went agog, and I laughed. It was about to be a long and unforgettable night.