MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

Everyone partied hard, and the party went on and on. The music was loud, the dance energetic, and the atmosphere charged. I took turns in dancing with everyone and it was a fun experience.

In between, I had asked for Maverick to be tucked into bed. He might be surrounded by adults, but it didn't make him any less a child. Jared had volunteered to escort him to his room, and Maverick had gladly gone with his Dad.

And hours later, just like everything that has a beginning has an end, the party came to an end in the wee hours of the morning. Exhausted and drained, everyone retired to their cabins. I collapsed on my bed the moment I got into my room, my body numb from all the activities. And the instant I stretched out on the bed, a blissful sleep enveloped me.

I didn't know how long I slept, but I woke up to sunlight streaming in through the little outlets in the window. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and a glance at the clock showed it was noon. I gasped, how did I sleep this long? I felt a little drowsy, but as I swung my legs over the side of the bed, I started to feel better and alert.

Still in that position, there was a gentle knock and the door went open. Maverick stepped in, and his face instantly broke out in delight when he spotted me. He broke out in a run, plopping on the bed beside me. "Hey, Mommy. Finally, you're awake."

He was dressed in a fresh set of clothes, and his hair was combed neatly. I smiled, feeling grateful about how well taken care of he was.

"Hi, baby. Yes, I'm awake. Did you sleep well?' I asked, running my grand through his hair, careful not to ruin it.

He bobbed his head up and down. "Yes, I did. Did you sleep well, Mommy?"

I nodded, smiling. "I did."

And then a smug smile appeared on his lips, the type he had on whenever he was privy to information. I looked at him suspiciously. "What is it? Come on, spill it."

His grin grew wider. "I know the age you turned, Mommy," he said, eyes sparkling with mischief.

A playful hiss of disappointment escaped my lips at his words. I had thought it was something important. But then, I decided to indulge him. "Really? Tell me, what age did I turn?"noveldrama

He took a deep breath, puffing out his chest with pride. "You turned 30," he declared, his voice filled with so much conviction.

My brows knitted in a frown, he got it right. He didn't sound like he was guessing, he sounded so sure, like someone told him. "That's right, baby, mommy turned 30 yesterday. But who told you that?"

The door went open at this point, and Ashley walked in, bearing a tray. "I did," she said with a sly smile. "While you were having your beauty sleep, your little man wouldn't stop asking me questions about your age. So I told him, he should know his Mama is gradually turning into an old woman.""

I burst into laughter, throwing a pillow at her. "Silly girl, 30 is not old. Actually, my life has just begun."

Ashley raised an eyebrow, dodging the pillow. "Oh, isn't it?"

I laughed again, knowing well that she was pulling my legs. She placed the tray on the table close to the bed, and approached me. "How are you?" She asked, her tone serious now.

"I'm fine. I mean, what can the birthday girl say?" I said the last words, throwing my arms apart.

"I can see. Well now, birthday girl, even though your birthday is past now. You have to get into the bathroom, brush, shower, get dressed, and come have breakfast/brunch. Everyone is up and ready, we're leaving. Birthday is over."

I groaned, feeling a pang of sadness. I didn't want the celebration to end. Call me selfish, but it's not every time you get to have your birthday celebrated like mine.

"Don't you miss your restaurant and customers, young lady?" Ashley asked, teasingly.

"Fine," I grumbled and got off the bed. "You didn't have to remind me that this whole fantasy life is over and I'm about to go back to the real world."

"Hurry up, please. You only spent two days away from work and you've grown a lazy ass," Ashley called after me.

I hissed, tempted to throw a pillow at her again, but none was in sight.

I walked into the bathroom, feeling a

mix of emotions. I was sad that the celebration was over, but at the same time, I was grateful for the amazing experience I had. I took my time having a cool shower, letting the cold water wash over my body.

After showering, I got dressed and quickly packed my things together. Ashley and Maverick had left the room before I returned from the bathroom, so I had all the time and privacy I made sure to double-check that wasn't leaving anything behind or taking anything that wasn't mine. As I finished packing, I settled down to eat the meal Ashley brought.

The tray contained waffles, syrup, sandwich, and warm coffee. It was light, just what I wanted. Minutes later, I was done eating. I placed the tray on the table where the domestic staff could easily spot it. Afterward, I grabbed my bag and, casting one last look at the room, walked out.

I met everyone at the yacht's lounge. They all beamed at me as I approached, and a warm feeling licked down my chest.

"And here comes the birthday girl!" Margaux exclaimed, smiling at me.

I laughed, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I was going to miss this place, and I was going to miss having everyone who made this experience special, together.

"We hate to see you leave, Arielle. But have it in mind that you're always welcome here anytime. If you need somewhere to go for a getaway, our beach house is open to you," Mrs Harrison said, beaming. "Thank you so much. I sure would love to come back here."

As we said our goodbyes, Jared, who had been watching in silence, approached me. I was surprised to still see him here as I had expected him to be back in the Langleys.

"I'm not going with you guys," he said, his voice low, when he stopped in front of me. "I have to get back to the Langleys' yacht."

I nodded in understanding. I held no grudges against it. If there was anything I was towards him, it was gratitude

"Thanks for coming to say goodbye," I said, smiling at him, and I meant it.

He smiled back. "I wouldn't have missed it for anything." And then he turned to Maverick, "Bye, buddy. I'm going to come see you, okay?"

Maverick bobbed his head in agreement. "Okay, Daddy."

Jared nodded at me and stepped away. "Dwayne will drive you back home. You all be safe."

I nodded, and as he walked away, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Get a grip on yourself, Arielle, I chided.

"Are you ready to go?" Dwayne's voice suddenly cut into my thoughts. I looked up to see him standing beside me and watching me closely.

"Oh, yeah, sure."

"Shall we, then?"

I nodded and began walking. Dwayne held Maverick by the hand as we walked to where our cars were parked. He was driving My mom, me, and Maverick. Ashley was driving with Meredith, while Rebecca and Stephen drove together.

As Dwayne careened the car out of the beach house, with Harrison's waving, I took one last look at the beach house, waving back. It had been an unforgettable weekend, and I knew that I would always treasure the memories made there.