MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(SOFIA'S POV)

I was taken aback by Jared's cold demeanor toward me, but I refused to relent. I took a deep breath, trying to suppress my anger. In the past, it was me calling the shot, forming a miss hard-to-get, but now, the tables have turned. It was now my turn to amend things with Jared, and I needed to humble myself. I imagined a scenario where I could regain the influence I once had over him. With that thought in mind, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

"You look tired," I said, bringing my voice to a soothing tone. " Did you two argue?

"Yes," he responded.

"Is she threatening, or trying to use the divorce as means to claim half of your assets? Be assured that I wouldn't let her. I have really powerful lawyer friends that can ensure she doesn't take a dime from you." "Unfortunately, she's not that kind of person. She doesn't want anything from me."

I was genuinely surprised. Was she stupid? What type of a woman agrees to a divorce from a man like Jared, and wouldn't demand anything from him? At the same time, I was happy. "Then what's the headache for? Isn't that supposed to be a relief?"

"I don't know, but I don't feel good about the change in her. It feels like she's nursing some revenge-worthy grudge against me."

I chuckled, amused by his unfounded fear. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about. What can a woman like Arielle possibly do to you? She's literally nobody without your name. No noble family, no influence."

Jared didn't say anything, merely stood up, sighing like one who was tired. "I'm tired, and need to rest."

"Aren't you hungry?" I inquired. "I made basmati rice and drumsticks."

"No, I'm not hungry. I had a heavy lunch."

I nodded, even though I was disappointed. I put in the work to prepare that meal and having him turn it down, stirred up anger in my belly.

"Umm, Jared?" I called, stopping him.

He turned back, casting me a quizzical look.

"Can I use your phone for a sec? My battery is low and I need to look up something on the Internet," I quickly added the last words when I noticed him hesitate.

"Fine," he mumbled and reached for his phone in his pocket. He handed it to me, and continued walking.

I sat on the couch, a mischievous glint in my eyes as I tapped on the phone. I did a few things and then rose up, a triumphant smile on my face.

Gradually, things were going my way.

(ASHLEY'S POV)

I was sprawled on the couch, lazily watching a Steve Harvey comedy with Arielle in the living room. On intervals, I would check my phone, replying to messages on my social media accounts and following up some celebrity's gossip.

A message from a colleague at work

popped up on W******p, and I

clicked on it to see its content. Done responding to the message I was about to exit the app when something caught my attention. It was Jared's update and profile picture. It had what could pass as a couple picture of him and Sofia.

Suddenly, my expression changed to a heavy frown. That must have caught Arielle's because she asked. "Ashley, what's wrong?"

I was angry, barely able to rein it in. I raised a hand, trying to wave it off. I didn't want her to take notice. She was hurting already and I didn't want such thrown in her face.

"It's nothing. I need to make a call on the porch."

I hurried outside to the porch before dialing the number. He picked up on the second ring. "What the hell is going on with you, Jared Smith? Why did you change your profile picture, now of all time?"

There was a pause on the other end as I listened to his response. "If your so want to show off your new relationship; couldn't you have been considerate and pick another time? You couldn't even wait until Arielle was feeling a little better. What's the rush for? You and Sofia are now free to be together, did you have to flaunt it in this way? Haven't you hurt her enough?"

There was silence on my end as he spoke. "What the hell do you mean she changed it for you? When did Sofia begin to be in possession of your phone? If she did, why didn't

you change it? Your old i didnt

wasn't even a picture of you and Arielle. Have some empathy, Jared. It's been only but a few hours since your divorce, and you two are already torturing her in this manner.

Again I went silent, listening to him. "Don't give me that. You're not a child, Jared. You know what? I don't wanna listen to you. If you still have an iota of respect for Arielle, you will change that picture."

Another pause. "Fine. I came out to talk to you, and I'm heading inside now. The picture should be changed within that time. Arielle shouldn't see it. Thank you. Bye."

After the call ended, I puffed out angry air, trying to calm down. I don't want to return inside and have Arielle suspect anything. Satisfied that I was calm, I turned around and was shocked to see Arielle standing inches away from me. Startled, my hands flew to my chest. "Arielle? How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to hear you on the phone," she responded, her face surprisingly cool.

I sighed in sympathy. "Arielle, I-" I attempted to speak, but she stopped me with a hug.

"Don't say anything," she whispered. "I totally understand. Thank you for standing up for me."

"I'll always have your back, girl," I whispered back.

As we pulled away, I examined her face. "You're not upset?"

She shrugged. "I am, but it was not unexpected. Sofia would always want to flaunt Jared and rub it on my face."

My heart instantly went out for her, and I tightened my grip on her shoulders. "You deserve someone way better than Jared. I hope you find the one person who will truly love and respect you."

"I hope so, too," she said with a forced smile.

Just then my phone buzzed. I glanced at it to see Jared's profile picture had changed back to that of a little furry cat.

"Look, I said, showing Arielle the screen. "It's done, let's go inside."

We got inside and settled back on the couch, but the atmosphere was no longer the same.

"You're divorced now, so what's next?"