MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(JARED'S

POV)

"Come on Sofia, we'll be late," I called out.

It was a Sunday evening, and we were preparing to leave for my mum's place for dinner. Since the return of Sofia's parents, Mum had made it a ritual that we all had dinner with the Golds at her place every Sunday.

As much as I would rather be anywhere but at dinner, I didn't have much of a choice. Mother doesn't take absence from what she called "a little family reunion," lightly.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

I glanced at my wristwatch when Sofia didn't emerge, deciding to give her a few more minutes. I don't know what her fuss about wearing makeup was about, it was just dinner.

A few minutes later, she ascended the stairs. "How do I look?" She asked, striking a pose.

Honestly, she looked stunning, but I was no longer swayed by her looks. "You look beautiful," I said, and quickly added, "Can we leave now?"

"Sure," she replied.

We walked outside to the car, and I drove off. We arrived at my mother's place, and the moment we alighted from the car, Sofia took my arm in hers. She does that whenever we visit, in an attempt to give off an impression that was not needed. I gave no reaction as usual, and we continued walking.

We were led to the dining room by the butler as usual and settled into our chairs. A few minutes later, mother joined us and we exchanged pleasantries. Afterward, we waited for the Gold's to arrive, as they were always the last at the party. While waiting, Sofia's necklace caught my mother's attention.

"A beautiful piece you've got there, Sofia," she said, admiring the sparkling diamond.

Sofia smiled, her eyes locking into mine for a brief moment. "Thank you, Jared got it for me."

I looked at the necklace and suppressed a scoff, inwardly rolling my eyes. I didn't get her the jewel; as a matter of fact, I hadn't gotten her a gift for as long as I can remember. But trust Sofia to always pretend our relationship was perfect. My mother beamed with pride. "Really? My son sure knows how to care for a woman."

"Yeah," I murmured and diverted my attention to my phone.

A few minutes later, the Gold's arrived.

Pleasantries were exchanged, and my mother beckoned the chef to come serve us.

As we ate, Mr. Gold spoke up. "Jared, how's the company going? I read the recent New York business paper, and your company has dropped from number two to four."

I forced a smile, irritation growing inside of me. "Yeah, it's just a minor setback. We'll bounce back."

"You think so? Denzel-"

I clenched my free hand, my teeth beginning to grind in my jaw. "I think we're here for some good family time. Business talk can wait, can't it?"

He looked taken aback, and I think Mother was too, judging from the surprised glances she exchanged with Mrs Gold. But I least cared. I just wanted to be done with this dinner, and be out of here

Mr. Gold laughed awkwardly. "Of course, of course."

I nodded and returned my focus to my meal. An awkward silence fell over the table afterward, with only the clinking of silverware, breaking the silence.

The meal went on that way until Mrs Gold broke the silence with a clear of her throat. "Um, Jared, I know you said business talks are not allowed; how about family talk?"

"Sure," I said, ignoring the sarcasm that dripped from her voice.

"You and Sofia are engaged, aren't you?"

I looked up from my plate now, wondering where her questions were headed. "Of course. I mean, everyone knows that."

"That's right," she said, and then she exchanged glances with my mother. This act got me uneasy, as I knew they were up to something.

"Is anything the matter?" I inquired, unable to withhold my curiosity.

"Of course not, it's just that you two have been engaged for too long. Three years is a long time, and enough time to take things further." "And by taking things further, you mean?"

"Getting married," she spelled out.

I instantly choked and began coughing. Sofia passed me a glass of water, "are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I think I choked on the food," I responded, trying to compose myself.

My mother stared at me disapprovingly, but I averted my gaze. Who gets eye-colded for choking?

"Um, so we were talking about marriage," I began, facing Mrs Gold again.

"Yeah, marriage," she repeated.

"Alright. Of course, marriage is a good thing, but as adults, I think Sofia and I should be left to make that decision." "We will let you all know when we're ready," I added, turning to face Sofia with a fake smile. "Right, Sofia?"

"Yes, yes. That's right," she replied, returning my forced smile.

"Okay, then. If you two say so," Mrs. Gold shrugged.

"Yeah, we say so," I mumbled, and we resumed eating.

After dinner, everyone walked to the sitting room to relax, but I excused myself and walked outside. I knew my way around; it was my parent's house after all. I grew up here before moving to stay on my own.

The idea was to just wander a bit and clear my head but when I walked into the garden, I was surprised by the sight of a figure smoking, it's back to me. On walking closer, I realized it was the butler.

"I didn't realize you still smoke," I called from behind.

He swirled around, startled, but smiled when he saw me. "Old habits die hard, I guess," he said, turning back around.

"You're right," I concurred, walking to stand beside him. "But father won't be happy if he was here."

My father, when he was alive, used

to be close to the Butler, Mr Will, and

would always chide him about

met

smoking. At some point, Mr Will took

his advice and stopped, but I

guessed he resumed after father

died.

Mr Will nodded. "I know, but I couldn't help the urge. I needed it badly tonight."

"Why? Did something happen?" I asked, concerned.

"Yeah, some news from home."

"Do you need help? Is it money?"

He smiled and patted my back. "It's not money, my boy. Money can't buy or solve everything, you know?"

I paused, trying to recall who had told me similar words. A bitter smile instantly appeared on my face when I remembered-Arielle.

"That's true," I agreed and then turned to him. "Do you have an extra cigarette?"

Mr Will paused and looked at me like he wasn't expecting such a request. And then he looked away and took out a packet from his shirt. He took out a stick and handed it to me, offering a lighter, too. I accepted them and lit the cigarette, and soon, I was puffing out rings of smoke into the air.

"Wow, I didn't think you smoked," Mr Will said, watching me in amazement.

"I do, but only when I'm in a shitty mood, just like you," I responded.

He chuckled. "Your father must be impressed."

And we both laughed at the sarcasm, silence descending afterward.

A few minutes later, I broke it. "What do you do when you regret something you've done?"

He paused, taken aback. "If it's not irredeemable, then you can make amends."

"And if it is?" I probed further.

Mr. Will paused again. "I don't know," he said finally.

I smiled bitterly, and then I threw the stub of the cigarette to the floor and stepped on it.

"It was nice talking to you, Mr. Will," I said.

And then I turned around and headed inside.