MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(SOFIA'S POV)

I huffed and puffed, trying to control the rage threatening to burst out of my chest. My eyes shone with fury as I stood outside the restaurant's building, fighting hard to regain composure after the security guards pulled me aside.

The humiliation was suffocating me. I couldn't believe all that happened and how I had ended up embarrassing myself in front of the entire restaurant, again!

The diners were literally boring their eyes into me as the security dragged me along, their faces a mask of shock, pity, and amusement. My face burned with shame and rage now, as I recalled it all.

This was all Tiana's fault!

It had started innocently enough. I was preparing breakfast for Jared a small gesture of love, even though he'd been avoiding me ever since he got engaged to her. As usual, I'd been turned away at his gate. But then, Tiana had appeared, all wide eyes and concern, driving by in her sleek car.

Her pitying look made my stomach churn. "Leave, sis," she said, her tone apologetic. "Jared isn't here. He's probably busy... in someone's office." Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes darting away like she hadn't meant to say it.

Jared in someone's office? Who else could it be but Arielle? He'd sworn he was done with her, but men's promises were as fragile as spun glass.

However, now, as I tugged my skirt back into place and marched to my car, her words replayed in my mind, stoking my anger. I yanked the car door open and threw myself inside, slamming it shut.

Inside, I brought out a mirror from the glove compartment to assess for any damage to my face. And sure enough, there was plenty.

My mascara was a little smudged, my hair disheveled from its original style, and my lipgloss smeared a little across my mouth.

I hissed angrily, my eyes flashing with irritation. How could this have happened? I am always so put together and tried my best to stay out of the limelight for the wrong reasons, of late. But now, thanks to Tiana, I looked like a hot mess, and I sure as hell would be the topic of gossip in the mouths of some random diners.

Taking out a makeup case from my purse, I began to fix my looks, hands shaking with rage as I reapplied my mascara and smoothed out my hair. By the time I was done, I looked presentable, but the fury in my eyes couldn't be masked.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Tiana. The line rang three times before she picked up, her voice bright and cheerful, like she hadn't just ruined my day.

"Hey, Sofia, what's up?"

I didn't bother with the small talk. "Why didn't I find Jared in Arielle's office?" I asked, going straight to the point. My voice was firm, heavily laced with accusation.

There was a pause on the other end, the silence stretching for a moment. I could imagine her taken aback by my directness. Then, she spoke up, the surprise in her voice evident.

"Wait, you went to Arielle's office? Why?!" She shrieked.

I frowned, my patience reaching its limit. How could she not understand?

"You told me Jared was there," I spelled out the words, slowly and deliberately. "That's why I went."

I was starting to lose my cool. Didn't she remember our conversation?

Her tone instantly shifted, annoyance crawling in. "I guessed, Sofia. It was just a casual comment. I didn't tell you to... act on it. And I never even mentioned Miss Meyers."

Was it just me, or did she sound defensive, like she was trying to distance herself from the situation? But she's right. She didn't directly mention Arielle after all... "You shouldn't be bothering others, Sofia," she added, her tone soft.

My anger flared up in flames, my grip around the phone tightening. How dare she? "Bothering? You gave me the lead!"

But I quickly realized myself, the instant the words left my lips.

Urgh. I shouldn't be mad at Tiana. She just wanted to comfort me then. And she'd only mentioned Jared in passing. I was the one who'd acted irrationally.

I took a deep breath, biding my anger to recede to wherever it rose from.

"I'm sorry, Tiana. I overacted. It's just been... a really frustrating day."

Tiana took the cue. Her tone shifted instantly, adopting a soothing

วน

elhet

quality. "It's okay, Sofi. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry too. Look, why don't you join us for the weekend meeting? It's my brother's birthday, and both our families willnovelbin

be there, Jared included of course. I think he'd love to see you!"

I paused, hesitating for a moment. Really? "And you're okay with that? I mean, you're his fiancée now..."

She sighed, her voice light, almost dismissive. "Oh, don't be ridiculous. It's just an engagement. It doesn't mean anything. To be honest, I've always thought you were the best for Jared, Sofi. I hate seeing you upset."

Her words caught me off guard. I really couldn't understand this little sis. Her indifference to Jared was baffling, but I couldn't deny the flicker of hope her invitation sparked.

I sighed, my resistance crumbling. What better way to unwind than to be near Jared, even if just for a day?

"Okay," I said finally. "I'll come."

"Perfect!" Tiana chirped. "It'll be fun, I promise."