Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 81

(JARED'S POV)

I instantly stepped on the brake pedal, reversing the car, and speeding off in the direction of the restaurant. On arrival, true to the reporter's words, the restaurant had been in a fire accident.

My heart continued to thud as I approached the crowd of people compromising the fire department, customers, and staff. I used my eyes to search for Arielle.

With each passing moment that I didn't set eyes on her, my heart clenched in my chest, as I tried not to think of the worst. When I couldn't find her in the crowd, I decided to approach any of the staff. Who knows, maybe she was absent from work today.

With that feeble consolation, I approached Rebecca, whom I had spotted.

"Hey, Rebecca, are you alright?" I asked, genuinely concerned and not because I wanted information from her only.

She looked at me, surprised but nodded. "Y–yes, I'm fine, thanks."

"I'm so sorry about what happened," I said, and then glancing around, asked, "Where's Arielle?"

She looked at me like one who had asked the most incredulous question. "You're not aware?"

"Aware of what?' I asked, the dreadful feeling in my stomach returning. Oh Lord, it shouldn't be bad news.

Rebecca hesitated before speaking. "Arielle left the country a week ago."

I was taken aback. "What? Where? How?" I threw all the questions at her once.

"I'm sorry, I can't give out much information...she left on a culinary scholarship."

I paused, assimilating the information. Arielle had left the country? "How did she get the scholarship? From whom?"

Rebecca's eyes darted around nervously. "I'm sorry, but I really can't say more."

"Rebecca, please," I urged, but she shook her head.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, her voice resolute but polite. With that, she turned and quickly walked away.

I stood there, confused, trying to process the news. Arielle was gone.

Slowly, I dragged my feet back to my car and settled in. Arielle was gone. The thought kept ringing in my head relentlessly like a bell.

Usually, I shouldn't care if she left or not; we're no longer an item, after all. But still, the thought of never seeing her again, ever, didn't sit well with me.

Quickly, I reached for my phone and dialed Ashley's number.

"Hey," she answered. "What's up?'

"I'm good," I mumbled, going straight to the point. "So I stopped at Arielle's workplace; I heard in the news that they were involved in a fire accident, so I decided to stop by and ensure she was okay. But surprisingly, I was told she left the country a week ago."

"Okay, is there a problem?" Ashley asked.

My eyes narrowed in suspicion, what's with the improved mood? Were we not in an argument hours ago before I left the house?

"It was fine," I replied regardless, forcing a smile.

Her eyes glittered, and I knew instantly that something was up. "I have great news! I spoke to my parents, and Dad's now responding to treatment."

"That's amazing," I said, and I meant it.

"I know, right? And," she continued. "I spoke to my gynecologist, and she said I'll be due for delivery by the 29th of next month."

I nodded, trying to muster up enough enthusiasm. Sofia was eight months ago, so it was expected. "That's great news."

But her eyes lost some of their brightness. She stepped closer, her brows furrowing. "What's wrong? Aren't you happy about the news?"

I faked another smile. "Of course, I'm happy. I'm just...tired. Long day."

Her eyes lingered on mine, but luckily she didn't push. "Okay, go rest then."

I nodded, grateful for the escape. "Yeah, I think I will."

"And, Jared? Your mother called, she said we're having dinner at her place tomorrow. She wants to talk to us about something important. She's been trying to reach you all day," Sofia called after me as I resumed walking.

"Alright," I mumbled, and walked on.