MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE novel Chapter 46

(JARED'S POV)

I pressed the doorbell button on the wall beside the door, and waited for a response, but a few minutes later, none came forth. I tried again, but got same unresponsiveness. Confirming my suspicion, I grasped the door handle, and sure enough, it was locked.

I mentally smacked myself. “Of course,” I muttered. What did I expect at 10 am on a working day? Ashley, like most working professionals would be at her job.

A sudden realization dawned on me. If Ashley was at work, and Arielle had sought refuge with her yesterday, perhaps Arielle was at her workplace too.

That decided, I swiftly retraced my steps to the car. I was going to look for Arielle at the restaurant. As I drove, my mind wandered. I hope Arielle would be willing to listen, knowing how stubborn she can be when upset.

Speaking of apologies, I shouldn't apologize to her empty-handed. I decided to get her favorite flowers, lavender.

I spotted a supermarket a few meters ahead and pulled over. Inside, I picked out a bouquet of fresh lavender flowers and continued my journey.

As I arrived the restaurant, I stepped out of the car and approached the entrance. Just midway, a familiar face approached me–Arielle's junior chef, Rebecca.

“Hi, sir,” she greeted with a smile. “How's it going? I was just wondering, is your wife okay? She's not at work today, and her phone's not going through.”

My expression froze, and I momentarily went blank. “What do you mean?” I asked, trying to digest her words. Was this some joke? “Isn't Arielle in her office?”

Rebecca shook her head. “No, she hasn't come to work since she Left early, yesterday. I've been trying to reach her, but….” her voice trailed off when she saw the look on my face.

I felt a tide of dizziness wash over me, and my grip on the bouquet slackened. Panic grew, making my voice almost shaky. "D... Did she tell you where she was headed before she left yesterday?”

Rebecca looked down in thoughts. “Umm…no, she just asked me to fill in for her, saying she needed to attend to something.” She paused, looking up at me, her eyes suspicious. “Is everything okay? Is she alright?”

I mustered a reassuring smile, not wanting to raise unnecessary alarm. “Yeah, everything's fine. Thanks for letting me know.” I handed her the bouquet, taking it back immediately, realizing my mistake.

“No problem,” she responded, still staring at me with concern.

I nodded, and turned to leave.

“For all it's worth, her best friend was here yesterday at lunch break. It was a few hours later that your wife left,” Rebecca announced.

“Thanks, Rebecca,” I said, grateful for the revelation. “I owe you one.” I hurried back to my car, my mind buzzed with thoughts.

As I settled into the driver's seat, I tossed the bouquet onto the passenger seat, my head filled with thoughts of Arielle's disappearance.

My legs wobbled and almost gave out beneath me. A sick feeling crawled up my spine, giving me goosebumps. Both women had left their workplaces earlier than usual, for what reason exactly? And today, they were both nowhere to be found.

“Did she say anything about why she was leaving early?” I pressed, trying to keep my voice calm so as not to arouse any suspicion.

“No, sir. She just rushed out. And this morning, she sent an email saying she wouldn't be coming to work.”

I thanked Rachel and walked out, feeling sick and worried. Were the women okay? Did Arielle tell Ashley what she saw? Even if she did, that wasn't reason enough for them to go into hiding, was it?

I got back into my car and dialed Ashley's number, but it was still unreachable, same as Arielle's. I considered calling the police, but decided to stall a bit and search some more. I have a feeling that bother me women were fine, or at least that's what I want to believe.

For now, I had to return home and ask Sofia why Arielle returned home early yesterday. It was she who saw Arielle so she had to know something.

But before I drove off, I dialed a number. “I'll forward two numbers to you now. I need you to track their locations and give me a response as soon as possible,” I said to the person on the other end.

“Alright, Sir.”

I dropped the call, forwarded both numbers before driving off.