MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
When she snapped.

Beep!

Beep!

(ARIELLE'S POV)

My eyes slowly fluttered open, hazily taking in my surroundings. The bright florescent lights above pierced my pupils, sending signals to my brain, and making my head throb. I winced, lifting my hands to shield my eyes, but a sharp pain coursed through my waist, and I screamed and collapsed back on the pillow.

Through my blurry vision, I saw Ashley sprinting to my side. "Are you okay? Oh my God, you're awake!"

"Ash...ley?" I tried to call, but the pain intensified, and I couldn't get the word out.

"Shhhh, relax. Don't try to talk."

I nodded, and as I relaxed, the pain gradually abated. A bit stable, I asked, "Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital," Ashley replied, her voice gentle.

At her words, I looked around my surroundings, taking in the sterile surroundings. The room was spacious, with white-colored walls, blue curtains, and a large window that let in sliver rays of sunlight.

A chair sat in the corner, where Ashley had been sitting, and a small table held a pitcher of water and a glass.

I tried to recall how I landed In a hospital, and then fragments of memories flashed through my mind. The argument with Sofia, the push down the stairs, the pain...OMG, the pain. wait, all came surging back like a mighty tide.

Panic set in immediately as I remembered one thing: my baby! Instinctively, my hands flew to my stomach as I tried to figure out if the little life growing inside of me was still there, breathing.

Ashley, who was unaware of what was going through my head, panicked. "Arielle, don't attempt to move! I'll fetch the doctor," she said, her voice trembling in fear as she bolted out of the room.

Ashley returned almost immediately with a doctor and a nurse. The doctor, a middle-aged woman with a kind face, introduced herself as Dr. Wade.

"You're awake," she said, flashing me a smile. "How do you feel?"

"Like I was run over by a truck," I replied honestly.

Dr. Wade's smile broadened. "Well, for someone who was run over by a truck, you seem in pretty good shape," she said teasingly.

I managed a smile, scared of doing more than that for fear of another bout of pain. Dr. Wade got down to business, examining me, checking my vital signs and asking questions. "Can you tell me what happened?" She asked, her voice gentle.

I cocked a brow. "Didn't my husband say something?"

"He did, but I want to hear it from you. You know, to ensure you remember what happened."

I hesitated, unsure of what to say because I didn't know what Jared told her. I was also in doubt if he knew what actually transpired.

"Mrs Smith?" the doctor called.

"Oh, umm... I slipped," I responded.

Doctor Wade nodded. "That's the same thing your husband said."

I nodded. Let's see how he reacts when he replaces out Sofia put me in this state.

Silence descended afterward, as Doctor Wade and the nurse carried on with their checkup. My blood pressure was checked, and questions about my medical history were asked.

After they finished, Doctor Wade and the nurse stepped away. "Save for the sprain on your right ankle and a few bruises, you are totally fine. We'll be back to check on you soon. Freshen up, eat, and rest for now."

As the door closed behind them, I turned to Ashley. "How did you replace out I was here?" I asked.

"Jared called me last night, and I met him at the hospital," Ashley replied.

"How long have I been here?"

"Since last night."

"Have you been here the whole time?" I asked, my voice weak. I was getting exhausted from talking.

Ashley nodded. "I stayed here watching over you. I only stepped out to pee, and trust me, I didn't stay away for more than a second."

I instantly felt warm on the inside, grateful for Ashley's kindness. I couldn't ask for a better best friend.

"Ashley, I can't thank you -"

"You should stop talking and rest. Remember the doctor's advice," Ashley said, cutting me off.

I nodded, but a few minutes later, I broke the silence. I couldn't help it. "Where's Jared?" Since I regained consciousness, I have secretly yearned to see him walk through the door. Even though I was partially mad at him for prioritizing Sofia over me, I still wanted to see him.

Ashley hesitated before responding, "He's...with a woman in the room a few doors away."

My face instantly fell, and I felt a mix of emotion- anger, disappointment, all at once.

"Are you alright?" Ashley asked, taking notice of the change in my facial expression.

I managed a forced smile. "I'm fine," I said, trying to mask my hurt and searing pain.

He was supposed to be beside my bed until I regained consciousness. He was supposed to be the first person I saw when my eyes snapped open, but instead, he was with Sofia.

Then it struck me, did Ashley just say Sofia was here in the hospital too? I was just about to ask what Sofia could be doing in the hospital when she wasn't the one who fell, when the door flung open and Jared walked in.

"Hey," he called, sounding relieved. "You're awake?"

"Yes, I am awake," I replied sharply, hoping he caught the sarcasm in my tone.

He just raised an eyebrow, "Good. I'd rather hear you tearing into me than see you passed out." He stepped closer, all calm and unbothered. "You really scared me, you know."

"Oh did I?" I blurted, before I could stop myself. I couldn't help it. I was seething in anger at how cool he looked and sounded, like he didn't prioritize another woman over me, hours ago.

Jared frowned. "What do you mean? Of course, I was worried and concerned for your safety. Every good husband would be-"

"Well, every good husband should also prioritize his wife over other women, and be by his wife's side when she is unconscious in the hospital, and not be with the other woman, therefore neglecting his wife and leaving her in the care of her best friend!" It was not until I saw the look of horror and surprise in Ashley's face did I stop, realizing I had said too much.

Jared's expression didn't change much, but his eyes got this cool, sharp look. "Arielle, I was exactly where I needed to be, making sure everything was under control." He looked over at Ashley, catching her worried glance. "Ashley, maybe give us a minute?" "Sure," Ashley said and shot to her feet. "I will be outside," she gave a quick nod and hurried out.