MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE
Surprise at sea

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The drive to the Harrison beach house was quiet and a bit long. The driver barely spoke, keeping the ride uneventful. After an hour, we arrived at a massive iron gate, which opened immediately as the car stopped. The driver pulled into the driveway and parked. "Here, let me help you," he offered, gesturing to my bag after we alighted.

I handed it over with a smile. "Thank you."

As we walked, I took in the breathtaking surroundings. The beach house stood amidst towering palms swaying in the cool night breeze, the sound of waves creating a soothing melody in the background. The air carried a mix of salt, sand, and blooming flowers, while the moonlight cast an ethereal glow over the scene.

Soon, the ship came into view, and it was nothing short of stunning: a sleek, white vessel with Harrison's family name engraved on its side.

The driver helped me aboard, where a group of smiling crew members greeted me with polite bows.

"Welcome aboard, Ma'am," one of them said, taking my bag as the driver bid me goodbye.

I wandered further, taking in the grandeur. The lounge had floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic ocean views, plush furniture arranged around a central coffee table, and a gleaming bar stocked with fine wines.

Past it, the dining room featured a long polished table under sparkling crystal chandeliers, while the walls displayed old-school artworks.

Further exploration revealed a sleek kitchen-likely my base for this culinary mission-followed by a gym, spa, and even a small movie theater.

The ship was a masterpiece, and I could already feel the weight of the evening's expectations settling in.

I could have spent hours exploring the ship's endless wonders, but I reminded myself there was time for that later. For now, I needed to meet Margaux. With that thought, I turned to retrace my steps-only to nearly trip as a chorus of loud "Surprise!" erupted behind me. My heart leapt to my throat as I spun around, completely caught off guard.

"Hi, Miss Meyers! Long time no see!" Margaux greeted cheerfully, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah, yeah! Long time no see!" chimed in Ashley, waving dramatically. "You really should call me more often, girl! And by the way, are you on some crazy diet? You really look like you need a good meal!"

Before I could process their unexpected presence, a familiar deep voice cut through the chaos. "Arielle," Dwayne drawled, his foxy smile practically dazzling. "It's a good night, isn't it?"

I barely had time to register the words before a tiny blur rushed forward, arms outstretched. "Hi, Mommy! I told you I'd see you soon!" Maverick giggled as he launched himself into my arms.

I froze, my brain short-circuiting. What. Was. Going. On?!

My stunned gaze landed on my mother, who stood off to the side, laughing at my expression. She tilted her chin toward me, clearly amused.

"Wait... Mother?!" I managed to stammer.

What in the name of Hades was happening here?! My mind screamed for answers, but my mouth just hung open, unable to form coherent words.

Margaux stepped forward, her smile apologetic but still mischievous. "Arielle, as you can see, this isn't exactly a business preview," she admitted, clasping her hands together. "We've been planning a little... surprise party for you. When Ashley first mentioned the idea, I wasn't sure it would work, but clearly, you've been too busy to notice a single clue!"

A surprise party? For me?

I stared blankly at her as realization dawned. My birthday. Two days from now. How had I completely forgotten?

Dwayne, clearly enjoying my reaction, ruffled my hair with a helpless smile. "You're so stunned, it almost makes me regret helping to organize this whole thing."

"And Mom?" I exclaimed, "When did you get back?"

"Just a few hours ago," she said, holding me tightly. "Ashley told me about the plan, and I couldn't miss this."

When we pulled apart, I turned to Maverick and Meredith, narrowing my eyes. "How did you two manage to get here so quickly?"

Maverick's grin widened, clearly thrilled to have been part of the scheme. "Uncle Dwayne picked us up right after you left! He knew a shortcut!"

I blinked in shock, pieces falling into place. So the driver who brought me had been part of this evil plan all along, deliberately taking the long route so everyone could arrive first.

"So, this wasn't a business meeting at all," I said slowly, shaking my head in disbelief. "You all kidnapped me for a secret birthday celebration!"

Ashley smirked. "Guilty as charged."

"You're all unbelievable," I said, shaking my head in disbelief, though a warm smile tugged at my lips. I couldn't believe they had gone to so much effort-just to surprise me. "But... about what you said earlier, letting my team handle the ship dinner?" I asked Margaux, unable to resist sneaking the question in.

She raised an eyebrow, amused. "Yes, that's true. That part wasn't a lie, so you can rest easy. But seriously, Arielle, are you really still thinking about work right now?"

I smiled to myself, the warmth in my chest growing. "Nice," I whispered, letting the relief settle in, but I kept my face composed, not saying a word.

Ashley stepped closer, her

expression a mix of caution and

concern. She reached for my hands "Arielle... are you upset with us? I'm sorry. We just wanted to make sure you'd take a break and enjoy yourself for once. Please don't be

mad that we didn't tell you sooner."

I tried to keep a straight face, but I couldn't hold it in any longer.

Laughter bubbled up as I burst out, "Ah, pretending to be mad always works like a charm!"

Her jaw dropped in mock outrage. "Oi, you!" she gasped, laughing as she lightly smacked my arm.

"Anyway, I stilkneed to call my chef

and manage to let them know

about this totally out-of-plan

situation You know how it

is-without me, who knows what kind of chaos they'll cook up? It's the weekend, and the customer tide is crucial..."

"Arielle!" Everyone groaned in perfect unison, their voices blending into one loud, exasperated chorus.

I couldn't help it-I burst out laughing again, holding my stomach as their synchronized frustration only made funnier. "Alright, alright, I'll stop!"

I looked around at everyone. Ashley,

Margaux, Dwayne, Maverick, my mother, and the crew members who had been part of this plan. My heart swelled with emotion, the warmth flooding through me almost

ve?

overwhelming. I felt so deeply loved and cared for, and for a moment, I just stood there, soaking it all in.

"Thank you, Ash," I said, my voice soft but full of gratitude. I turned to everyone else, my smile growing. "Thank you, all of you. This... this means everything to me."

Ashley pulled me into a tight hug, her voice teasing but affectionate. "Stop being so emotional, boss! We're just glad we could pull this off." She grinned as she pulled back. "Now let's get this pre-party started!"

The others cheered, clapping and laughing, and I couldn't stop smiling. For the first time in what felt like forever, I let go of the stress and expectations, simply soaking in the love and joy of being surrounded by my people. Amid the laughter and noise, I felt a shift in the air-subtle, yet magnetic. Turning, I unexpectedly locked eyes with a burning, yet gentle, gaze.

Feigning a dramatic sigh, I teased, "Well, look who's here. I thought you were mad at me the last time we met?"

Dwayne, now the center of everyone's curious and amused stares, simply shrugged with an easy grin. "What can I say? The big boss is always so busy, leaving me to stand in the shadows, forever waiting for her favor." Without waiting for my response, he leaned in slightly, a soft smile dancing in his eyes. "How can I be mad when you don't even have time to notice? So here I am, chasing after you in utter defeat."

I couldn't stop the smile tugging at my lips.