MR BILLIONAIRE'S REGRET: CHASING HIS IRRESISTIBLE WIFE

(ARIELLE'S POV)

As we turned around to find out why Sofia was screaming, our eyes widened in surprise. Sofia was bent, clutching her stomach, her face contorted in pain. "Are you okay?" I rushed to her, concern on my face.

Sofia didn't respond; she just kept groaning. I grew scared and beckoned Ashley to come closer. "I think she's hurt, let's help her," I whispered.

Ashley hesitated before rushing to my side. "Arielle, are you sure? I don't know, but I don't trust her."

"Let's just help her," I said, trying to help Sofia stand straight.

Just then, two women approached us. I was relieved; more hands would be appreciated.

"What happened?" One of them asked.

Sofia looked up at them, tears now brimming in her eyes. "She...she tried to hurt me. I'm pregnant, and she pushed me," she said, pointing to me.

A loud gasp escaped Ashley's and my lips as we exchanged surprised looks. What was Sofia talking about?

"How could you?" The first woman turned to me, her face turning red with rage. "You're a monster to hurt a pregnant woman."

"You're barbaric!" The other added.

I blinked, too stunned to talk. But Ashley stepped forward, trying to defend me. "That's not true! Arielle didn't touch her."

But the women were not having it. "You're gonna pay for this," the first one bellowed.

The other pulled out her phone. "I'm calling the cops."

My heart sank; if the matter got to the cops, I might get into trouble for assault. Sofia was pregnant, and who wouldn't feel sorry for a heavily pregnant woman?

"No, please listen," I tried to plead, but my shaky voice was drowned out by the loud voices of the angry women.

By now, a small crowd was starting to form, and I grew scared as the matter might escalate with Sofia sobbing hysterically.

Just when the woman was about to call the cops, Jared arrived. I let out a sigh, partially relieved that he might be able to pacify Sofia.

Jared rushed to Sofia. "Why are you crying? What's going on?"

On seeing him, Sofia rushed into his arms, crying even more. If it wasn't for the issue at hand, I probably would have rolled my eyes. "Arielle tried to hurt me and our baby," she accused, turning to glare at me.

Jared looked in my direction, and with the look in her eyes, I knew he didn't believe her. And then he

turned to the woman still rantingnet

about calling the cops. "Put your phone away; I can handle this

situation.

But Sofia insisted, "No, Jared, the cops need to be called. Arielle deserves to pay for trying to hurt me."

Jared tried to pacify her but she

wouldn't listen. But just then, a young lady, presumably in her early

twenties, approached us. She

walked up to Sofia and said firmly,

"You're telling lies."

Everyone was stunned, and I watched Sofia's eyes dim, losing some of their defiance. "What do you mean? Why would you say that?"

The girl continued, "I saw you. This lady didn't touch you. Frankly speaking, it was you who was trying to talk to her and her friend, but they weren't interested. You're making things up."

And then the girl turned to everyone. "She's lying. I saw everything and I'm willing to testify if need be."

At this point, all eyes were now on the girl, and for once, Sofia was speechless.

Ashley seemed to recover from the shock first before taking threatening steps towards Sofia. "You, bitch. You thought you could get away with your pathetic lie, but thank God it' has been proven that Arielle

is

innocent and incapable of hurting anyone."

"Ashley, stop," I pleaded, holding her back. "Let her be. What matters is that the truth has emerged."

Murmurs rose in the air now, as the women who were once taking Sofia's side now glared at her with anger. "You're unbelievable. I can't believe I almost called the cops on an innocent woman," the first woman said. "You fooled all of us. What kind of a person are you?"

Soon, so many voices rose, all berating Sofia. When it became too tense, she yelled at the top of her voice. "Get away from here, pick mes. Did I ask for help from any of you?"

I shook my head, Sofia was unrepentant. I watched Jared try to stop her from exchanging words with the angry women, all to no avail.

I gently tapped Ashley, "Let's leave."

And while the exchange went on, Ashley and I slipped away. We got into the car, grateful to be away from the scuffle.

"I feel sorry for Jared," Ashley suddenly said.

I turned sharply to look at her. "Why?"

"That woman is going to ruin him with the way she's going. He might not be aware of what he's gotten himself into, but he's in big trouble."