Billionaire's Bride

The Regret

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Asher returned home that evening, his mind solely on Janette. Entering the drawing room, he saw Regina lounging on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Her face lit up as soon as she spotted him. His heart sank; he instantly regretted letting her stay at his house even after the wedding. Their brief fling had been a way to satisfy his desires, but once he realized there was a chance to marry Janette, he'd put a stop to it. Regina’s brother lived far away, and she was only in town to finish her studies before returning home. As a friend, he'd allowed her to stay. But their intimacy had been brief, a single night of indulgence, followed by fleeting moments of stolen kisses.

She stood up, wrapping her arms around him. "You’re back. I missed you so much, love," she said, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. But Asher's mind was elsewhere—on his wife, upstairs. After their argument that morning, he had sent Janette to the mansion while he went straight to his office.

"Did you miss me?" Regina asked, tracing her finger along his cheek.

"Stop, Regina. This is inappropriate." Asher pulled away, his tone firm. Hurt flashed in her eyes, but he felt nothing but irritation. He had made everything clear before they slept together, and she had agreed to the terms.

"That girl changed you in such a short time," Regina scoffed, a bitter edge to her voice. "What about your revenge?"

Her words sparked his fury. He regretted ever confiding in her. Regina was an opportunist, and if she felt slighted, she wouldn’t hesitate to reveal the truth to Janette. He had to tread carefully.

"I didn’t marry her for revenge. I married her because I love her. Just like you love Miles."

Her face paled at his words. She had never admitted her feelings for his best friend, Miles Walters. "I-I don’t love him," she stammered, but Asher just smirked.

"I know. He visits the house to see you, not me or my wife." Since Asher had told Regina about his marriage, she had kept her distance, playing the role of the mature, respectful guest. He knew she was in love with Miles, too shy to admit it.

"No one comes into this house without my knowledge, Regina. I can tell you the exact times and dates he's been here." At that, she surrendered, making him promise not to tell Janette about their past in exchange for her silence about the real reason behind his marriage. Asher agreed, and they sealed the deal.

"You and Miles should move in together," Asher suggested, watching her eyes widen in surprise.

"I’ve already talked to him. He’s happy to have you stay. As for your brother, I’ll handle it." Regina’s face lit up, and she hugged him.

"Thank you, Cupid! I’ll start packing. May you and Janette stay together forever." She hurried off to her room, nearly stumbling on her way, but managed to catch herself.

"Careful," he said.

"I’m fine!" she called back with a grin.

With a sigh, Asher made his way upstairs to the room he shared with Janette. She had dozed off, a novel in her lap, her glasses still perched on her nose. She looked adorable in her red nightdress, its soft fabric revealing just enough to tempt him. He smiled to himself, gently taking the book from her hands and removing her glasses. Lifting her carefully, he carried her to bed, placing her down with a tender kiss on her temple.

As he turned to leave, Janette stirred, her hand reaching out to grab his. "Eat something before coming to bed. Dinner’s in the microwave," she mumbled sleepily before drifting off again.

Asher stood there for a moment, his heart swelling. Of all the women he'd been with, none had cared for him like this—not even in their half-asleep state. It made him fall even harder for her, but the weight of his secret gnawed at him. The regret of not telling her the truth would haunt him until he found the courage to confess.