The Tycoon’s Remorse Pursuing His Unforgettable Bride

Of a massage session and a hitch date

Of a massage session and a lunch date.

(ARIELLE’S POV)

Jared returned with our bag, and took it to the closet. “I don’t want you stressed,” he said, approaching me.

“Don’t tell me you brought me here to make me lazy,” I said, feigning a frown.

“I brought you here to spoil you silly,” he responded.

“Umm…that sounds like something I would love to indulge–in,” I said, all smiles.

“Great,” Jared said, leaning away. “I will unpack our bag, and afterward, we will head to the hotel’s spa for a massage session. This week has been hectic for you, and a massage is paramount in relaxing your muscles.”

“You have everything all planned out, don’t you?” I inquired, pleased at his thoughtfulness.

“I wouldn’t bring you here, if I didn’t. I will go unpack the bags now,” he gave me a wink and walked back to the closet.

As Jared turned his back to me, my eyes were fixated on his muscles flexed beneath his fitted shirt. Yet again, I felt that all too familiar flutter in my belly. I smiled, grateful for this getaway and how thoughtful Jared was, to have suggested and planned it.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice Jared returning to my side until he gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “All unpacked,” he whispered, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine. “Shall we head to the spa? Your massage

awaits.”

I nodded, taking his offered hand, and we strolled out of the room. As we entered the hallway, a young lady approached us, beaming with a smile.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I’m Sia, the spa assistant. I work alongside our skilled massage therapists, Wendy and Leonard.”

“Hi Sia,” I and Jared replied, smiling back at her.

“I was just about to inform you two that it’s time for your massage session. Please follow me,” Sia said, leading us down the hallway. We took a turn, and she stopped in front of a door. “This way, please.”

We followed her into a calm and serene hallway with soft music playing in the

14

Of a massage session and a lunch date

background. The air was reeking with the sweet fragrance of essential oils. The hallway led us to a junction where the path split into two routes.

“Mr. Smith, you will be going to the men’s section, and Mrs. Smith, you’ll come with

the female section,” Sia announced.

met

Jared leaned in and pecked my cheek. “Don’t miss me too much,” he whispered.

“I’ll try,” I replied with a chuckle.

As Jared walked away, Sia turned to me with a blush on her face. “Your husband is so handsome and sweet. I hope your marriage lasts forever.”

“Thank you, Sia,” I said, touched by her kind words.

We soon arrived at the female section, and Sia led me into a cozy room with a massage bed in the center. “Please, make yourself comfortable. You can change into this towel,” she said, handing me a towel.

I changed out of my clothes and wrapped the towel around my body. Sia then led me to the massage bed, where Wendy, the massage therapist, was waiting.

“Hello, Mrs. Smith. I’ll be taking care of you today. Please lie down on your back, we’ll get started,” Wendy said, smiling.

I settled into the massage bed, its softness beneath me, soothing. Wendy began by gently draping another towel over me, presumably to ensure me modesty.

“Can we get you some water or any refreshment before we start?” Wendy asked. She was trying so hard to please me, and I guess it’s because of Jared, and who he was.

“No, thank you,” I replied, relaxing on the bed.

Wendy nodded and began the massage, her skilled hands working on my tensed muscles. The soothing music and scent of essential oils helped in easing away my

stress and tension.

I didn’t know how long the massage lasted because I was lost in the moment all through. But when I rose from the bed, it felt like my body had turned brand new.

“Wow, that was wonderful! I exclaimed, stretching my body. “One of the best, if not the best massage I’ve ever had.”

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mrs. Smith. We hope to see you again soon,” Wendy said, smiling with pride.

Of a massage session and a lunch state

“Of course, I’ll definitely be back,” I replied.

With that, I bid Wendy and Sia goodbye and walked out the room. Jared was waiting for me just outside the door.

“How was it?“,

asked, falling into step beside me.

“It was remarkable,” I responded. “How about you? Are you done already?”

“Yes, unlike women who take forever to get their things done, men’s lives are much easier,” Jared teased, chuckling.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“Says a man who spends more time dressing up than I do. But I won’t argue with you, I’ll let it slide. So what else do you have planned for me today?” I asked, changing the subject of discussion.

“Well, we’ll head back to our suite and get dressed, then head down to the hotel’s restaurant for lunch,” Jared said, offering me his arm.

I took it, and we strolled back to our room. After changing into suitable attire, we made our way to the restaurant.

The restaurant was elegant, just like every part of the hotel. The aroma of delicious cuisine hung in the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Jared held out a seat for me, and I sat down, feeling like a Queen. Once we were seated, Jared pressed a button on the table, and a smartly dressed waiter appeared.

“Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Welcome to J&S restaurant. May I present our menu?” he said, with a slight bow.

The menu was handed to us and I scanned through mine, lost on what choice to make from the array of options. “I’ll have the grilled salmon, please,” I said finally. make from the array of options. “I’ll h

“Great choice,” the waiter replied. “And for you, sir?”

“I’ll have the same as my wife, and please bring one of your most expensive wines,” Jared said, smiling at me.

The waiter nodded and disappeared, leaving me to gaze at Jared in admiration. He can be sweet that one can forget how aloof and withdrawn he can be at times.

Of a massage session and a lunch date

Jared chuckled. “I try my best.”

+25 BONUS

There was a momentary silence, as we waited for our order to arrive. Jared broke it with an unnerving question. “Are you alright, Arielle?”

I froze, as I never expected the question. “Of course, I’m fine,” I said, and gave a small laugh. “Why would you ask such a question?”

“I don’t know, I have noticed a few negligible changes in you. For instance, You don’t eat Salmon, remember? So how come you ordered it? And you sleep a lot lately. Look, I’m your husband, and if you don’t feel too well you can tell me, and we will book a doctor’s appointment. I can’t –”

“That’s enough, Jared. I’m fine, really. People change, and so do their preferences. I decided to try Salmon, there’s no harm in that, is there?”

“No, but-”

“Let’s not ruin this beautiful moment. Oh, look, the waiter is here with our order.”

was

Jared shrugged, looking unimpressed, but I could not afford to let him pry further. He as smart, and if he’s keen on finding out what’s wrong with me, he was bound to. I do not want him finding out about the pregnancy himself, if he has to, then it has to be from me.

“Shall we?” Jared asked, gesturing to the food set on the table.

“Sure,” I flashed him a smile.

The salmon tasted heavenly, and I couldn’t believe that prior to my pregnancy, this was what I had been missing.

From the look on Jared’s face, he seemed to be enjoying the meal too. Why wouldn’t he? Salmon was one of his favorite seafoods, after all.

Barely a few minutes into the meal, Jared’s phone beeped. He paused and took it out of his pocket. I also paused to watch him, curious on what the beep was about. He tapped on the phone, and his face fell.

“What’s the matter?” I asked, already having a bad feeling.

“Excuse me,” he said, avoiding eye contact with me as he stood up and walked off.

“You’re the perfect gentleman, you know that?” I said, smiling.