CHAPTER 135
Seeing her irritated expression, Alan asked with concern, "Who called you? Is everything okay with your brother?"
"No," Arianna shook her head. "It's just..."
She hesitated for a moment, struggling to find the right words to describe Xander's behaviour. Finally, she reluctantly continued,
"...a call from someone annoying. It's nothing to worry about."
Seeing that she was reluctant to provide more details, Alan decided to drop the subject out of consideration for her feelings and shifted the conversation.
"About your brother's case report, the specialist needs some time to go through it carefully. "I'll update you as soon as I hear anything."
Arianna had come to the hotel because Alan had called her earlier, explaining that the specialist needed to examine Charlie's case report before deciding whether to take on his treatment. Although Alan had initially planned to visit the hospital himself to collect the report, Arianna, driven by her anxiety and not wanting to impose further on Alan, had insisted on bringing the case file over personally.
Arianna knew that the specialist had agreed to review the case largely because Alan had spoken so highly of her. She felt deeply grateful but was unsure how to express her thanks properly.
"Thank you so much, I don’t know how else to thank you," Arianna said, her excitement causing her words to tumble out incoherently.
"Dr. Woods, if you're still in the city tomorrow, I'd love to take you out for a meal. You've done so much for me, and I've been meaning to show my appreciation for a long time."
Alan had been an invaluable support during her time abroad, offering both professional guidance and personal encouragement. He also played a pivotal role in managing Charlie's medical situation, providing crucial assistance every step of the way.
Alan smiled warmly and agreed without hesitation. "Sure, let's have a meal then. I'll be there on time."
"Great, it’s settled then!" Arianna exclaimed with a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders.
Alan glanced at his watch and remarked,
"It's getting late. Let me take you back to the hospital."
Arianna hesitated, ready to decline, but Alan had already taken the lead, signalling for a taxi. She sighed inwardly and reluctantly accepted his kind gesture.
...
Meanwhile, Xander angrily threw his phone onto the car floor with a bitter laugh.
Arianna had claimed she was at the hospital without a hint of hesitation! Was this how she repaid Xander after all he had done to trust her?
Ronald felt a lump in his throat, though tears refused to come. Deep down, he mourned silently for his recently purchased cell phone now shattered on the car floor.
Never had he imagined that his attempt to resolve things by asking Xander to call Arianna would backfire so dramatically.
The blow of Arianna blocking Xander’s number was the first strike; the second was her blatant lie.
Glancing once more at the hotel entrance, Ronald noticed the man helping Arianna into a waiting taxi. As the vehicle pulled away, carrying them off into the night, Ronald couldn't shake off the sinking feeling of helplessness and regret.
That third strike hit like a sledgehammer, and Ronald realized the situation was beyond repair...
Inside the car, an oppressive silence filled the air, sending chills down Ronald's spine. Cold sweat formed on his back as he breathed cautiously, wishing he could disappear.
Moments later, a thunderous voice erupted from the back seat, sending shivers through him.
"Get out of the car!"
Ronald wasted no time, scrambling to exit the vehicle. His nerves were so frayed that he nearly tripped over himself in his haste.
Xander stepped out and swiftly took the driver's seat. He started the engine with a forceful roar, accelerated sharply, and sped away, leaving Ronald standing frozen in place.
As the car vanished into the distance like a fleeting blur, Ronald couldn't help but release a heavy sigh. It was truly over.
...
During the ride back to the hospital, Arianna and Alan chatted cheerfully.
Alan expressed curiosity about her sudden return to the country, and she explained that her concern for her younger brother’s deteriorating health had brought her back.
However, she skirted around the topic of the arranged marriage her parents had forced upon her and the unforeseen circumstances that led to her marrying Xander. It was a private matter and not something she was proud of, so she chose to keep it to herself.
Whether Alan noticed her reluctance to delve into those details or not, he remained tactfully considerate and refrained from pressing her. His sensitivity made her feel at ease.
It was the first time she felt such comfort since her return to the country.
Perhaps this highlighted the importance of socializing. Those who had been isolated for too long would eventually crave someone to talk to.
It wasn't necessary for the other person to do anything special—just listening patiently was enough.
Alan was an excellent listener, likely due to his years of experience as a doctor, where listening to others was a crucial part of his job.
Before long, the car arrived at the hospital.
Alan stepped out and walked around to open Arianna's door with a gentlemanly gesture. She exited the car and smiled warmly, "Thank you."
"I have a request," Alan said suddenly.
Arianna was taken aback. "What is it?" she asked, curious and slightly apprehensive.
