CHAPTER 145
The news of their relationship stunned everyone and sparked a flurry of speculation from the very beginning.
Xander was admired by many high-profile celebrities, some of whom were quite glamorous. Few would have predicted that Arianna would be the one to capture his heart.
Even though she had rescued Xander, there were numerous other ways for him to express his appreciation. Entering into a relationship with her was not necessary, leading to a series of debates about whether Xander genuinely cared for her or if she had somehow enchanted him.
Not many in the exclusive social circle had high hopes for their relationship, but their feelings continued to improve. Xander adored her and took her everywhere with him. She had a truly affectionate and pleasant experience with him in their relationship, and Xander even offered support when her grandfather succumbed to a grave illness and the Johnson Group faced multiple crises.
On her 20th birthday, Xander promptly proposed to her, causing jealousy among those in their circle. Their relationship turned into something of a fairytale.
They truly seemed like a fairytale couple, a prince and princess destined for a perfect ending.
Yet, the story didn't conclude on that note.
At their wedding, Xander abruptly ended their relationship, severing all ties with Arianna at the entrance to the King Group. His indifference was so complete that it felt as though their past together had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion.
From that day forward, Arianna was left to grapple with the aching memory of their shattered dream, sinking into a painful reverie every time she recalled it.
.........
Arianna instinctively pressed her hand against her chest, struggling to breathe as the ache within her became nearly unbearable.
Suddenly, she recalled the email she had received while she was overseas, which hinted at Xander’s breakup with her for reasons she couldn’t fully grasp. At that time, she had clung to a sliver of hope, believing there might be some explanation or reconciliation.
Tears streamed down her face without restraint, her eyesight becoming hazy as she fully grasped the harsh truth of Xander's total desertion. It seemed as though he had wiped out all memories of their time together, opting to leave it all behind the instant he called it quits.
The pain was like a crushing weight, a harsh reminder of the hopeful dreams she once cherished.
Unlike Xander, Arianna was still entangled in the past, unable to let go or move forward. Her refusal to release those memories only deepened her sadness and kept her ensnared in an endless loop of sorrow.
As her tears subsided, her voice grew raspy and her vision blurred. She felt an intense desire to leave the place that held her shame, but she was too weak to muster the strength to stand.
Determined, she gritted her teeth, pushed herself up with effort, and reached for the phone on the bedside table. With trembling fingers, she dialled Rochelle’s number, hoping for a voice of comfort in her distress.
…
Inside the opulent VIP room of the clubhouse, the low hum of ambient music and the soft clink of glasses created an atmosphere of luxury.
Zach checked his sleek phone, noting the late hour with a frown. The room, adorned with rich leather sofas and low tables scattered with half-empty champagne glasses, seemed unusually quiet.
He raised his eyebrows at John, who was lounging on a plush armchair, sipping a drink.
“Xander said he’d be here by now. It’s already this late, and we haven’t seen him yet. Do you think something’s up?”
John dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, glanced up from his drink with a slight air of irritation.
“Perhaps he’s dealing with something unexpected, or maybe he's simply running behind schedule. Let’s give him a bit more time.”
“It’s already getting late, and he still hasn’t shown up—”
Before he could finish, the door to the VIP room was suddenly flung open with a loud bang.
Zach, initially puzzled by the ruckus, turned to see Xander storming in with an intense, almost menacing energy. His surprise quickly turned to apprehension, and he fell silent, his eyes widening in fear.
“X-Xander,” he stammered, his voice wavering.
Xander appeared to ignore everything around him as he strode directly to the booth. He settled into a seat, grabbed a bottle of wine, and began drinking straight from it, tilting his head back.
Zach and John exchanged puzzled looks. It had been ages since they had seen Xander in such a distraught and menacing state.
John broke the silence, saying, “Clear the room.”
Zach quickly understood the directive. He snapped his fingers and ordered everyone else out.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Zach’s brow furrowed as he watched Xander down the wine with reckless abandon. His voice trembled with anxiety as he asked,
“Aren’t you going to stop him, Jonny? He’s drinking like he’s trying to drown something. This could end badly.”
John cast him a sideways glance, his expression unreadable.
“If you’re up for it, feel free to step in. But be warned, Xander’s not in the mood for interference right now.”
Zach's face turned a shade paler. “We can’t just stand by and watch! He’s spiralling just like he did two years ago. If he keeps this up, he’ll end up sick again, and that could be disastrous!”
John’s eyes narrowed with a hint of determination. He picked up a wine glass, dropped a pill into it, and swirled it slowly until the pill dissolved. He then moved toward Xander, the weight of his actions clear on his face.
Zach’s concern escalated, and he stepped in quickly.
“What are you doing, Jonny? What’s that pill for?”
