CHAPTER 183
"Now that our marriage is public, you’re officially and rightfully Mrs. King," Xander began. "You represent not just yourself, but also the reputation of the King family and the Kings Corporation."
Arianna nodded in agreement with his first statement. Even though making their marriage public wasn’t what either of them had planned, Xander had done so to help her. She knew she had to be careful with her actions and words from now on, at least until they could part ways.
But then Xander continued, "That’s why you need to cut off any other men in your life!"
Arianna was left speechless. Although Xander had publicly declared, ‘I’m the only man in my wife Arianna’s life, both before and after our marriage. We’re happily married, with no affairs or cheating!’ she wondered if, deep down, he still doubted her loyalty.
Arianna had long given up hope of being understood by Xander after the pain he had caused her. She had resigned herself to the idea that it didn’t matter whether he believed her or not.
But after everything that had happened earlier in the day, she found herself not wanting to be misunderstood again, especially not by him.
Grandma King had shown her genuine kindness, and Aunt Julia cared for her deeply too. Even Xander had stepped in to help when she needed it most. The villa, for the first time, felt a bit like home. Arianna wondered if it was too much to hope for a little more.
“Xander, everything I said at the press conference was the truth. There isn’t anything going on between me and those men whose names were mentioned—”
Before Arianna could finish her sentence, Xander cut her off abruptly, stating bluntly, "I'm talking about Dr. Woods."
Arianna was momentarily stunned, unsure whether to be angry or to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Xander had misunderstood her relationship with Dr. Woods before, and no matter how much she had tried to explain, he never believed her. His suspicion had lingered ever since.
The last time this happened, her frustration and sadness overwhelmed her, causing her to lash out with harsh words born of deep hurt.
Arianna took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking calmly, "Xander, Dr. Woods and I are just friends. The only reason our relationship might seem special is that he’s my saviour. I was seriously injured when I was abroad, and he was the attending doctor who treated me. He’s also the one who helped with Charlie’s condition and reached out to the healer on my behalf. That’s why Charlie was able to get the treatment he needed. That’s all there is between us."
She lifted her eyes to meet Xander’s gaze, but his expression remained unreadable. His dark eyes held no warmth, giving nothing away.
Arianna bit her lower lip slightly before adding, "That’s the truth. Whether you believe me or not, that’s up to you."
The bedroom grew silent after Arianna finished speaking. The hopeful light in her eyes slowly dimmed as the seconds ticked by.
Just as she was about to give up on hearing a response from Xander, he suddenly asked,
"If it's not Dr. Woods, then who is it?"
Arianna blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his question. She hadn’t expected that to be on his mind.
Then again, it made sense. Xander was the kind of man who wouldn’t tolerate any ambiguities, especially when it came to affairs—real or imagined.
Arianna curled her lips into a faint smile and replied honestly, “There’s no such man, Xander. I made it up to stop Grandma from playing matchmaker for me.”
If she had known the trouble it would cause, she never would have said it.
“You don’t have feelings for any man at all?” Xander repeated her words, a mixture of emotions flickering in his eyes. He looked at her intently and asked again, more seriously this time, “Are you sure…there isn’t anyone you like?”
To clear up the misunderstanding once and for all, Arianna raised her hand instinctively and swore, “I swear, I don’t have feelings for anyone. Not a single person!”
‘No one…’
So, Arianna had truly felt nothing for him two years ago.
The corners of Xander’s lips twitched, but he couldn’t manage even a faint smile.
After Arianna finished speaking, she glanced at Xander’s face, expecting that he would finally believe her.
But the look on his face left her momentarily speechless. Instead of relief or satisfaction, there was a trace of sadness in his expression.
She blinked, wondering if she had imagined it.
Arianna wanted to get a clearer look, but Xander didn’t give her the chance. He had already turned around and walked out of the room with long strides.
She could only stand there, staring blankly at his retreating figure.
The atmosphere had been promising earlier, and she had even started to hope that their relationship might improve, making it easier for them to get along.
But he was always difficult to read, and now he was even more of a mystery.
Arianna stood still for a moment, feeling the warmth rising in her body. Snapping back to reality, she quickly walked over to the window and opened it, letting the cool breeze wash over her.
After drying her hair and completing her skincare routine, Arianna moved to the bed, pulled up the blanket, and lay down, ready for a good night’s sleep.
Barely seconds after closing her eyes, Arianna heard footsteps approaching the door. She instinctively glanced over and saw Xander returning.
His face was as unreadable as ever as he walked directly to the other side of the bed. Without a word, he lifted the blanket and lay down beside her.
With a snap, the light was turned off, plunging the room into darkness.
Sensing his somber mood, Arianna decided it was best to stay silent. After all, this wasn’t the first time they’d shared a bed, and it was large enough for them to keep their distance.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and tried to settle in for the night.
