CHAPTER 191
Xander’s eyes flickered with a hint of amusement as he raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze fixed on Arianna. He then gently pulled her closer, his arm resting casually around her shoulders as they walked into the living room.
As they settled in, Arianna turned to Alan with a courteous smile.
“Dr. Woods, would you like something to drink?” Arianna asked with a friendly smile, aiming to lighten the atmosphere.
“A glass of water would be perfect, thank you,” Alan replied, his tone measured and polite, though his eyes briefly flickered towards Xander.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Arianna added, gesturing towards the seating area with a gracious nod.
She cast a concerned glance at Xander, who was watching her with an enigmatic smile. Their eyes locked momentarily, and Arianna could almost feel his awareness of her unease.
A knowing smirk appeared at the corner of Xander’s mouth as if he had read her every thought. Feeling somewhat vulnerable, Arianna managed a strained smile and turned to Xander.
“Xander, could you entertain Dr. Woods while I finish up in the kitchen?”
It was a delicate situation. She needed to balance her role as Mrs King while ensuring that Xander didn’t undermine her in front of their guest. Given their shared interests, Xander needed to play his part.
Xander’s expression suggested he had been expecting this request. He inclined his head slightly and replied,
“Of course, darling.”
Arianna nodded in appreciation and retreated to the kitchen, her steps hesitant.
Once Arianna had disappeared from view, Xander turned his full attention to Alan.
“Your home is truly beautiful, Mr. King. The attention to detail is impressive.”
Xander gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, Dr. Woods. We’ve put a lot of care into making it what it is.
Alan simply nodded, not knowing what else to say
“This villa has been our home since we got married. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to give you a tour.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly as Xander’s offer hung in the air, adding a layer of formality to the encounter. Alan, unfazed by the underlying tension, accepted with a nod and a polite smile.
Alan maintained a warm, unflappable smile as he replied, “I’d appreciate that.”
"Follow me," Xander beckoned, taking the lead. "I have something to show you."
As they embarked on the tour, Xander led Alan through the vast villa. The sheer magnificence of the place was breathtaking, with lavish furnishings and sweeping vistas of the nearby mountains. The harmonious blend of the stunning landscape and the villa's exquisite decor crafted a warm and welcoming ambience.
“Right this way,” Xander instructed, taking the lead.
As they walked, Xander showed Alan around the sprawling estate. The villa’s grandeur was undeniable, with its lavish furnishings and panoramic views of the nearby mountains. The seamless blend of natural beauty with the villa’s luxurious design created a space that was both impressive and welcoming.
As they reached the outdoor courtyard, Alan’s eyes were drawn to a vibrant patch of pink roses, their blossoms forming a delicate sea of colour against the green landscape. The sight was both calming and beautiful.
Xander’s gaze lingered on the roses as he spoke, his tone reflective. “Arianna has always had a deep affection for flowers, especially pink roses. She’s loved them since she was a child. She told me that seeing these bright blooms always lifts her spirits.”
He gestured to the flower patch with a hint of pride. “When I chose this villa, it was partly because of this garden. I knew how much Arianna would appreciate having such a beautiful spot. As it turns out, it’s her favourite place in the entire house.”
Alan nodded thoughtfully. He was aware of Arianna’s fondness for pink roses
.....
When Arianna’s leg was severely injured, she was initially reluctant to stay in the hospital.
Alan’s blunt response pushed her to reconsider. “If you’re determined to leave, that’s fine. But if you walk out, your leg will no longer be my responsibility. Its recovery—and whether you’ll be able to walk properly again—will be entirely up to you.”
Arianna shot him a defiant look. “I don’t need to stay in the hospital. I’m fine. I’ve dealt with worse before. I don’t see why I should stay here if I don’t want to.”
Alan’s gaze remained steady. “It’s not about whether you’re fine now; it’s about the long-term outcome. Your decision will affect your recovery.”
Arianna huffed, her frustration evident. “I’ll manage on my own. I don’t need to be stuck in a hospital bed to get better.”
Alan didn’t push further. “That’s your choice. Just remember, if you walk out, I won’t be able to help you with your recovery.”
Reluctantly, Arianna agreed to stay but chose the most basic ward available, one that housed nearly twenty patients in close quarters. Most of the patients received visits from family and friends, who brought flowers and fruits to cheer them up.
The bed next to Arianna’s was occupied by a young woman whose boyfriend visited daily, always bringing a fresh bouquet.
One day, during his rounds, Alan found Arianna staring wistfully at the flowers in the young woman's vase. Her eyes held a soft yearning, contrasting sharply with the youthful vivigourne might expect.
It was the first time Alan saw Arianna display a genuine sense of longing, much like any ordinary girl might.
At just over twenty years old, Arianna was still very young, yet she seemed to lack the typical vitality of her age. Whenever Alan observed her, she conveyed a sense of weariness and hardship far beyond her years.
Later, as he checked on her condition, he casually asked, “What flowers do you like?”
Arianna responded without much thought, “I like pink roses.”
Alan’s curiosity was piqued. “Pink roses? I thought most girls preferred classic red roses.”
Arianna hesitated for a moment before revealing, “The first flower my boyfriend gave me was a pink rose.”
Her expression briefly faltered before she quickly masked it with a smile. “They’re just…pretty, that’s why I like them.”
Noting her discomfort, Alan chose not to press further. The next day, he arranged for numerous pink roses to be placed in every ward by asking the hospital’s janitor to distribute them.
