CHAPTER 198
Ronald’s life took a downward turn when Xander became a workaholic. Xander immersed himself in his work, leaving little time for anything else, especially for those who worked closely with him.
Ronald, once optimistic that he could balance his demanding job with some semblance of personal life, soon found that even a simple coffee date or a casual drink with a woman became a rarity. On the rare occasions when he did manage to carve out some time for himself, Xander's calls never failed to come at the worst possible moments.
Just as Ronald was about to make a good impression or finally connect with someone, his phone would ring. The frequency of these interruptions, coupled with the intensity of Xander’s demands, quickly earned Ronald a reputation among women.
Eventually, women became reluctant to date him, knowing that any attempt at romance would be disrupted by his unpredictable work life. As a result, Ronald’s social life withered, and he remained single. His parents, aware of his situation, often nudged the conversation towards marriage whenever they spoke to him, gently but persistently urging him to settle down.
Now, looking at Xander, Ronald felt a renewed sense of determination. It wasn’t just about his happiness anymore—it was about Xander’s as well. Whether for his boss’s sake or his own, Ronald realized he couldn’t just stand by and watch. He needed to help Xander build a better relationship with Arianna, for both of their sakes.
Summoning his courage, Ronald straightened up, steadied his emotions, and met Xander’s gaze with newfound resolve.
"Although I haven't had much success in my own love life, I've watched enough to learn a thing or two," he said, his voice carrying a note of confidence.
Xander arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Let’s hear it, then."
Ronald took a deep breath, determined to sound assured despite his apprehension.
"Mr. King, let me share a story with you. My parents are widely regarded as the most affectionate couple in our village, and their reputation for being a devoted pair extends well beyond it. However, their relationship wasn’t always this harmonious. They initially met on a blind date arranged by their families, and there was no immediate chemistry between them. My mother couldn't understand what her family saw in my father, and my father felt similarly about her. Despite their initial lack of connection, their families were adamant that they marry, believing it was a good match."
He paused, watching Xander's reaction before continuing. "In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. They argued constantly, about anything and everything. The big arguments were intense, but the small ones happened almost every day. At one point, things got so bad that my mom packed up and left, going back to stay with her family."
Xander’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he focused more intently on Ronald. "And what happened after that?" he asked his tone a mix of curiosity and something deeper.
Ronald sensed he had Xander’s full attention now and pressed on, knowing this could be the key to helping his boss.
Ronald noticed Xander’s growing interest and leaned in, his excitement palpable as he continued, "Well, after that, things took an unexpected turn. My dad's family stepped in and pushed him to make amends, insisting that he persuade my mom to come back. Both of them were still pretty unhappy with the situation, and neither was willing to make the first move. That’s when my grandmother—my mom’s mother—decided that enough was enough. She couldn’t bear to see them at odds any longer and figured that a change of scenery might do them some good. So, she paid for them to take a trip together, thinking that some time away from everything might help improve their relationship."
Ronald's enthusiasm grew as he recounted the story. "She believed that a little sightseeing, coupled with delicious food, would do wonders for their mood. And she was right. My parents started to bond during that trip. They relaxed, enjoyed themselves, and began to see each other in a different light. The distance from their everyday life allowed them to connect in a way they hadn’t before.
"But the real magic happened when they returned from their trip. My mom found out she was pregnant with me. That changed everything. My mom became more serene and focused on the baby, and my dad stepped up, feeling a new sense of responsibility. The whole dynamic of their relationship shifted. From that point on, their life together was so sweet, they didn’t have a single argument for decades. To this day, they’re the epitome of a loving couple, always doting on each other. I’ll admit, it gets a bit much sometimes, having to watch them be all lovey-dovey, but it’s also kind of inspiring."
Ronald paused, the memory of his parents' story etched in his mind. It was a tale he had heard countless times, a narrative that had been drilled into him so thoroughly that he could probably tell it in his sleep. His parents had always made sure he knew every detail, often taking turns to recount their journey to happiness.
Xander remained silent for a moment, digesting what he’d just heard. Then he spoke, his voice contemplative, "So... travelling?"
"Exactly!" Ronald nodded eagerly, seizing the opportunity. "Mr. King, if you want to strengthen your relationship with Mrs. King, it’s important not to let small conflicts fester. Arguments can erode a couple’s bond over time, and with everything you and Mrs. King have been through, it’s even more crucial to take action now."
He hesitated for a split second when he saw the frosty look in Xander’s eyes, realizing he might be treading on thin ice. Quickly, he adjusted his approach,
"What I’m trying to say is, when you and Mrs. King got married, it was more of a formality, right? Just signing an agreement, nothing too romantic or celebratory. But most women dream of a proper wedding, of something special. If you ask me, it would be a great idea to take her on a trip and treat it as a long-overdue honeymoon. And while you’re at it, maybe surprise her with a beautiful diamond ring. I bet she’d be over the moon."
Ronald watched Xander closely, hoping his suggestion would resonate. He knew that if Xander could make such a gesture, it might just be the key to breaking through the barriers between him and Arianna, bringing them closer together.
