CHAPTER 20
With a blink, Arianna felt a sudden pang of sadness pierce her heart. Despite her guarded expectations of Xander, the sharpness of his words cut deeper than she anticipated. There was no inquiry into her well-being, no chance given for explanation.
In that fleeting moment, Arianna's perception of Xander shifted. Was this truly the man she once loved, the one she had shared her deepest emotions with for over two years? The familiarity seemed to slip away, replaced by the unsettling presence of a stranger before her.
The doubts gnawed at her, casting shadows over the memories they had built together. Was this truly Xander, or had she been mistaken all along?
Did Xander see her as nothing more than a shameless woman?
As the weight of his indifference settled in her heart, Arianna couldn't help but wonder.
Was it the lingering effects of the alcohol from the half-filled glass she had consumed moments ago, or was it the sudden surge of profound sadness that washed over her?
In a moment of defiance, Arianna's lips curved into a bitter smile, a hollow laughter escaping her. With a deliberate gesture, she tore at the fabric covering her shoulder, revealing the marks left by the mock hickeys.
"Mr. King," Arianna's voice held a tinge of bitterness as she met his gaze, "does this satisfy your suspicions?"
As Arianna uttered those words, she felt Xander's grip on her wrist tighten, as if he intended to crush her bones beneath his fingers.
The pain seared through her, causing beads of sweat to form on her forehead. Despite the agony coursing through her, Arianna gritted her teeth, refusing to give Xander the satisfaction of hearing her cry out in pain.
Men could be despicable creatures, she thought bitterly. Even in the absence of love, Xander refused to allow her to violate his pride.
Living abroad for years had taught Arianna to be cautious and think before acting. She learned to avoid trouble and stay safe.
Despite facing pressure from her parents and Harrold's unwanted advances and deliberate efforts to cause trouble, Arianna maintained her composure, navigating the situation with poise and grace.
She realized that going against Xander would only bring trouble, but as frustration built up inside her, the desire to keep her cool faded away.
'How could she stay f*ck being calm!'
Why should she bear the burden of hurt and heartbreak alone? Two years ago, Xander publicly ended their relationship with a callous statement, leaving Arianna feeling abandoned and discarded.
His constant misunderstandings and harsh words only added to her pain.
In that moment, Arianna's determination to stay calm wavered, replaced by a sudden rush of anger.
Since Xander was concerned about the possibility of being betrayed, Arianna decided to play into his fears. If he made her miserable, she would ensure he felt the same way.
In a bold move, Arianna reached for the few of the buttons left of her torn shirt, her fingers deftly unfastening them one by one. With each button undone, the fabric gradually loosened, revealing glimpses of her skin underneath.
As the shirt slid down her shoulders, Arianna let it fall, allowing it to pool at her feet. She stood before Xander, her gaze locked with his, unyielding and unwavering.
Xander's anger flickered in his eyes as he watched Arianna unbutton her shirt. His gaze burned with intensity, a mixture of frustration, confusion, and perhaps a hint of desire.
Despite his efforts to maintain his composure, there was a undeniable tension in the air, a palpable energy that crackled between them.
As Arianna let her shirt fall from her shoulders, Xander's jaw tensed, his expression unreadable yet filled with a storm of emotions.
With a charming smile, Arianna addressed Xander. "Mr. King, you asked me to strip, yet you're angered by what you see. What's the point of your request?"
However, she felt her words lacked enough bite, so she continued.
"We both know the purpose of our marriage. You don't see me as your wife, and I certainly don't consider you my husband. I don't interfere with your affairs, so you should turn a blind eye to mine as well."
"Arianna King!" Xander's voice echoed through the room, each syllable laden with a chilling intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
"I dare you to say that again!"
Arianna's heart raced as she met his gaze, his eyes dark and foreboding. In that moment,
Arianna felt a chill running down her spine. Those gloomy eyes that stared at her made her tremble, and she suddenly felt timid.
However, Arianna quickly stifled it, replacing it with a smile that masked her inner turmoil.
"Xander, are my words too much for you? Let me be blunt then. Do you think Harrold is the only man in my life? You underestimate me! During my time abroad these past two years, I've had my share of encounters with countless men. Just as you have beautiful women flocking to you, I have men vying for my attention. And you know what? I'll continue to seek out more. If you're afraid of being betrayed, then perhaps you should consider divorcing me. Otherwise, I'll happily turn this villa into a brothel with my constant stream of visitors!"
With each word spoken, Arianna felt a weight lift from her heart, replaced by a sense of liberation.
Meanwhile, Xander's demeanor grew increasingly ominous, his features contorted with anger. Veins protruded on his temple, his eyes ablaze with a fiery intensity, and his breaths came in ragged gasps.
Xander was burning g with rage.
