CHAPTER 21
"Bravo, Arianna! You never fail to impress!" Xander's laughter rang out, though it was laced with bitterness.
"You reveal your true nature the moment you realize you can't bleed me dry anymore! After our divorce, you'll just move on to the next wealthy man to exploit! Arianna, you're nothing but a greedy and conniving woman!"
Arianna remained unfazed by his accusations. "Since you've seen through me, there's nothing more to say. Mr. King, I'm sure you have no desire to be tied to a woman like me. It would only tarnish your reputation."
What a sharp tongue she had indeed.
This side of Arianna was completely unfamiliar to Xander. She used to exude such gentleness and warmth when they were together. He couldn't help but wonder if it was all an act.
The flames of anger reignited in his eyes as Xander seized Arianna's face in a tight grip. His handsome features loomed closer to hers, each word dripping with venom.
"Arianna, if you're so convinced no man can satisfy you, then let me be the one to prove you wrong!"
Arianna's eyes widened in shock at his audacity.
Knowing Xander, he already despised her to the core. On top of that, he was a cleanliness and hygiene freak.
Arianna had uttered such vile words, so he should be utterly repulsed by her and never want to lay eyes on her again. She hadn't anticipated this turn of events at all.
Had Xander lost his mind in response to her provocation?
Instinctively, Arianna pushed him away with all her strength, desperate to escape.
But Xander was quicker. He hoisted her onto his shoulder and briskly strode to the bedside. With a merciless toss, he flung Arianna onto the spacious bed.
Soon, Xander's imposing figure loomed over her, pinning her down.
He firmly held her wrists beside her face, rendering her unable to break free. Arianna's only recourse was to kick Xander.
Having trained in Muay Thai for two years, she was no longer the delicate socialite she once was. With determination, she aimed for his vulnerable spots, poised to strike.
But Xander was quick to react, evading her kick and causing her to strike his knee instead.
Surprise flashed in Xander's dark eyes, followed by a mixture of amusement and anger.
"Arianna, show me everything you've got. I'm curious to see how much you've grown in the past two years!"
The man's superior strength quickly subdued Arianna, leaving her completely at his mercy, unable to resist. Xander's contemptuous laughter filled the air as he leaned in, forcefully pressing his thin lips against hers.
But it wasn't a tender kiss; it felt more like a series of harsh nibbles, as if he was exacting revenge for her earlier provocations.
Arianna desperately turned her head, attempting to evade his aggressive advances, but her efforts were futile.
Xander's kisses used to be tender and affectionate, each one filled with emotion. Now, they had turned into a tool for tormenting her, a cruel reminder of their fractured relationship.
Arianna's anger and misery reached a boiling point. Without hesitation, she bit down hard on Xander's lips, tasting the metallic tang of blood in their mouths.
Xander recoiled in pain, momentarily stunned by her sudden aggression.
From his vantage point above her, Xander met Arianna's furious gaze, and it only fueled his own growing anger.
He couldn't shake the image of Arianna's smiling face in the arms of another man, contrasting sharply with her demeanor with him—her lawful husband.
She pretended to be a chaste woman who would rather die than give in to him.
Furthermore, divorce seemed to be the only thing on Arianna's mind.
"Fine. If this is the game you want to play, then let's play it!" Xander's voice was cold and resolute as he made his move.
With a sharp clink, he unbuckled his belt and swiftly bound Arianna's hands.
He held her chin firmly, preventing any further resistance.
Arianna seethed with frustration. "You have no shame!"
"Shameless?" Xander scoffed. "Save your energy for later."
With that, he callously tore open her clothes, sending a shiver of fear down Arianna's spine. Panic began to set in as she realized the gravity of the situation.
It appeared that Xander had no intention of releasing her easily. However, Arianna was adamant about not succumbing to his advances, especially when he seemed intent on humiliating her.
She refused to lose her virginity in such a manner.
With a deep breath, Arianna shut her eyes tightly, suppressing the tears that threatened to spill. Summoning her strength, she managed to wriggle free from the confines of the belt.
Quietly, she reached into the pocket of her trousers, fingers searching until they closed around a small, sharp needle hidden within.
