CHAPTER 226
Arianna couldn't help but question the sincerity of Xander's confession. She cast a sidelong glance at him, her eyes narrowing as if trying to gauge his true intentions.
Noticing her lingering gaze, Xander turned his attention back to her. The amusement in his eyes only deepened as a small, playful smirk tugged at his lips. "Come here, Arianna," he said softly.
‘He actually expects me to go to him after all this? Seriously? The nerve of this man.’
The thought of walking over there seemed almost ludicrous. What did he expect, that she'd just obediently comply?
She crossed her arms and remained stubbornly rooted to her spot, pretending she hadn't heard him at all.
Xander didn’t seem bothered by her resistance. Instead, he put on a pained expression, clutching his chest as if suddenly struck by an unbearable ache.
Concern flared in Arianna's eyes at once. She shot up from her seat, quickly moving to his side.
"Are you alright, Xander? Does it hurt? I’ll call the doctor right now!"
Her hand reached toward the call button, but before she could press it, Xander grasped her wrist, stopping her. Her eyes widened in surprise, and before she could process what was happening, he gently tugged her toward him.
The distance between them vanished in an instant, and suddenly their faces were mere inches apart. Xander's intense gaze locked onto hers, his voice a low whisper as he asked,
"Are you jealous?"
Arianna's eyes widened, taken aback by the realization that he had tricked her. A flash of irritation surged within her, and she felt the urge to pull back, to deny the accusation outright.
But something in his gaze made her pause. Perhaps it was the challenge, or maybe it was the hint of vulnerability that lay just beneath the surface of his teasing. Instead of refuting his words, she found herself admitting,
"Yes, I am jealous."
She saw no point in hiding how she felt about the situation. Why should she have to pretend otherwise?
"And since you said you want us to be happy together from now on," she continued, her voice firming up as she set her conditions,
"you should cut off all contact with those... women. No more random admirers showing up, no more ambiguous friendships."
Arianna stared at him, determined to make herself clear. If they were going to start fresh, she needed to know that she was the only woman in his life.
Arianna shot back with a challenge, using his own words against him. If Xander truly wanted to make things work between them, he needed to prove his sincerity. This was not just about grand gestures or sweet words; it was about actions and choices. If he intended to start fresh with her, then he had to show that he meant every word.
She wasn’t willing to settle for half-truths and empty promises. If he continued entertaining other women while professing his desire to build a life with her, she would not hesitate to walk away. The idea of a future together was meaningless if he couldn't commit fully.
Xander held her gaze, the intensity in his eyes growing as he watched her. How long had it been since he saw this fiery, unapologetic side of her? This was the Arianna he fell for—strong, assertive, and unafraid to stand her ground. He had missed this version of her more than he cared to admit.
A slow smile spread across Xander's face, his eyes never leaving hers. "Alright," he finally said, his voice steady and without hesitation. "If that’s what you want."
Arianna blinked, momentarily stunned by his easy agreement. She had expected more resistance or at least some kind of argument, but he agreed without the slightest hint of reluctance.
Xander leaned in slightly, his voice turning soft and earnest. "Your wish is my command," he murmured, a hint of amusement in his tone but sincerity in his eyes.
She felt her legs go weak for a moment, her earlier determination wavering slightly in the face of his directness. This was not what she had anticipated. It was rare for him to agree so readily, especially on a matter like this.
From the other side of the room, Grandma King and Aunt Julia exchanged delighted glances. The old adage about adversity revealing the truth was proving itself true right before their eyes. It seemed like the trials the couple had faced were leading them toward a stronger bond.
However, outside the door, a woman stood in silence, having witnessed the entire exchange through the small window. Her expression was a mix of emotions—anger, disbelief, and something far darker. She watched as Arianna and Xander shared a tender moment, and a bitter smile crept onto her lips.
Without making a sound, she pulled out her phone and turned away from the ward. There would be no confrontation today, not yet. Instead, she had something else in mind. With a calm, calculated demeanour, she began to dial a number, her eyes narrowing as she made her way down the hallway.
