CHAPTER 227
The woman tapped quickly on her phone, typing out a brief message before pressing 'send.' She watched as Xander's phone, resting on the bedside table, briefly lit up before dimming again. Satisfied, she tucked her phone back into her pocket and turned to leave without looking back.
…
Arianna, still somewhat dazed by their exchange, cleared her throat in an attempt to break the lingering silence. Unsure how to navigate the conversation, she gestured towards the flowers on the table and asked, "So, what do we do with these?"
Aunt Julia offered a practical suggestion,
"Why not find a vase and put them in? They’d brighten up the room."
Grandma King shot her a disapproving look.
"Nonsense! You shouldn't keep something like that when you don't even know who sent it. It's best to throw them away."
Arianna nodded in agreement, secretly relieved at the decision. "Better safe than sorry, after all."
There was no way she would admit that she couldn't stand the sight of those flowers—an uninvited reminder of Xander's possible connections to other women. They were a stark reminder of the jealousy she was trying to push aside.
Xander, noticing the subtle annoyance in her eyes, chose not to comment on it. Instead, he offered her a small, knowing smile and said,
"Do whatever you think is best."
Aunt Julia, taking the cue, picked up the bouquet of lilies and headed out of the room. She made her way to the hallway and disposed of the flowers in the nearest trash can, making sure they were well out of sight and out of mind.
Back in the room, Xander's initial burst of energy seemed to be waning. His eyelids grew heavy, and he started to feel the fatigue of his earlier ordeal catching up with him. His surroundings began to blur slightly as his body reminded him that he still needed more rest.
Grandma King noticed his waning strength and stood up, her tone both caring and authoritative. "Xander should get some more sleep," she advised, casting a glance at Arianna.
"He needs to rest and so do I. It’s been quite a day, and my old heart could use some calming down." She turned to Aunt Julia, giving her a nod.
"You stay here and keep an eye on them. I won't be able to relax unless I know they're in good hands."
Arianna watched as Grandma King gathered her things, clearly worn out from the day's events. Despite her exhaustion, the concern she felt for Xander and Arianna was evident in every movement. The old woman paused by the door, giving them one last look of reassurance before she left to get some much-needed rest.
Aunt Julia settled back into her chair, ready to be at their service. Xander gave Arianna's hand a weak but reassuring squeeze, his eyes conveying more than words could at that moment. He was tired, yes, but there was a calmness there—a sense of resolve that hinted at the beginning of something new between them.
Julia might not have been the sharpest in some ways, but she had a heart of gold and an unparalleled talent for taking care of others. Her dedication made her invaluable in situations like these.
She nodded obediently, “Yes, Grandma King.”
Arianna, who was still recovering from her injuries, recognized that it was wise not to overextend herself. "Alright," she agreed softly.
Grandma King prepared to leave and gave them both a final look of reassurance. “I’m heading out then.”
Arianna stood as if to escort her, but Grandma King gently waved her off. "No need to trouble yourself, dear. Just focus on resting and taking care of each other."
Arianna nodded and gave her a warm smile. "Take care on your way home, Grandma."
With that, Julia helped Grandma King to her feet, and they made their way to the door. Arianna watched as they left, offering one last wave before turning her attention back to Xander.
As they exited, Grandma King glanced over her shoulder, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and worry. "Remember, Julia," she instructed, "Keep an eye on them and make sure they’re comfortable. They both need to focus on getting better."
"Of course, Old Madam," Julia assured, her voice full of earnestness.
Once the door clicked shut, Arianna returned to Xander's side. He had grown paler in the last few minutes, fatigue clearly settling in. She helped him lie back down, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible, and gently pulled the blanket up to his chest.
Xander looked up at her, his voice weak but filled with warmth as he called her name, "Arianna."
“Yes?” she responded, leaning in closer to catch his words.
His gaze held hers, and he whispered her name once more, even softer this time, “Arianna.”
Arianna gave a slight tilt of her head, a flicker of confusion in her eyes, but they softened with a warm glow. “I’m right here,” she assured him gently.
A faint smile curved on Xander’s lips. Without saying anything further, he closed his eyes, a look of serenity washing over his face, as if her presence alone was enough to bring him peace.
Arianna was momentarily surprised by the vulnerability he displayed. This was Xander, the epitome of confidence and strength, yet now he seemed almost… uncertain, as if he needed to be sure she was really there with him.
She realized that perhaps even someone like Xander had moments of doubt, moments where he needed to anchor himself in the reality of having her near. The way he called her name, as if to confirm she wasn't a figment of his imagination, touched something deep within her.
Settling herself on the edge of the bed, she rested her chin on her hands, gazing at him with an expression full of affection and tenderness. It was a simple, peaceful moment, one that she hoped would stretch on forever. There was a quiet contentment in the room, a rare stillness that spoke of unspoken promises and new beginnings.
She hoped with all her heart that this fragile, serene happiness they had found would last, and that they could hold on to it for the rest of their lives.
