CHAPTER 237
Xander's fists were balled up at his sides, and he could feel the tension coursing through him as he observed Arianna. His breaths became more laboured, yet he stayed rooted in place, not daring to move closer. His dark eyes tracked her every action, a blend of excitement and doubt reflected in them.
Arianna lifted the glass of water to her mouth, but just before she could drink, she paused. Her grip on the glass tightened, her feelings a whirlwind of confusion. Thoughts raced through her mind, caught between what she feared and what she truly wanted.
She closed her eyes, blocking out everything else for a long, tense moment. Five minutes passed as she stood there, the weight of her decision bearing down on her.
After a deep breath, she opened her eyes with newfound determination. Setting the glass down, she spits the pill back into her palm, staring at it briefly before tossing it into the trash can beside her with finality.
Arianna’s thoughts shifted to Xander’s wishes. He had always been clear—he wanted a family with her. And his grandmother had longed to hold great-grandchildren in her arms. They had come so far, overcoming countless obstacles to find their way back to each other. How could she still hold back?
She asked herself the only question that truly mattered: *Do I want to have a child with Xander?*
The answer bloomed in her heart: *Yes*.
A smile tugged at her lips as she realized she had always wanted that future with him, even before everything went awry two years ago. They had found their way back, and now, she no longer wanted to hold onto her fears. She wiped her hands with a tissue and, without hesitation, grabbed the bottle of morning-after pills and threw them into the trash. As the bottle clattered against the side of the bin, she felt a sense of relief wash over her.
It was like a weight had lifted off her shoulders. The indecision, the fear—they were gone.
Before she could fully process the calm that settled over her, she heard the sound of soft, deliberate footsteps behind her.
In the next moment, Xander’s strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her into his familiar embrace. She blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as she tilted her head slightly to meet his gaze. His face was close, his eyes searching hers intently.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice soft yet curious, as she looked up at him.
Xander held Arianna close, his embrace tightening instinctively as if he wanted to envelop her entirely. He didn’t answer her question, lost in the warmth of the moment.
“Arianna?” she asked again, her brow furrowed in confusion. The intensity of his hug was becoming overwhelming, and she found it difficult to breathe.
“You’re going to crush me!”
He eased his grip slightly, but kept her nestled against him, resting his chin on her shoulder. His voice was low and husky as he murmured,
“I just wanted to hold you.”
Arianna felt a rush of warmth spread through her. He didn’t yet know how elated she was to have discarded the morning-after pill. In that small act, she had made a significant choice—one that affirmed her commitment to their future together, a future where divorce was no longer a consideration.
Just then, an unexpected voice broke the moment.
“Oops!” Aunt Julia appeared in the doorway, her hands playfully covering her face, though her fingers peeked through as if she couldn’t contain her excitement. A wide smile stretched across her face.
“Mr. King, Mrs. King, I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for breakfast! The food’s getting cold, and Grandma King is waiting for you both!”
Arianna and Xander exchanged amused glances, a shared understanding passing between them. The moment may have been interrupted, but their bond felt stronger than ever.
Arianna felt her cheeks heat up at Aunt Julia's words. Quickly breaking free from Xander’s embrace, she dashed out of the room, not daring to glance back.
Xander chuckled softly. “I’ll be down in a moment, just need to change.”
“Alright,” she replied, still flustered as Aunt Julia turned around, a light-hearted melody escaping her lips as she followed Arianna downstairs.
…
When Xander entered the dining hall, he found Arianna excitedly sharing the news of her successful interview with Grandma King. The elderly woman beamed with joy, her face lighting up like that of a delighted child.
“Oh, Arianna!” she exclaimed, taking Arianna’s hand in hers.
“You are the most radiant contestant! I have no doubt you’ll reach the finals and emerge as the new anchor for Starlight TV!”
Arianna couldn’t help but smile, her eyes sparkling with joy. Grandma King had always seen the best in her family, and in her grandmother’s eyes, Arianna was simply the best.
However, reality often tells a different story. Arianna felt a pang of concern at the thought of setting her grandmother’s expectations too high. She knew the competition was fierce and didn't want Grandma King to face disappointment.
“Grandma King, I appreciate your faith in me, but I have to be honest—the other contestants are formidable too. Some have already carved out a niche for themselves and have considerable experience. They hold quite the advantage,” she explained, her tone respectful but realistic.
“Pish posh! That’s nothing to worry about. I remember how well you performed in school, and if it weren’t for—” Grandma caught herself, quickly shifting her words.
“If you hadn’t faced some setbacks last time, you would already be shining like a star!”
“What matters is that you’re incredibly talented, Arianna. I have faith in you, and I’ll always be your number-one supporter!”
Aunt Julia chimed in, “And I’m your number two fan!”
Xander entered, confidently pulling out a chair next to Arianna and settling in. He grabbed a piece of bread, generously spread blueberry jam on it, and placed it on Arianna’s plate.
“Aunt Julia, I think you can only be her number three fan.”
Aunt Julia looked puzzled. “How’s that?”
She turned to Grandma King, trying to understand how she could be ranked number three when the old lady was supposedly number one.
Xander smiled at his grandmother.
“Grandma, I’m afraid you’re number two.”
Grandma King pounded her fist on the table in playful protest.
“And why is that?”
“Because I’m her number one fan,” Xander declared with unshakeable confidence.
Both Grandma King and Aunt Julia were left speechless, their mouths agape.
Arianna took a bite of her jam-covered bread, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched their friendly banter unfold.
It seemed as if fate was finally smiling upon her, turning all the trials she had endured into a moment of pure joy.
