CHAPTER 238
After breakfast, Arianna’s phone rang, prompting her to excuse herself to take the call.
Meanwhile, Xander headed upstairs and returned to the bedroom. As he swapped his casual home clothes for a sleek suit, something caught his eye—Arianna’s clothes hanging in the closet.
Though the dressing room was large, her wardrobe was sparse. She had almost no jewellery, and her handbag, worn and familiar, was the only one she seemed to own.
He remembered a time when Arianna adored stylish clothes, sparkling jewellery, and a variety of bags, but all that had changed. The sight of her diminished collection made Xander frown.
She had once taken such joy in those things, and now... it was as if she'd lost that part of herself.
Fully dressed, Xander grabbed his wallet and car keys, then dialled a quick phone call before heading back downstairs.
Just as he arrived, Arianna was finishing her call. She looked at him curiously.
“Are you heading to the office? I was thinking of visiting Charlie at the hospital. Mind if I catch a ride?”
“Of course,” Xander replied with a nod.
“Great! Give me a second to get ready!”
Arianna dashed upstairs, changed quickly, and reappeared with her bag in hand.
They got into the car, and Xander started the engine, pulling out of the driveway.
The morning was crisp, and Arianna rolled down the window, letting the fresh breeze wash over her. The trees lining the road were dotted with soft pink blooms, making the drive feel almost magical.
However, as they drove, something felt off to her. Glancing out the window, Arianna realized they weren’t headed toward the hospital.
She turned to Xander, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“Xander... This isn’t the way to the hospital. Where are we going?”
Xander met her gaze briefly, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” he replied, keeping the mystery alive.
Why was Xander being so secretive?
Arianna couldn’t contain her curiosity. “Can you at least give me a small hint?”
“Nope,” Xander replied with unwavering certainty.
“…Okay, then, could you at least tell me if it’s something scary or something exciting?”
She couldn't help her suspicion. Xander was always full of surprises, and the last thing she wanted was for her pleasant morning to take a sudden turn for the worse.
When they stopped at a red light, Xander freed one hand and gently patted her head as if to soothe her.
Arianna’s nerves began to settle slightly, though she still felt a bit uneasy. Xander was unpredictable, but that small affectionate gesture eased her tension little by little.
After driving for more than half an hour, the car finally came to a stop.
Arianna blinked in surprise as she looked up at the large shopping mall before her. Why had Xander brought her here?
Was he planning to buy something?
Xander exited the car, then walked over to her side, opened the door, and leaned in. He carefully unbuckled her seatbelt and, with a soft smile, said,
“Come on.”
Taking her hand, Xander led Arianna out of the car and toward the entrance of the mall.
Xander kept his eyes ahead, walking Arianna toward the VIP elevator that gleamed with elegance. As they rode to the top floor of the upscale mall, Arianna felt her curiosity spike. The moment the doors slid open, they were greeted by a lavish, high-end boutique with a grand layout that screamed exclusivity.
The store manager, who had been waiting at the entrance, quickly approached them. Bowing respectfully, he said,
“Welcome, Mr. King, Mrs King.”
Xander gave a slight nod in acknowledgement, his usual composed demeanour on full display.
Arianna smiled politely, but as her eyes scanned the store, her thoughts began to race. This was no ordinary boutique. The pristine arrangement, the distinct lack of any visible logos, and the unmistakable craftsmanship of the pieces suggested that everything in there was custom-made—exquisitely tailored, and undoubtedly expensive.
The kind of luxury that could make anyone’s jaw drop.
The manager gestured for them to follow.
“We’ve prepared some refreshments for you. Please, right this way.”
Xander, however, didn't head toward the seating area. Instead, he gently took Arianna's hand and led her directly to the women's clothing section. He glanced at her briefly before turning his attention to the racks of sophisticated garments, his voice calm as he said,
"Go ahead and pick something."
Arianna blinked in surprise. “Pick what?”
They were in the women’s section. Was Xander shopping for someone else? His grandmother, perhaps? Or did he have a taste for collecting women’s clothing for some reason she couldn't quite grasp?
Sensing her bewilderment, Xander chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. He stepped behind her, placed his hands gently on her shoulders, and nudged her closer to the racks of stunning designer dresses and outfits.
"Pick whatever you like, Arianna. Anything you want is yours."
Arianna stood frozen for a moment, her eyes widening in disbelief as she took in the endless rows of luxurious garments.
Arianna was caught off guard. Did Xander bring her here to buy clothes for her, not for himself?
She stood there, stunned for a good thirty seconds before finally managing to speak.
“Why… W-why are you buying clothes for me?”
Xander leaned down, his voice a low murmur in her ear.
“Do I need a reason to buy clothes for my wife, Arianna?”
“But… I already have clothes! These are way too expensive,” she protested, glancing nervously at the luxurious pieces hanging all around her.
The price of one outfit could cover her wardrobe needs for years. After spending years being frugal and cutting back on luxuries, Arianna had long abandoned her indulgent habits. Besides, money had been a sore point between her and Xander in the past, so she was reluctant to mix finances with emotions again.
Xander remained quiet for a moment before asking, “You’re not going to choose?”
Arianna hesitated, carefully thinking through her response. “I…still have more than enough clothes.”
Xander gave a slow, thoughtful nod before turning to the store manager who was patiently standing nearby. With an authoritative tone, he said,
“If she’s not choosing, then I will. We’ll take everything.”
"Xander...."
Arianna stood there, completely speechless.
