CHAPTER 285
A soft light cascaded down over Xander, casting a warm glow around him as he sat at the piano. His figure was bathed in that gentle light, making his chiselled features even more striking and giving him an almost ethereal quality as a guardian angel comes to life.
The song he chose to play was
*How Do You Love Me*, a melody that resonated deeply with Arianna. It had always been her favourite. She had once dreamed of having it play on their wedding day as an unspoken message to him:
*Who could love you like I do?* The words and the melody itself held all the love and devotion she felt for Xander.
As his fingers danced over the keys, Arianna was taken by surprise. She hadn’t expected him to choose *that* song, yet here he was, bringing her dream to life in a way she’d only imagined.
Watching him, she felt an intense warmth and couldn’t stop herself from softly humming along, a smile spreading across her face as the music swept her away.
Yet, her smile faded a bit as she noticed the admiring glances from others in the room.
Several of the women seemed captivated, eyes bright and filled with admiration for him, looking as if they might swoon any moment. She couldn’t entirely blame them—he looked magnificent, after all.
As the final note lingered in the air, Xander lifted his gaze and met hers. Rising from the piano, he walked back to her, a small, tender smile just for her as he closed the distance between them.
A striking woman, elegantly dressed and undeniably captivating, sauntered over to Xander, positioning herself in front of him with a confident air. She brushed her hair back in a smoothpractiseded motion, casting him a sultry smile as she said,
"Well, hello there, Handsome. How about I treat you to dinner?"
Arianna felt her pulse quicken as her hands clenched under the table. This woman was boldly flirting with her husband—right in front of her! She felt a surge of protectiveness rise, but before she could say or do anything, she noticed Xander responding with a calm expression.
Though she couldn’t hear his words, the effect was immediate: the woman’s face fell, and with a slightly embarrassed look, she turned and walked away, clearly defeated.
When Xander returned to his seat, a small smile playing on his lips, Arianna shot him a playful yet curious glare.
“So… what exactly did you say to her, Xander?”
He took a leisurely sip of his drink, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at her. His lips curled into a slight smirk, and he answered in a low voice,
“Why don’t you take a guess?”
Arianna’s cheeks warmed, her curiosity piqued even more, but Xander just winked, leaving her to wonder.
“He wants me to guess?” Arianna thought, raising an eyebrow at Xander’s teasing expression.
Knowing his blunt nature, she figured he’d probably said something cutting. Taking a guess, she ventured softly,
“Did you tell her to… get lost?”
Xander shook his head with a sly smile.
“Try again.”
Arianna tapped her chin thoughtfully, but when she couldn’t come up with anything else, she pouted a little.
“Fine, just tell me already.”
His grin grew, and he leaned in, speaking in a tone that sent a small thrill through her.
“I told her I’m a married man.”
Arianna blinked, surprised by his gentler response—until he added,
“And that my wife is a thousand times more beautiful.”
The blunt, confident Xander was back. Arianna’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.
“Now that’s the perfect response.”
Xander’s eyes glinted with mischief.
“So, what’s my reward for being such a loyal husband?”
Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, Arianna pressed her fingertips to her lips, then leaned forward to touch those same fingers to his.
“Your reward… is a kiss.”
With a quick reflex, Xander caught her wrist and, before she could react, gave a playful nibble to the inside of her palm. The unexpected warmth of his touch made her shiver, and she drew her hand back, eyes widening.
“We’re in public!” she whispered, half-shocked, half-amused.
“Behave!”
Xander chuckled softly. “You started it, love,” he said, his laughter filling her with warmth.
The waiter arranged each dish before them, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas.
Arianna’s stomach growled quietly as she picked up her knife and fork, ready to slice into her steak. Just as she was about to take the first bite, Xander’s hand reached across the table, and he gently took the plate from her.
She looked up at him, surprised.
“Why aren’t you letting me eat?”
He gave her a playful look.
“Let me cut it for you.”
It dawned on her then—he just wanted to help. With steady hands, he began cutting her steak into bite-sized pieces, his gestures unhurried and thoughtful.
Arianna felt a mixture of surprise and warmth. Life abroad had taught her to handle everything herself; moments like these had become foreign. Watching him, memories of his small, caring gestures flooded back—how he’d always been there to peel her shrimp or slice her food. Those moments, once so easy to take for granted, now felt precious, reminders of his quiet affection.
As he returned the plate to her, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the way he cared, realizing just how much these little acts revealed about the bond they shared.
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