CHAPTER 30
Arianna could discern what Grandma King was thinking, and she frowned slightly.
Had this occurred when she first returned, she might have still harbored some lingering feelings for Xander.
However, his continuous misunderstandings and the pain he caused her had been enough to clear her head.
Besides he was with Piper.
Her sole desire now was to divorce Xander and sever all connections.
Yet, seeing Grandma King’s determined attitude, Arianna realized that Grandma King would persist in trying to persuade her until she relented. Therefore, she needed to provide her with a reason to abandon the idea.
Arianna bit her lip lightly, met Grandma King’s gaze, and said,
“Grandma King, there’s… someone else I have feelings for.”
Grandma King was stunned.
Xander clearly heard what Arianna had said, and his eyes instantly darkened. His fists clenched tightly, causing veins to slowly appear.
Arianna already had someone she liked?
If that was the case, her words that day weren't entirely meant to disgust him; there was some truth to them.
During those two years abroad, had she been with other men and even found someone she genuinely cared for?
Was that why she was so resistant to his touch and insistent on divorcing him—for the sake of that other man?
Humph! What an impressive act, Arianna!
Moreover, he had taken care of her the entire night when he found her ill, yet she had not thanked him at all.
Xander's murderous intent surged rapidly. If he stayed any longer, he couldn't promise he wouldn't storm into the room and lash out at her.
Controlling his fury, Xander turned abruptly and left the villa with determined strides.
In the room, Grandma King was momentarily stunned.
However, drawing on her wealth of life experience, she quickly regained her composure.
Refusing to give up, Grandma King pressed on,
“Arianna, they say a perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other. Since you two are married, there's still hope for reconciliation. Perhaps, if you both make an effort, you might rediscover your love for Xander.”
Taking Arianna's hands in hers, she continued,
“Arianna, I'm not excusing Xander's past behavior, but he genuinely cares about you. He was the one who found you in time, and he stayed by your side all night, tending to you with great concern. You should have seen how worried he was.”
Arianna was taken aback. Xander was the one who found her? He even stayed with her the entire night?
Where was he now?
Grandma King noticed Arianna's surprised expression and quickly clarified,
“I'm not making this up. He just stepped out to make a call. I'll call him right away!”
With urgency in her voice, Grandma King called out towards the door,
“Xander! Arianna is awake! Hurry and come in! Xander—”
But there was no response at the door. The silence was so pronounced that it echoed through the room.
Arianna couldn't help but muster a wry smile.
It appeared that Grandma King was willing to resort to lies in her attempt to reunite them. What a futile effort.
Eager to bring the conversation to a close, Arianna spoke with a weary tone,
“Grandma King, I'm feeling quite exhausted. I think I'll rest for a bit.”
Grandma King felt a pang of frustration. Where could Xander have disappeared to at such a crucial moment?
Feeling at a loss, she responded, “Of course, Arianna. Get some rest. I'll stay here with you.”
*********
As Harrold lay in the hospital bed, nursing his injuries from Arianna's attack, his fury burned hotter with each passing moment.
He had underestimated her twice, failing to assert his dominance over her or even consummate his desires. His pride wounded, he seethed with the need for vengeance.
Fuming with rage, he commanded his underlings,
“Find Arianna and bring her to me. I want to teach her a lesson she won't soon forget. I'll break every bone in her body, reduce her to begging for mercy at my feet. She needs to understand the consequences of defying me! And if you succeed, you'll have her afterward, to do with as you please!”
