CHAPTER 315
"Hey, Handsome," Arianna purred, resting her chin in her palm as she gazed at Xander with her luminous, jet-black eyes. Her voice was playful, yet there was a warmth behind it.
"Do you happen to have time to spare tomorrow night?"
Her eyes sparkled, like stars scattered across the night sky, drawing him in effortlessly.
Earlier that day, Arianna had received an internal email from Clark, notifying her that her segment would air during the prime-time slot at eight o’clock the following night.
She had worked late to finish polishing her manuscript and sent it to Clark for review.
If he flagged any issues, she could correct them in the morning and finalize it by midday. That would give her a few hours to rehearse the report, ensuring everything would go smoothly during the live broadcast.
Although she had gained experience presenting during competitions, this was her first national news broadcast—an opportunity she wanted to execute flawlessly.
She secretly hoped Xander would be able to watch her shine on such a momentous night.
Xander, lounging in the driver’s seat, glanced at her sideways with a lazy smirk.
“Tomorrow night? I’ll probably be in Silverdale signing a deal.”
"Signing a deal in Silverdale?" Arianna sat up abruptly, her tone shifting to one of genuine surprise.
"Are you finally closing that massive project you've been chasing for months?"
It was the same deal Xander had poured his energy into for the past half-year—a project critical to the success of his company that year.
“Yes, the deal will be finalized tomorrow,” Xander replied, his voice steady with satisfaction.
Arianna, while not deeply immersed in the business world, was aware of its significance.
She knew that finalizing the contract would mark the King Group’s official entry into the international market, a major milestone for the company. The contract itself held immense value, and Xander’s success in securing it was a testament to his leadership.
In just a few years, Xander had expanded the company’s reach considerably, earning him a spot among the rising stars of the business world. It was a remarkable achievement, and Arianna couldn’t help but feel proud of him.
That day felt especially meaningful for both of them, with their accomplishments aligning in such a perfect way.
It was no wonder Xander had come to pick her up—he likely wanted to share the good news with her and spend some time together before his next business trip.
Arianna grinned, her excitement clear.
“You’re incredible, Xander!”
She flashed him two enthusiastic thumbs up.
“As expected of my brilliant husband!”
The car stopped at a red light, and Xander glanced at her, his gaze softening with affection. He couldn’t resist teasing her.
“Are you complimenting me, or just showing off how great your taste in husbands is?” Xander teased, his lips curling into a playful smirk as he looked at her.
Arianna tilted her chin up with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
“Oh, it’s a compliment,” she said with a lighthearted tone.
“I mean, who wouldn’t be proud to have such an amazing husband, especially with my impeccable judgment?” She paused dramatically, then flashed a sweet smile,
“I mean, it’s not every day you come across someone so handsome and successful.”
Xander laughed softly, his heart warming at her playful energy.
“I’m not sure, but I’m glad you didn’t pass me by.” His eyes softened as he gave her a wink.
“Guess I’m the lucky one.”
Arianna leaned in closer, her grin widening.
“Oh, the luck’s all mine,” she replied, her voice dripping with playful affection.
“Not everyone gets to have a husband who’s both a genius and a total heartthrob.”
Xander’s expression shifted, his eyes filled with fondness as he watched her smug smile.
His fingers grazed her chin tenderly, a soft gesture that made it clear just how much he adored her.
“You can be as proud as you like,” he said, his voice low with affection.
Arianna, in turn, didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned into his touch, enjoying the closeness as her hand brushed his.
However, Xander withdrew his hand smoothly, his voice a low murmur tinged with desire.
“Arianna. Stop seducing me. You can have all of me when we’re home.”
He glanced over at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Not a good idea to get too carried away here. Too many risks on the road.”
Arianna's flirtatious thoughts vanished instantly. She half-joked to herself, wishing she could silence him with a swift needle to his lips.
Xander was undeniably irresistible, especially when he wasn’t speaking.
The traffic light turned green, and Xander resumed driving with an effortless grace.
Then, recalling her earlier question, he turned to her with a curious smile.
“Is something happening tomorrow night?”
"Ah..."
With breaking news, everything had to be rushed, and the broadcast had been slotted in at the last minute, leaving no time for proper announcements.
Arianna had originally planned to invite him to watch the news together when it aired, but his contract signing was scheduled for the same time.
She couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment, but she knew how important this deal was for him.
It wasn't a huge deal. He could always catch the repeat once he was done with the signing.
Arianna quickly masked any trace of disappointment, flashing him a bright smile.
"Never mind, I was just curious. I thought maybe you'd like to come home to a dinner I made just for you if you're free tomorrow night."
She shrugged lightly, her tone casual.
"But it’s okay, we’ll do it after you’ve got that contract all wrapped up. I'll cook you a celebratory dinner!"
The warmth in Xander's eyes deepened as he watched Arianna.
"Alright, I’ll be looking forward to it."
...........
The next morning, Arianna woke up earlier than usual, setting her alarm the night before.
She got up to send Xander off, and he smiled tenderly as he noticed her sleepy eyes, coming towards him.
"I told you to keep sleeping. You don’t need to send me off."
"I’ll sleep as soon as you leave."
Arianna tried her best to open her eyes wide, though she felt a bit reluctant to see him go.
Her clinginess was rooted in the small regret she felt that he wouldn’t be there to watch her during such an important moment for her.
Xander gently rubbed her head, lowering his face to place a soft kiss on her lips.
"I’m leaving now. Just go back to sleep okay."
"I’ll go once you leave," Arianna said, a slight pout forming on her lips.
Xander chuckled but didn’t immediately turn to get in the car. Instead, he asked,
"Are you going back to bed alone, or do you want me to carry you?"
Arianna blinked, her lips quivering as she whispered,
"So bossy! Fine, I’ll go back to bed. Be safe on the road."
She slowly turned and walked back into the house, step by step.
After she disappeared behind the door, Xander stood there for a moment, a smile still on his face, before finally bending down and sliding into the car.
He turned to Ronald in the front seat.
"You can drive now."
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