CHAPTER 319
Once the kiss between Arianna and Xander ended, she immediately buried her face in his chest, feeling a rush of heat spread across her cheeks. She couldn’t bear the thought of meeting anyone’s gaze after such an intimate moment.
Her emotions had taken over in that instant, but now that the kiss was over, reality hit her hard. How was she going to face everyone, especially the crew and the audience, after such a public display?
It was true—acting on impulse sometimes led to regret.
Xander looked down at her, his gaze softening as he watched her. All he could see was her dark hair, cascading over the top of her head. A small, playful smile curled up at the corner of his lips as he leaned in, teasing her gently,
“What’s the matter? You were so eager to kiss me a minute ago… What happened? Feeling shy now?”
He whispered the last words directly into her ear, and the heat in her face deepened, a soft blush creeping over her skin.
Arianna could only grit her teeth in frustration, barely able to suppress the embarrassment flooding her.
“Stop teasing me. Let’s just go.”
She could practically feel herself withering from the embarrassment of it all.
“You know,” Xander said with a smirk, his voice low and amused,
“A husband is supposed to obey his wife’s orders.”
Arianna’s eyes widened as an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. Before she could protest, she was lifted effortlessly off the ground, Xander’s arms secure around her waist.
Her entire body was swept into the air in a bridal carry, and she was carried through the studio with Xander striding confidently.
Arianna was speechless.
*I said let’s go—not carry me out like this!*
She glanced up at him, a mix of surprise and disbelief on her face, but Xander’s grin only widened.
After a moment of indecision, Arianna gave up. She could either struggle, which would only draw more attention, or let him have his fun. With a resigned sigh, she opted for the latter.
Well, she had already made a spectacle of herself; might as well continue the display.
She considered wearing a hood the next day at work to avoid the stares, but for now, she let Xander carry her to the car without a second thought.
Once inside the car, Xander gently set her down beside him.
Ronald, the driver, couldn't help but shake his head as he started the engine.
*No wonder people say love makes you act like a fool.* It was like watching a cliché play out in front of him.
Arianna took a moment to gather herself, finally remembering something that had been nagging at her. She turned to Xander with a questioning look.
“Wait, weren’t you supposed to be signing a contract today? Why did you show up here?”
Xander's response was succinct, his tone both steady and playful. "I'm on my way there now."
"Right this minute?" Arianna asked, her voice a mix of surprise and warmth. Was Xander setting aside his responsibilities just for her?
She felt a surge of gratitude for his support during her first broadcast, but a lingering worry began to surface. He was prioritizing her over his work, and that made her uneasy.
"Is this going to affect your job, Xander?" Arianna inquired cautiously, her concern evident.
Noticing her unease, Xander reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair, his gesture both comforting and encouraging. He met her gaze with a calm, confident smile.
"Don't worry about it," he said softly, his words reassuring, as if he had everything perfectly managed.
Arianna, though still a little uneasy, couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Xander was the type of person who always seemed in control, always sure of himself, and she trusted him implicitly.
“Do you want to see me off at the airport,” he offered, turning the conversation to a more practical matter.
Arianna smiled. “Okay.”
The car rolled forward, weaving through the traffic, its steady pace offering a brief moment of peace. Arianna settled into her seat, allowing herself to be carried away by the rhythm of the ride as the airport grew nearer.
Above them, Harmony sat silently in her office, her phone now resting on the desk. She stared out of the window, watching the car with quiet intensity. Her eyes never left the vehicle as it slowly drove out of sight.
A small, knowing smile spread across her face, though there was no joy in it—only cold satisfaction.
*Relish these moments, Arianna,* she thought, her mind seething with dark pleasure.
*Soon, everything you’ve worked for will crumble. And Xander will be mine again. He and I were always meant to be together, and nothing will stand in our way. You won’t even know what hit you.*
The thrill of her thoughts sent a shiver down Harmony’s spine, and for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to revel in the certainty of her plans.
Arianna stood outside the airport, her eyes fixed on the plane as it soared into the sky, gradually becoming a speck in the distance.
She didn’t move until the aircraft left a thin trail across the sky, a fleeting reminder of its journey. Only then did she turn away, the soft breeze brushing against her cheeks as she walked to her car.
At the mansion, Grandma King and Aunt Julia hosted a warm and intimate celebration to commemorate Arianna’s successful debut. They had dedicated hours in the kitchen, crafting a dinner infused with love and care just for her.
After sharing the meal with her family, Arianna made her way to her room. She let the soothing warm water of the shower wash away the day's exhaustion, feeling rejuvenated as she emerged and nestled into her cosy bed.
As she lay there, her mind wandered back to the moment Xander stood beneath the stage, offering her steadfast support. A smile spread across her face as she recalled how his presence had enveloped her in warmth and reassurance.
Something within her began to change. It felt as though her feelings for him had deepened, becoming more intense than they had been just the day before. The barriers she had carefully constructed around her heart were starting to weaken, bit by bit.
Arianna closed her eyes, contemplating the possibility—was she truly beginning to fall for Xander? Could she allow herself to love him again, in the way he genuinely deserved?
Before long, she drifted into a peaceful slumber, filled with sweet, light dreams that hinted at fresh starts. When she awoke the next morning, she felt a lightness in her step and a sense of excitement for the day ahead.
As soon as she stepped into the office, something felt amiss. Her coworkers, who typically welcomed her with kindness and respect, now shot her intense, hostile looks. Arianna swiftly sensed the charged atmosphere. What had happened? What had she overlooked?
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