CHAPTER 329
To avoid worrying Grandma King, Xander decided against returning to the estate and instead drove to a familiar hotel he frequented.
At the hotel room door, Xander asked the attendant to bring up a first-aid kit. Once Arianna emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a soft robe, he guided her to the edge of the bed and began carefully treating her injuries.
His expression darkened the moment he saw the extent of her wounds, a simmering anger flickering in his eyes.
Arianna noticed his mood shift and placed a gentle hand on his, her voice soothing. “It’s nothing, Xander. I’ve handled it worse. These are just scratches—”
Before she could finish, his intense gaze silenced her.
Realizing it was futile to argue, she tried to lighten the moment, wrapping her arms around his and looking up at him with a playful pout.
“It hurts a lot... but maybe a kiss would make it feel better?”
To her surprise, instead of brushing her off, Xander leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Arianna froze for a moment, startled by his unexpected tenderness.
His large hand brushed her hair gently, his voice calm but firm.
“Don’t put up a front with me, Arianna. If it hurts, say it hurts. If you’re upset, let yourself cry. Don’t shut me out, or else what am I here for?”
His words struck a chord deep within her.
Xander could see right through her, as he always did.
Her voice wavered as she bit her lip and muttered, “You’re so unfair, Xander.”
‘Why do you always know exactly what I’m feeling?’
But maybe, just maybe, his “unfairness” was what she needed most at that moment.
Arianna had spent years bottling up her emotions, mastering the art of hiding her pain behind a composed facade. To her, shedding tears felt unnecessary, almost like a weakness she refused to allow herself.
But now, with Xander’s arms wrapped securely around her and his quiet, unwavering words echoing in her heart, the walls she had built began to crumble.
She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears, but they escaped anyway.
The tears came suddenly, slipping down her face like a cascade, unstoppable and raw. She couldn’t form a single word; the emotions she had suppressed for so long finally escaped her control.
Feeling her trembling in his embrace, Xander tightened his hold. He didn’t speak—there was no need for words. His silent presence was enough, offering her the comfort and strength she desperately needed at that moment.
“Let it all out,” he murmured.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly before Xander noticed the trembling in Arianna’s body gradually subside. Her sobs slowed, softening into quiet sniffles. He lowered his gaze to her, taking in her exhausted expression.
Arianna looked drained, her face streaked with tears, her eyes red and puffy. Her cheeks were flushed, and her half-closed lids revealed just how emotionally spent she was.
Gently loosening his arms, Xander scooped her up and placed her carefully onto the plush bed. He pulled the blanket over her with care and murmured,
“Rest now.”
As he moved to stand, he felt her fingers curl weakly around his hand. Her hoarse whisper barely reached his ears.
“Don’t go.”
Her unconscious plea was quiet but heartfelt, rooting him to the spot.
Xander gently squeezed her hand and said in a soothing tone,
“I’m not going anywhere. I was just…”
He trailed off, tilting his head downward to motion toward the front of his shirt. A large damp patch from Arianna’s tears was visible.
“…planning to sort this out.”
Arianna glanced at him hesitantly, feeling a tinge of embarrassment. “I’ll…wash it for you tomorrow.”
Xander didn’t argue, nodding in agreement.
“Alright. I’ll leave it for you to handle tomorrow.”
With that, she released her hold on him, and he rose from the bed, heading into the bathroom.
He returned shortly, now dressed in a comfortable T-shirt. In his hand, he carried a soft towel, which he brought to the bed. Sitting down on the edge, Xander gently dabbed away the remnants of tears from her cheeks, his touch tender and unhurried.
Arianna stirred slightly, aware of his care, and tried to open her eyes. But the exhaustion from the day and the release of her emotions left her too drained to fight off sleep. Within moments, she slipped into a peaceful slumber.
Xander carefully wiped away the last traces of tears from her face, his touch tender and deliberate. Once he was sure she was comfortable, he requested an ice pack and gently placed it over her eyes to ease the swelling.
When he was certain she was settled, Xander slid into bed beside her. Drawing her close with a protective arm around her, he exhaled softly, closed his eyes, and allowed himself to relax as sleep finally claimed him.
..........
At six sharp the next morning, Xander’s phone buzzed loudly, breaking the silence.
His eyes snapped open instantly, his hand darting out to silence the noise. He turned toward Arianna, still nestled peacefully in his arms, her expression serene.
Xander let out a soft breath of relief when he saw she hadn’t stirred. After the turbulent emotions of the previous night, she had finally fallen into a deep and much-needed sleep. The last thing he wanted was to disturb her.
With practiced care, he gently slid his arm out from under her and eased out of bed. Grabbing his phone, he stepped onto the balcony and closed the door behind him.
Unlocking the screen, he noticed the call had been from Ronald.
Ronald rarely called so early unless the matter was urgent, especially knowing that Xander had spent the night with Arianna.
Suspecting something important, Xander redialed the number.
The line connected after a single ring, and Ronald’s voice came through, heavy with tension.
“Sir, we’ve got a situation.”
Xander’s expression remained calm, his voice low and steady.
“Go on.”
“Your intervention last night was caught on video and has gone viral,” Ronald explained.
“The internet is in an uproar. People are accusing you of using your influence to shield Ms. King and disregarding justice. The backlash is spreading fast, and the negativity is targeting not just her but you as well.”
Xander’s face remained unreadable. “Is that all?” he asked coolly.
Ronald hesitated, letting out a deep sigh. “I wouldn’t have disturbed you if it was just that, Sir. There’s more… and it’s far worse.”
Ronald wasted no time getting to the point, delivering the rest of the update in a quick, concise manner.
As the details unfolded, Xander’s expression darkened, his icy gaze growing even sharper. When Ronald finished, Xander’s voice was clipped and commanding.
“Bring the car around. Be here immediately.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Ending the call, Xander remained on the balcony for a moment, his jaw tight with unspoken frustration. Then, with a steadying breath, he turned and re-entered the room.
He moved quietly, heading into the walk-in closet where he selected a crisp suit and changed efficiently. Once ready, he approached the bed where Arianna lay, still sound asleep.
Leaning down, Xander placed a soft kiss on her forehead, his hand lingering briefly as if to reassure her of her dreams. Straightening, he left the room, his steps purposeful and unrelenting.
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