CHAPTER 365
Zach felt his strength fade when he saw Harmony in tears. Her pain hit him hard; she seemed so delicate as if she needed someone to rescue her.
He had always stood by his friends, ready to defend and support them, even in the wrong. At this moment, he couldn’t ignore Harmony’s sadness.
He sat down beside her and gently took her shaking hand, offering a firm squeeze.
“You don’t need to worry, Bunny. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll help.”
He truly wanted Harmony and Xander to be together, believing they belonged with each other. But Arianna was a different case. To him, she was manipulative and harmful, someone whose actions had tarnished Xander’s name and nearly created chaos in the King Group.
Someone like Xander deserved a partner who could lift him, not drag him down like Arianna did.
Zach was sure that Harmony was the right match for Xander, and he was ready to do whatever was necessary to support her.
When she heard his words, a hint of hope flickered in Harmony’s sad eyes. A small smile appeared on her lips as she whispered,
“Thank you, Zac. I knew you’d be here for me. Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to put your friendship with Xander at risk. I just need a small favour, that’s all.”
"Just tell me what you need, and I’ll take care of it!" Zach said confidently, thumping his chest to make his point.
Harmony leaned in, her lips nearly touching his ear as she whispered her request.
Zach blinked, surprised. His eyebrows lifted slightly. He didn’t expect her to ask for something so simple.
“Is that it? Are you sure that’s all you need?” he repeated to confirm.
Harmony nodded firmly. “Yes, that’s all for now. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.”
Zach smiled back at her. “You got it. Just relax and let me handle this.”
With his assurance, Harmony’s tears dried up, and a faint, thankful smile replaced the tension on her face.
Noticing the time, Zach asked,
“It’s getting late. Do you want to stay here tonight, or should I call the driver to take you home?”
Harmony stood up and brushed herself off.
“I’ll go home. I’ve already taken up enough of your time tonight.”
Zach didn’t insist that she stay. They were close, but he knew they had to be careful. If they spent the night together, it might raise questions.
“Okay then,” he said as he got up too.
“I’ll walk you out and make sure you get home safely.”
Zach escorted Harmony to the car and instructed the driver to proceed carefully. He stood by the curb, watching the vehicle fade into the darkness before turning back toward the house.
As soon as Zach was out of sight, the fragile, sorrowful expression Harmony had worn vanished like a mask slipping off. Her face transformed into one of cold calculation and ruthless intent, her eyes sharp and unyielding.
The driver took a quick look in the rearview mirror and was hit by a sudden chill when he spotted Harmony’s face. She appeared almost spectral, her expression icy and disturbing.
..................
Xander and Arianna savoured some delicious oriental cuisine for dinner. Arianna couldn’t tell if it was the lively atmosphere or the tasty food, but she ended up eating way more than she usually would.
She indulged a bit too much and soon felt overly stuffed.
Instead of heading home right away, Xander decided to call for a driver. He wrapped his arm around Arianna and suggested they take a relaxed stroll down the street while the car trailed behind them.
As they walked side by side, Arianna felt safe and cosy in Xander’s hold. The cool evening breeze brushed against her cheeks, making her feel refreshed and alive.
She let out a happy sigh and said, “I wish we could hold onto this moment forever.”
Her joy made her feel light as if she were floating.
Xander looked down at her radiant face and chuckled gently.
“We don’t need to stop time. Moments like this will always belong to us.”
As soon as he said that, Arianna raised her hands to cover her mouth, her expression suddenly serious.
Xander tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “What is it? Did I say something wrong?”
He had expected her to smile, not react so intensely.
Arianna pressed her palms tighter over her lips, then finally said in a hushed, cautious tone, “You shouldn’t say things like that, Xander. Words like that can come back to haunt you.”
Her voice carried a weight of experience, a memory she couldn’t quite shake.
There was a time when she had been in love before. Back then, she had believed that love would conquer all, that they would always be together, and that happiness was guaranteed. She had built her dreams high, only to watch them crumble.
She had learned the hard way that certainty could turn into regret, and since then, she had been careful not to tempt fate.
Xander studied her carefully, then reached out and gently held her wrist, bringing her hand to his lips for a tender kiss.
“We won’t be like that,” he said with quiet conviction.
“We’re different.”
The steadiness in his voice made it impossible for Arianna to doubt him, and a soft smile broke across her face.
“I hope you’re right. I want to believe we’re the exception.”
Her words carried hope, and Xander’s reassurance made her feel like, perhaps, they truly could be.
When they returned to the villa, Xander headed to the study to handle some pressing work. Arianna, on the other hand, retired to the bedroom to rest for a moment before stepping into the bathroom to take a refreshing shower.
After finishing her shower, Arianna reached for a bath towel and began drying herself off.
As she moved, her eyes unintentionally drifted to the mirror. Her hands froze mid-motion, and her brows furrowed in confusion.
The bathroom was still filled with lingering steam, and her reflection was hazy and indistinct. Thinking it was just her imagination, Arianna grabbed a paper towel and wiped the fogged-up glass until it was clear.
She stepped closer to the mirror, her gaze fixed on her waist and abdomen.
During her two years abroad, life had been far from easy. A tight budget had forced her to skip meals often, leaving her malnourished. Add to that the frequent injuries she endured, and her naturally slim frame had only grown thinner.
Since marrying Xander, his grandmother had done everything possible to improve her health. From feeding her nutrient-rich meals to providing endless supplements, the elder woman had hoped to see her regain weight. Yet despite those efforts, Arianna’s body stubbornly resisted change.
And now, with the stress of recent events weighing on her mind and the constant running around she had to endure, it seemed like her body remained as fragile as ever.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
