CHAPTER 369
Arianna and Grandma King indulged in a luxurious three-hour session of skin and body treatments.
By the time it was over, they both felt rejuvenated. Arianna’s body felt lighter, and her skin had a radiant glow, while Grandma King admired her reflection in the mirror, delighted by how youthful she looked.
The older woman’s mood lifted considerably as she smoothed her hair and examined her refreshed appearance. It didn’t take much to brighten a woman’s day when she felt beautiful.
Arianna seized the moment to shower her with compliments, drawing a series of joyful laughs from Grandma King, who took her hand affectionately and said,
“You’re such a lovely girl, Arianna. You’re sweet and sincere, and you always know how to make someone feel special.”
Arianna leaned closer and hugged her warmly.
“It’s not flattery, Grandma. I’m just speaking the truth. Xander is so handsome because he inherited your beautiful genes.”
Grandma King’s smile stretched from ear to ear, her pride evident as she tilted her chin upward.
“Well, naturally!” she said with a laugh.
Then, Grandma King’s gaze shifted to Arianna’s stomach, and she asked with a playful smile,
“So… when can we expect a little Xander or a little Arianna? They’ll surely be the most stunning children ever!”
Arianna couldn’t help but sigh internally. Somehow, she always manages to bring the topic back to children.
Covering her face with her hand, she replied,
“We’re trying our best, Grandma. You just sit back and wait patiently.”
Her response wasn’t just to placate the old woman. Arianna genuinely wanted to give Xander a child and knew they were making a real effort toward that goal.
Grandma King beamed, satisfied with the answer.
“Alright, I’ll hold you to it.”
Arianna felt a sense of relief seeing the older woman’s spirits uplifted. The two returned to the villa in high spirits.
.............
Later, in the bedroom, Arianna stretched out on the bed, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. A wave of sleepiness began to wash over her.
She glanced at the clock—it was half-past eleven, and Xander still hadn’t come home. There had been no calls or messages from him either.
Despite trying to distract herself all day, her mind drifted back to Harmony’s early morning text. The words lingered in her thoughts, uninvited and troubling.
Arianna had unwavering faith in Xander. They had faced numerous obstacles together, and she could genuinely sense how much he cared for her.
However, that didn’t mean she should let her guard down around Harmony.
Harmony was tough. Even after being defeated multiple times, she always found a way to recover, refusing to stay down for long.
Arianna reminded herself that being a bit more cautious was always a good idea.
With that in mind, she picked up her phone and called Xander.
The phone rang, but no one answered, and the call ended on its own after a few seconds.
Arianna frowned slightly but didn’t hesitate to call again.
This time, the phone rang only once before the call was declined, leaving her with the empty sound of a busy signal.
......
Arianna called Xander for the third time, but all she got was a cold, automated voice saying,
"The number you’ve dialled is unavailable."
She was taken aback, feeling a chill run through her.
Ever since they decided to build a life together, Xander had never ignored her calls. Even on his busiest days, he always found time to answer, and it was completely out of character for him to reject two calls and turn off his phone.
What could be happening?
Was he ignoring her to spend his so-called ‘special day’ with Harmony?
Arianna tightened her grip on the phone, her fingers turning white from the pressure.
The sleep that used to come so easily was now replaced by a deep sense of worry. She sat up, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders.
After a moment of doubt, she tossed the covers aside and got up. Quickly, she changed into a comfy sweater and shorts, grabbed her bag, and left the room.
Both Grandma King and Aunt Julia were fast asleep at that hour. Despite her growing frustration, Arianna moved quietly as she descended the stairs, careful not to disturb them.
Once outside, she climbed into the small white car Xander had given her. After starting the engine, she pressed the gas pedal, speeding down the empty streets.
The roads were nearly deserted, and she kept her foot firmly on the accelerator, her mind racing. Half an hour later, she pulled up in front of the King Enterprises building.
She sat in the car for a moment, her eyes fixed on the imposing entrance. Her jaw tightened, and she bit her lip, torn between knowing the truth or remaining blissfully unaware.
Arianna understood that some questions just didn’t have easy answers.
In the past, she might have chosen to brush it off, living in a comfortable bubble of ignorance.
But now, that wasn’t an option. She couldn’t keep pretending she was unaware.
When her marriage ended so suddenly two years ago, she was left feeling lost and confused, plagued by countless unanswered questions. The uncertainty ate away at her, tormenting her mind and leaving her in a constant state of distress.
It felt like having a thorn stuck in her side. It wasn’t going to kill her, but it hurt like crazy whenever it shifted. Leaving it there meant ongoing pain, while trying to pull it out would only make it worse.
If she hadn’t eventually faced the reality and pushed herself to deal with it, she might have lost her mind or given up entirely in that unfamiliar place. Although the journey had been tough, she emerged from it much stronger.
After a moment of deep thought, Arianna made up her mind. She opened the car door, stepped out, and headed toward King Enterprises.
Only one elevator was working at night, but Arianna didn’t hesitate. When the doors opened, she stepped inside and pressed the button for the top floor.
The ride lasted just ten seconds, but it felt like forever.
With a soft chime, the doors slid open.
Arianna clenched her fist and then relaxed it. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out.
She headed to Xander's office first, but it was dark and empty. Not ready to give up, she checked the lounge, but he was still missing.
Determined, she walked to the conference rooms.
As she moved down the hallway, she peeked into each room, but none had the person she was looking for.
At the end of the hall, she opened the last conference room door, only to find it empty as well.
With no sign of Xander in the office, she wondered if he was busy with something outside of work. If that were the case, he should have at least sent her a message or called back. But after three attempts, he hadn’t answered, and his phone was off.
This made her unease grow.
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