CHAPTER 37
With determination, Arianna firmly rejected the idea.
"I refuse to go along with that."
Xander had anticipated Arianna's refusal, but hearing her defiant words still sparked a sudden surge of anger within him.
She had dismissed his proposal without a second thought, all for the man she claimed to love!
Arianna wanted a clean break, a divorce so she could reunite with that man and live happily ever after.
Ever since her return, she had turned his life upside down. Two years ago, Xander had let her go out of weakness, but this time, he wouldn't let her escape so easily.
Fighting the urge to strangle her, Xander spat out,
"Arianna, don't overestimate yourself. If it weren't for my Grandmother's fondness for you, do you think you have the standing to negotiate with me? I can't fathom what she sees in you!"
Arianna absolutely hated Xander’s ruthless words as they cut deep. She sneered back at him,
"Your Grandmother likes me because I’m beautiful inside and out. Unlike someone who didn’t inherit her excellent qualities and only knows how to bully others!"
Xander laughed angrily.
“Oh really? Do you want a reminder of what it feels like to be bullied?”
Arianna fell silent, her mind replaying the times Xander had taken advantage of her before. She felt a surge of anger and resentment, but she still bit back her retort.
Xander then spoke, each word deliberate,
“As long as you make my mother believe we’re on good terms and keep her happy, I’ll give you what you want most.”
Xander was a businessman, and he knew exactly how to dangle the right incentive.
Just as he expected, Arianna’s gaze changed when she heard him. “Anything?”
Xander smiled.
“For example, a heart that matches Charlie.”
A matching heart…
Those few words struck Arianna deep within, leaving her speechless.
Charlie was her only concern and also the only family member she deeply cared for. All this while, her wish had been to treat his illness, allowing him to heal and live a normal life like everyone else.
Arianna longed to see Charlie running, playing, and laughing without any health concerns.
However, after so many years, they still couldn’t find a matching heart for Charlie.
Furthermore, his condition was deteriorating, and she feared that he would pass away without receiving a matching heart!
The King family was wealthy and influential, and Xander's capabilities were even more exceptional. If he was willing to help, there might be hope to find one!
“What do you think?” Xander was sure that he would win, and he looked at Arianna.
Arianna shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths. When she opened her eyes, there was an extra hint of determination in her gaze.
“Alright, I agree! When Grandma King is here, I’ll do my best to act as your wife and make her believe that we’re in love. Is that fine?”
How ironic.
She used to hope that Xander and she could lovingly spend their whole lives together. Now that she needed to be “loving”, it was all just an act…
Xander smiled. Ineffably, there was an actual trace of joy on his face.
Arianna blinked and thought she must have been mistaken.
The man approached her suddenly, wrapping his long arms around her waist and pulled her into him.. Then, he lowered his head, and as his handsome face inched closer, he muttered,
“I need to know how good your acting skill is. Call me your hubby!”
Truth be told, Xander was really handsome with his chiseled jawline and profound facial features.
When those dark eyes were indifferent, they carried a stern and inviolable aura, yet there was a feeling of deep affection when they stared at her deeply.
With just a look, anyone would be on their knees for him.
The look in his eyes caught Arianna off guard, and her heart was beating wildly. Moreover, she was bewitched by his voice, and she slowly murmured,
“Hub—”
Before she could say the word, the bedroom door suddenly opened, and two figures staggered in and fell to the ground.
Grandma King screamed, “Oh no—”
Aunt Julie yelled, “Ahh—”
Arianna shuddered from surprise, and she instantly regained her senses, swallowing the word that she was about to say.
Xander cast sidelong glances, looking at Grandma King, and smiled. Then, he asked knowingly,
“Grandma, what are you doing here?”
Grandma King did not show any guilt from eavesdropping at all. Instead, she confidently answered,
“Well, isn’t it obvious that I’m just worried you’ll bully Arianna?”
Xander raised his brows.
“From the looks of it, do you think I’m bullying her?”
