CHAPTER 5
As Arianna drifted into slumber, she found herself enveloped in a dream that felt achingly familiar, yet distant.
Yhe sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach, Arianna stood amidst the tranquil scene.
A beautifully adorned table with a cake stood before her, the flickering candles casting dancing shadows.
Dressed in white, she radiated happiness, yet her eyes held a hint of longing as they scanned the surroundings, searching for someone.
Her friends surrounded her, their voices filled with excitement as they urged her to cut the cake and make a wish.
"Come on, Arianna, blow out the candles and make a wish," they cheered, their anticipation palpable.
Arianna hesitated, her gaze flickering around the beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the one person she longed to see by her side.
Where was he?
"Arianna, what are you waiting for?" her friends prompted, their voices filled with encouragement.
With a resigned sigh, Arianna nodded, her heart heavy with unspoken yearning, and bent down to close her eyes and make her wish.
Her lips forming a silent wish as the flames danced before her.
For eight long months, she had cherished only one desire—to spend her life with Xander.
And as she blew out the candles, her wish seemed to take flight on the wings of the wind.
Suddenly, a drone appeared in the azure sky, drawing patterns of white smoke that gradually coalesced into two simple yet profound words—Marry Me.
Her heart leaped in her chest as Xander, dressed impeccably in a sleek black suit, approached her with a bouquet of flowers in hand.
With each step he took, her anticipation grew, her breath catching in her throat.
Then, with a grace that belied his rugged exterior, he knelt before her, his eyes filled with unspoken love and devotion.
In a voice filled with emotion, he uttered the words she had longed to hear.
"Arianna, marry me. I can't wait any longer. I want to make you mine, to cherish you for all the days of my life."
Arianna's joy knew no bounds as she eagerly accepted his proposal, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing out into the night, a testament to the boundless happiness that filled her soul.
In the blink of an eye, Xander's once affectionate and handsome demeanor twisted into one of mockery and indifference.
Suddenly they stood at the altar, Arianna glanced down and realized she was in her wedding gown.
"I don't want to marry you," he sneered.
and chuckled darkly.
"Arianna, you bore me to tears. You're not what I want, and you never will be. Don't ever show your face to me again!"
His words pierced her heart like millions of daggers, leaving her shattered.
Don't ever show your face to me again!"
Don't ever show your face to me again!"
Don't ever show your face to me again!"
Arianna's heart plummeted as if it had been wrenched from her chest. She snapped open her eyes, jolting awake, gasping for air.
Though two years had passed, the memory of that moment lingered like a haunting nightmare, leaving her shaken and traumatized.
Arianna took two deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. She attempted to sit up, but her body felt strangely numb, as if it belonged to someone else.
"What happened to me?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the quiet room.
Suddenly, the events of the previous night flooded her mind—the encounter with Xander, the kiss, the overwhelming emotions.
Panic gripped her chest, and she frantically searched her memory for answers.
But there was nothing. Just a blank space where memories should have been.
A surge of fear washed over her.
Did they... go further?
Did she... lose her virginity?
OMG!
Arianna's mind was a whirlwind of confusion, her thoughts racing as she blinked rapidly, trying to piece together what had happened after the kiss. But try as she might, her memory remained blank.
As she held her head, Arianna's gaze met Xander's, and she found herself ensnared by the malice and hatred emanating from his eyes, a chilling intensity that sent shivers down her spine.
She needed to get out of this situation and away from Xander as quickly as possible.
As Arianna forced herself to steady her emotions and sat up, a sudden dizziness overcame her. Before she could regain her balance, her wrist was firmly grasped, and she felt herself being pulled back onto the bed.
Panic surged through her as she realized she was completely immobilized. Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked up to meet Xander's gaze.
His grip on her hands tightened, pinning them down against the bed with an unyielding force.
The intensity in his gaze sent shivers down her spine, not just with anger, but with a chilling hatred and an unmistakable intent that left her trembling with fear.
In his eyes, she saw not just anger, but a chilling hatred and unmistakable intent.
Despite the haze surrounding the events of the previous night, one thing remained clear in Arianna's mind: Xander's accusation of her drugging him. Did he truly believe she was capable of such a deceitful act?
Arianna's heart raced with anxiety and fear as she considered Xander's ruthless nature.
He was known for his mercilessness in dealing with those who dared to defy him.
She had felt his wrath firsthand at the wedding, and the memory alone was enough to send chills down her spine.
But despite her apprehension, Arianna knew she had to confront the situation head-on.
With a determined resolve, she clenched her jaw and steadied her breathing, preparing herself to speak her truth and unravel the mysteries of the previous night.
"Let go of me!" Arianna pleaded, struggling against his firm grip, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.
Xander, however, leaned in closer, his grip tightening on her hands as he leveled his accusatory gaze at her.
“Arianna, you drugged me last night. I can't believe you would stoop so low for money.
Did you think that because you received payment from me without having to compromise yourself before, you could now use your body as a bargaining chip now?"
Arianna's heart sank at his harsh words, feeling each one like a stab to her chest. In a surge of anger, she pushed him away with all her might, causing him to stumble back.
Slap—
The crisp slapping sound stopped Xander from finishing his brutal words!
Arianna's hand hovered in the air, quivering with rage. Her complexion had paled, and her chest heaved with anger.
A vivid red mark marred the otherwise flawless complexion of the man's fair cheek.
Xander seemed momentarily stunned by Arianna's sudden action. His smile was forced, and his words dripped with icy disdain.
"Arianna, do you have a death wish?"
As she lowered her hand, Arianna gazed at the man she once loved, her heart heavy with betrayal. How could he utter such cruel words? In that moment, his disdainful remarks cut deeper than any physical blow.
