CHAPTER 60
Arianna felt goosebumps rise all over her body from Xander’s intense gaze and his suggestive words. Was this what they meant by flirting with your eyes?
As she watched him eat that piece of bacon with such deliberate elegance, Arianna couldn't shake the feeling that Xander was, in some inexplicable way, devouring her instead.
This man was too much!
Her face, already flushed, turned an even deeper shade of red. She felt as if her cheeks were on fire, and suddenly, it became much harder to breathe.
Arianna quickly lowered her head, avoiding Xander’s gaze, and focused on stuffing her mouth with food.
Out of sight, out of mind!
Seeing Arianna’s flustered reaction, Xander’s smile grew even wider. Yes, the weather was perfect, and he was in an excellent mood.
************
Later, Arianna went to visit Charlie in the hospital.
Thanks to the better medicine and improved care he had received, Charlie’s condition had significantly improved. He looked better than before and was even able to have small conversations with Arianna.
“Arianna, I’m sorry. I’m so useless that I’ve burdened you,” Charlie said. His face was still pale, and his tone was dispirited, but his eyes were filled with guilt and sorrow.
Arianna grasped his hands tightly, her grip firm and reassuring. “No, Charlie, you’re amazing. You’re my strength. We’ve saved each other in different ways. So, you must live well and stop overthinking, alright?”
She smiled at him, trying to infuse her words with as much hope and determination as possible. “You’re stronger than you think, and we’ll get through this together. Promise me you’ll focus on getting better.”
Charlie managed a weak smile, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I promise, Arianna. I’ll try my best.”
Arianna nodded, her heart swelling with both relief and determination. They had been through so much together, and she was determined to see them both come out stronger on the other side.
During those two years overseas, Arianna faced immense challenges, but her love for Charlie sustained her through the darkest times.
Without Charlie by her side, Arianna feared she would have succumbed to despair. In fact, she might not have had the strength to persevere.
With a grateful heart, Arianna reflected on how Charlie's presence had been her guiding light, leading her through the darkest of nights.
Arianna gently caressed his head, her touch tender and comforting.
After Arianna left the hospital, she received a call from the herb store informing her that the herbs she had ordered previously had arrived. Consequently, she could make her way over to collect them.
Arianna had been looked after so well by Grandma King's when she fell ill previously, and Arianna wished she could reciprocate the kindness.
However, Arianna noticed that Grandma King as having trouble sleeping at night. So, Arianna decided to order some herbs to prepare a soothing soup for her, hoping it would help her get a good night's rest.
After arranging for the herbs, Arianna hailed a cab and requested a ride to the herb store.
Upon reaching her destination about forty minutes later, Arianna paid the fare and stepped out of the cab. Entering the store, she immediately spotted a familiar face.
Arianna halted in her steps, finding it oddly common to encounter adversaries unexpectedly. Once more, she found herself face to face with Piper.
Piper didn't seem as disheveled and absurd as their previous encounter. Instead, she exuded confidence, clad in the newest Chanel suit-dress, adorned with a limited edition Tiffany & Co bracelet, and gracefully carrying the classic Hermes crocodile bag.
Her demeanor exuded arrogance.
A sophisticated older woman stood beside Piper, adorned in attire even more opulent than Piper's, radiating elegance and luxury.
Arianna had caught a glimpse of the woman once before at Grandma King’s birthday celebration, albeit from a distance. She recognized her as Piper's mother, Celeste.
Not particularly interested in engaging with the mother-daughter pair, Arianna promptly diverted her attention and headed straight to the counter.
"I'm here to pick up the herbs I ordered," Arianna informed the staff, presenting her receipt from her bag.
The staff glanced at the receipt, confirming it before replying, "Please wait a moment, Ms. Johnson. I'll retrieve your herbs."
"Of course," Arianna replied calmly.
As she waited, Arianna idly scrolled through her phone, passing the time.
Soon, the sound of approaching high heels caught Arianna's attention. Then, Piper's malicious voice pierced the air,
"Well, well, Arianna. What a surprise!"
