CHAPTER 83
Arianna fetched a soft towel from the bathroom, returning to Xander's bedside with a determined yet gentle demeanor. As she sat beside him, she gently dabbed away the cold sweat that had accumulated on his forehead. She gauged his temperature against her own with relief, finding that he hadn't developed a fever.
Placing the cool towel on his brow, Arianna couldn't help but notice the deep frown etched on his face. Without thinking, she extended her hand and traced her fingertips lightly over his furrowed brow, easing the tension there bit by bit.
Seeing Xander in such a vulnerable state stirred an unfamiliar feeling of compassion within Arianna. It was rare for her to witness him looking so pale and fragile, and despite their complex relationship, a sense of pity crept into her heart involuntarily.
Arianna was jolted from her thoughts by a sudden knock on the suite door. Wondering who could be visiting at such a late hour, she made her way cautiously towards it.
Opening the door revealed Ronald standing there, which surprised Arianna. She raised an eyebrow quizzically.
"Ronald, why are you back? Have you had a change of heart about taking care of your boss yourself?"
"No Ms Johnson." Ronald handed over the large bag he carried to Arianna.
He held out a large bag towards her. "I brought these for you, Arianna. Some women's essentials and clothes for you to change into."
Arianna accepted the bag gratefully. "Thank you, Ronald. That's very considerate of you."
"My pleasure, Ms Johnson. I'll leave you to rest now. Call me if you need anything else. Good night."
"Good night, Ronald." Arianna closed the door after him, feeling touched by his thoughtfulness.
Arianna observed Ronald's hurried departure with a bemused expression.
It was like he was running for his life.
Was he afraid she might ask him to stay and tend to Xander?
Shaking off the thought, Arianna closed the door and brought the large bag into the room. Curious, she opened it, expecting to find a nightdress and essentials for her comfort. However, what greeted her inside left her utterly flabbergasted...
Arianna browsed through the contents of the bag and found several nightdresses, but they were all of the provocative kind—short, see-through, and revealing in design. She couldn't help but clench her fists in frustration.
It was clear Ronald had been considerate, but his consideration seemed directed more towards his boss than her. No wonder he hurried away so quickly; he must have anticipated her reaction.
It was a cheeky move on his part. If he had lingered any longer, she would have caught him and made him explain himself thoroughly!
It was too late for Arianna to venture out and find another set of clothes. With all the shops closed, she had no choice but to remain in the suite to keep an eye on Xander.
Currently dressed in a formal gown, she found it impractical to wear it indefinitely. Those nightdresses, despite their revealing nature, seemed like a practical alternative.
After all, Xander was fast asleep, and he wouldn't be in any position to notice or comment on her attire.
Arianna carefully selected the least provocative nightdress from the collection and took it with her into the bathroom.
After showering, Arianna clumsily slipped into the nightdress and covered herself with a bathrobe before stepping out.
She switched off the overhead light, leaving only the gentle glow of a bedside lamp illuminating the room. Exhausted but determined, she settled on the couch adjacent to the bed, diligently waking every two hours to monitor Xander's temperature.
Initially vigilant, Arianna battled drowsiness but eventually succumbed, drifting off to sleep directly on the bed after the temperature check.
Arianna lost track of time in the dimly lit room until the soft hues of dawn began to seep through the curtains.
As Xander stirred, his eyelids fluttered open, initially clouded with confusion before clarity returned in a rush. Memories flooded back—Arianna's shocking words, his impulsive action, and Ronald's swift intervention.
Beyond that moment, his recollection faltered. He was aware someone had tended to him; Ronald likely, he speculated.
Feeling a weight on his arm, Xander turned his head to see what it was.
The first thing he noticed was a cascade of long, dark hair, framing a woman's delicate and pretty face. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed peacefully asleep. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow on her cheeks, adding to the serene atmosphere of the room.
Xander's heart stirred, like a calm lake disturbed by a sudden ripple, as he observed her presence beside him.
Was it really her? Had Arianna stayed behind to care for him?
Xander couldn't believe his eyes. He hesitated to move, almost afraid that any action might dispel this surreal moment. With the utmost gentleness, he extended his hand and lightly brushed Arianna's eyebrows with his fingertips.
She was real.
Arianna stirred slightly, as if she felt his touch through the delicate flutter of her long lashes. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and they locked gazes with Xander.
Their eyes met, and in that instant, a flood of unspoken emotions passed between them.
Arianna was equally taken aback. Had she been dreaming?
She blinked repeatedly, hoping to confirm what she had just witnessed, but Xander's expression returned to its usual demeanor. It was as if the fleeting moment of gentleness she had glimpsed was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.
