CHAPTER 91
Grandma King had seen much in her long life and had a keen sense of people's true feelings. Though Arianna had been pretending to be indifferent around her lately, she couldn't conceal everything from the old lady's sharp eyes.
The fact that Xander hadn't returned for several days and there had been no word from him only confirmed her suspicions. She knew that the young couple was going through another rough patch.
This saddened her deeply.
Being of advanced age, she was acutely aware that her time was limited. She wanted to help Xander and Arianna reconcile while she still had the energy and clarity to do so.
Once the young couple’s relationship stabilized, little Xanders and little Ariannas would come into the world, and she wouldn't have to worry so much. By the time she went to heaven to reunite with her husband, she wouldn't feel ashamed.
She held her husband’s photograph and spoke to him for a while, but soon heard Aunt Julia announce Arianna’s return. After putting away the photograph, she stood up and went downstairs.
“Grandma King.” Arianna walked over with the fruits she bought. “These are huge and really sweet. I bought you some to try.”
“That’s nice of you.” Grandma King patted Arianna’s head and led her to the living room, where they sat down on the sofa. She asked softly,
“How’s Charlie doing? Is he alright?”
Arianna picked up the fruit while answering,
“He’s recovering slowly. If he can keep that up, he might be discharged from the hospital and allowed to stay at home.”
“That’s good to hear. I’m glad.”
Grandma King was someone who showed concern for everyone around the people she cared for. She sympathized with Charlie as well because he had been ill since childhood.
“You can always talk to me if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Grandma King ” Arianna replied appreciatively and smiled sweetly.
She then chose a few fruits and said to the old lady, “I’ll go and cut these up for you.”
“Let Julia cut them. I have something to tell you.” Aunt Julia had been waiting on one side and Grandma King gave her a look.
Aunt Julia understood at once. She stepped forward and took the fruit from Arianna’s hand. “I’ll slice them for you, Mrs. King.”
Grandma King held Arianna’s hand and pretended to ask casually, “What’s Xander up to these days? How can he leave you alone all the time when the two of you are newlyweds!”
Arianna had a hunch that Grandma King would mention that, but it still came as a shock that her sixth sense would be so accurate.
Then again, it should not have come as a surprise, for Grandma King stayed there because she wanted to monitor Arianna and Xander.
Arianna was, fortunately, able to respond promptly. Her expression remained unchanged and her tone was calm as she replied naturally, “You know that Xander has plenty of work to do at the company. Business matters are urgent and I can understand that.”
After a pause, she added, “We still call every night though.”
It was not as though Grandma King would check her cell phone just to see if she called Xander every night. That was why Arianna could say that without any burden.
However, the elder generation was always wiser than the younger ones. Grandma King put on an extremely kind smile, but she then said,
“That would mean you haven’t made any calls yet today, right? He can’t be so busy that he has no time for dinner. Give Xander a call and tell him to come back for dinner tonight.”
In order to prevent Arianna from making further excuses, Grandma King immediately added, “The King Group won’t just collapse if he isn’t there for a couple of hours!”
Arianna was no longer able to refute her.
Sure enough, Grandma King was not to be underestimated! It was no surprise then that Xander looked for Arianna to put on an act!
Certainly! Here's the passage with the names changed to Arianna and Xander:
From the looks of it, that call had to be made!
Arianna took out her cell phone slowly and entered his number at a snail’s pace. Finally, she pressed the dial button under Grandma King’s watchful gaze.
‘That sweet-voiced woman better not pick up again, otherwise, I’d have to lie for that b*tard Xander!’
Luckily for her, Xander was the one who answered the call. His low and deep voice said, “Hey.”
Arianna secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She opened her mouth and was about to speak, but then stopped herself again.
Xander did not know that Grandma King was listening just beside her. If he put on a bad attitude, then the image of a loving married couple would shatter right away.
How could she surreptitiously remind Xander that she was acting?
Arianna frowned in thought but an idea popped into her mind amidst her anxiety. She coughed slightly, and spoke softly, “Hubby…”
As soon as she said that, her heart skipped a beat and she got goosebumps all over her body.
As soon as she said that, her heart skipped a beat and she got goosebumps all over her body.
There was a sudden silence on the other end of the line. Had it not been for Xander’s breathing, she thought that he had hung up.
Arianna’s heartbeat quickened unknowingly. Xander ought to pick up on her hints and realize that there was a reason for her to act all weird. She could only hope that his first words would not be something like, ‘Are you feeling unwell?’
