CHAPTER 93
Aunt Julia had stocked the refrigerator with fresh ingredients, and there was an ample selection of wine collected from around the world by Xander.
Arianna chose a prime cut of steak and expertly grilled it. She then confidently uncorked the finest bottle of wine from the collection.
She found a candlestick meant for intimate dinners, placed it on the table, and lit the candle.
Two plates of steak were carefully arranged alongside two glasses of red wine. Arianna dimmed the overhead lights and played some music before heading upstairs to change into a lovely dress.
As Arianna descended the stairs, she surveyed her setup with a sense of satisfaction.
Bringing a touch of celebration into life was essential, and she realized it wasn't difficult to create happiness for herself!
She approached, pulled out a chair, and settled into it.
Her eyes involuntarily focused on the steak across from her, her long, curly lashes fluttering slightly.
She couldn't quite remember why she had prepared two servings, but once the plates were set, wasting the food was out of the question.
If need be, she'd simply enjoy both herself!
With poise, she lifted her wine glass and clinked it against the other. “Cheers.”
She swore that at that moment, her mind was blank, but in a split second, it felt as though a man had taken a seat across from her. His features were charmingly handsome, and his eyes held a gentle, affectionate gaze that radiated warmth.
He raised his glass gracefully and clinked it against hers. “Cheers, my little princess.”
Arianna suddenly tightened her grip on the red wine glass.
It used to be a day reserved exclusively for her and Xander, but it seemed he had completely forgotten about it.
"Little princess?" Arianna scoffed inwardly at the absurdity of the thought.
She shook her head vigorously, dispelling the fleeting illusion before her. Taking a deep breath, she refocused on the meal she had prepared for herself.
Suddenly, the sound of a car engine echoed from the entrance.
Arianna was startled. Had Xander returned? Had he missed her text message, or was there another reason for his unexpected arrival? Unable to resist her curiosity, she rose from her seat and walked to the door to investigate.
The black car rolled to a smooth stop on the lawn in front of the entrance. The rear door swung open, and a man's long legs emerged first.
Arianna's gaze followed from his legs upward. When she saw Xander's slender figure and striking face, her heart couldn't help but quicken its pace.
He wore a simple white shirt and trousers, yet he exuded a magnetic presence, captivating attention effortlessly.
It wasn't until the opposite car door opened, revealing another figure stepping out, that Arianna's eyes were immediately drawn.
The figure belonged to a woman, and a strikingly beautiful one at that. Her voluminous wavy hair cascaded down her neck, exuding a captivating allure. A form-fitting skirt accentuated her curves, complemented by thick makeup and bold red lips that could enchant any man. She walked gracefully to Xander's side, stealing glances at him with reverence and adoration.
Despite the distance between them, Arianna could discern the woman's admiration clearly.
Arianna held her breath. She never anticipated Xander's return, let alone with another woman by his side.
Who was she? Could she be the same woman with the sweet voice who answered the phone the other day?
Did Xander decide to let himself loose after seeing the text message she sent him about his grandma being away for a couple of days?
Arianna clenched her fists slightly as her hands hung beside her thighs.
Xander and Tiana walked over together, but before Arianna had time to move, the two of them came face-to-face.
Xander's gaze landed on Arianna's face. Her expression was dark and uncertain in that moment, making it difficult for him to read her emotions.
Xander remained silent, and so did Arianna. Tiana, however, appeared slightly taken aback upon seeing Arianna.
Arianna had made the headlines and trending searches a few days ago. She used to be Xander’s former fiancée too and nearly married into the Kings. It was only natural that Tiana would recognize her.
What surprised Tiana was Arianna’s presence there. Why would she be at Xander’s private villa when she ought to have nothing to do with him?
Tiana looked back and forth between Xander and Arianna. She saw that Xander did not seem too surprised about Arianna’s presence. Could it be that Arianna lived there?
Tiana was quite taken aback when she thought of that. At the same time, she raised her guard and became even more vigilant.
For the record, Piper had been with Xander for two years but had never successfully managed to set foot into Xander’s private villa. The fact that Xander’s former fiancée Arianna could be there was enough cause for worry.
Tiana made sure not to let her emotions show on her face. She put on a decent smile, pretended to not recognize Arianna, and broke the silence by asking softly,
“Mr. King, who is this lady?”
