Nobela ni Arnila_

Arianna's voice was barely above a whisper: "Zander, do you think I've been distant lately... or that something's changed between us?" Zander's eyes locked onto hers, filled with perception: "Honestly, yes. I've felt it – slight withdrawals in your touch, less conversation about us. I assumed it was just stress from my career..." **Chapter 71: "A Direct Question"** Arianna's voice was barely above a whisper: "Zander, do you think I've been distant lately... or that something's changed between us?" Zander's eyes locked onto hers, filled with perception: "Honestly, yes. I've felt it – slight withdrawals in your touch, less conversation about us. I assumed it was just stress from my career..." He paused, studying her face: "But now I wonder – is it something more?" Arianna's heart racing, she felt like she was drowning in guilt – Baby JJ sensed her tension and stirred in her arms. Her mind screamed – Julian's name – as she searched for a response... Do you w

Arianna helped Ava with her homework while Jackson played video games nearby. Emily was at a friend's house for a study group. Zander walked in, dropping his briefcase on the floor: "Hey everyone, long day at the Capitol." Arianna smiled, giving him a warm kiss: "Welcome home. How was the congressional meeting?" Zander's expression turned serious: "It was intense. My party leaders just informed me – I'm being considered for a prestigious Committee Chairman role." Arianna's eyes widened: "That's amazing news! What does it mean for your schedule?" Zander's tone hinted at her worst fears: "It means I'll be traveling even more – 4-5 days a week – and when I'm in town, long hours at the office. Our family time... will be severely limited." Arianna felt a pang – this meant less time with Zander, possibly more time thinking of Julian... Arianna tried to sound supportive: "That's a huge opportunity for your career, Zander. We'll make it work as a family." But inside, she felt a

As the night wore on, Julian knew he had to leave to avoid suspicion. He gently woke Arianna, whispering: "I need to go – before morning. Sarah and Zander might get suspicious if I'm late or absent." Arianna nodded understandingly, her eyes still dreamy from their reunion: "I know. Be careful. My heart feels whole again with you back in it." Julian kissed her softly: "Mine too. We'll talk tomorrow – secretly – and start planning our future together." He dressed quickly. Julian slipped out of Arianna's house, into the still of the night. He drove home cautiously, arriving just before dawn broke – perfect timing. Inside, the house was quiet; Sarah still asleep upstairs. Julian crept into bed beside her, trying not to disturb her. Sarah stirred slightly, murmuring: "Work videos keep you up late again?" Julian smiled to himself – his secret was safe: "Yeah, just got caught up in a case briefing. Go back to sleep." Sarah snuggled closer, oblivious to the n

While Sarah cracked eggs and hummed along to music at the kitchen island, Julian seized the moment to sneak a quick text to Arianna: "Close call just now. Sarah almost walked in on us talking. Finish our conversation tonight - alone?" He hit send, eyes darting towards Sarah – still oblivious, whisking eggs. Julian quickly closed the messaging app, pretending to scroll through work emails on his phone. His heart raced slightly, wondering if Arianna would see the text before Zander woke up... A few seconds later, his phone buzzed slightly – Arianna responded already! Julian's eyes locked onto the screen: "Yes, tonight. Zander's attending a fundraiser dinner. We'll finally finish talking..." Julian exhales internally, relieved and excited for tonight's private conversation. Sarah walks over, wiping her hands on a towel: "Hey, coffee or orange juice with your waffles?" Julian smiles naturally for the first time since sneaking the text: "Coffee, please. Need the caffeine aft

Intermission arrived, and Julian stood up with the crowd. "I'll grab us some water," he told Sarah, already heading towards the hallway.Once out of sight, he quickly typed a response to Arianna:"My heart just exploded seeing that message. JJ calling me 'Daddy' even in drawings... kills me. Missing you both desperately."He sent the text, then deleted the conversation history – a habit born of paranoia.Just as he turned to return to the auditorium, he heard the water fountain behind him turn off. A woman walked out of the corner – Julian's heart sank – It was Emily, Zander's daughter and JJ's half-sister!Emily smiled politely at Julian in the hallway:"Hi, are you here for the play? My friend Maya's performing."Julian returned the smile proudly:"Actually, I'm Maya's father. I'm here to watch her shine on stage tonight."Emily's eyes lit up:"No way! Maya's always talking about you and her mom, Sarah. You must be really proud of her!"Julian chuckled, feeling relieved the conv

Julian forced a reassuring smile: "Work's just been overwhelming lately. This new case has me swamped – long hours and stressful deadlines." Sarah looked concerned but accepting: "I had no idea it was that bad. Do you want me to plan something relaxing for us this weekend – just the two of us?" Julian felt a pang of guilt for deceiving her, but relief that she bought his excuse: "That sounds perfect. I'd love some downtime with you." Sarah leaned in for a gentle kiss, and Julian returned it, feeling like he was living two lives: * One with Sarah – comfortable, predictable, and deceitful. * Another with Arianna – passionate, secretive, and true to his heart. As they turned off the lights, Julian's mind sank to Arianna. Days turned into weeks, and Julian's routine remained: * Family time with Sarah and kids: dinners, school events, and weekends at the beach house. * Secret moments with Arianna: stolen phone calls, hidden texts, and occasional clandestine meetin