Eventually, Enrique allowed Spencer into the house after he took off his coat."I've never smelled something like this at home." Enrique glared at him. "Have you been fooling around with other women?"Spencer hurriedly said, "No! I must have accidentally picked it up somewhere. Grandpa, I'll head upstairs now."Upstairs, he found the bedroom door locked.Spencer knocked on it, and Ariana's voice came from inside, "Just a minute."After a few minutes, she opened the door. She had changed into a simple, plain-colored loungewear.She walked out and headed toward the stairs.Spencer could tell that she wanted to avoid being alone with him.He quickly grabbed her arm. "About the smell…"Ariana replied curtly, "It's not bad. It smelled quite expensive. It must be a limited edition. Too bad I'm not high class enough to appreciate it."There she was, being all sarcastic again.Spencer had never realized how sharp and cutting Ariana could be with her words. He'd been experiencing thi
Ariana turned around and saw Spencer kneeling on the bed, his hands gripping her ankles.Sienna asked from the other end of the phone, "Ari, what's wrong?"Ariana couldn't exactly tell her that Spencer was holding her down, getting ready for some intimate encounter.She quickly blurted out, "It's nothing. I'll call you back later."As she tossed her phone aside, Spencer pressed down on her. His hot breath tickled her ear, causing her body to shiver."Spencer!"Spencer uttered teasingly, "I'm right here. No need to yell.""Get off me!" Ariana struggled under his weight. "What are you doing?""What do you think I'm doing?" He slipped his large hand around her waist. "We do it every day, and you ask the same question every single time.""Get away!" She kicked her feet wildly. "Don't touch me!""I'm proving to you that I haven't slept with someone else." Spencer continued, "I gave every drop of me to you."Ariana's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment.Pinned to t
Since Spencer had already seen the bottle, Ariana decided to stay calm.She said, "It's written on the bottle. Can't you read?"Spencer's anger only intensified at her indifferent attitude. "Ariana!"Ariana thought he was being unreasonable."You were the one who didn't want kids. You said marrying me was your biggest concession and that I shouldn't expect anything more," Ariana calmly repeated what Spencer had said before.Spencer was stunned. "When did I ever say that?"Ariana wished she had recorded it back then.Spencer wasn't forgetful. In fact, he had a sharp mind and a great memory.Now that he said he had forgotten his own words, it only showed how little he cared.He never cared about Ariana. That was why he could easily disregard what he had said.Ariana felt a pang of bitterness. Forcing a smile, she said, "You did say that, and you clearly think that way. Since you don't want kids, I won't force you.""So you take contraceptive pills?" Spencer gritted his teeth.
Ariana opened her eyes and stared at Spencer in disbelief.She couldn't believe he said that. She wondered if he was out of his mind."Did I hit the nail on the head?" Spencer felt a twisted sense of satisfaction upon seeing her reaction. "Let me tell you, Ariana. Don't even think about it! If you want to take the pills, go ahead. Make sure to take it on time, and don't skip a single dose!"With that, he stood up. Feeling smug, he looked down at her from the edge of the bed. "This time, I'll remember what I said."Ariana stared back at him, her gaze full of sorrow and contempt.She felt sorry yet amused by herself."What's with that look?" Spencer noticed her expression, and his mood soured.He climbed back onto the bed, pinning her down again. "Since you've taken the pill, let's not waste the opportunity. We might as well make the most of tonight, right?"His tone was mocking and triumphant. He sounded like a king who had just won a great victory and was basking in his glory
Spencer was delirious from the fever. In his haze, he felt a cool presence beside him. His body instinctively sought the comfort of the chill.Ariana's hands and arms were cold from the damp washcloth.Spencer clung to her arms, nuzzling his burning face against them.It was hard to believe that this was the formidable CEO who commanded respect in the business world. In this moment, he resembled a vulnerable chick seeking solace.Perhaps it was a maternal instinct, but Ariana instinctively caressed his head. His short hair was prickly, and it tickled her palm.She would never have had the chance to touch him like this before. But now, she felt free to do so.As she continued, her hand moved from his head down his neck to his broad back, squeezing it.Spencer's shoulders were broad. His muscles were firm and defined. Ariana could hardly knead them.Just as she was enjoying this intimate touch, Spencer suddenly became frantic. He shoved her down and forcefully pressed his lips on
Ariana tossed the bottle of pills she fed Spencer last night. "Take a look at this. By the way, remember you went to sleep in your clothes? You were sweating buckets last night. I had to help you take off your clothes and clean you up."As soon as Spencer saw the medication, he realized what had happened. He cut her off before she could finish, "Wait a minute!"He sat up, and the thin blanket slipped away to reveal his muscular chest.He noticed there were two fresh bite marks on his skin. It looked painful."Care to explain?" Spencer pointed at his chest.Ariana snorted coldly and lifted her skirt slightly to reveal her bruised waist. "Look who's got it worse. I didn't even mark you as much as you marked me!"Spencer was stunned.The marks on her fair skin looked like red flowers against the snow. It was a strangely beautiful sight.Still in disbelief, Spencer gulped. "Didn't you say I had a fever?""Yeah, and I didn't expect you to be such a beast even with a fever." She sho
Spencer seemed extremely furious. He was surrounded by a few people who dared only to argue from a distance away.Ariana hurried over. She soon grasped the situation after listening to their conversation.She stepped in and pulled Spencer behind her before checking on the man he had kicked."Are you okay?""Dr. Lubove?"Someone recognized Ariana.Another person nearby spoke up, "Dr. Lubove, do you know this man?"Ariana didn't disclose their relationship. She simply said, "I'm sorry. I'll cover the costs of the examination, medical bills, and lost wages. I apologize for his behavior.""Dr. Lubove, this man is completely unreasonable!" The man who got kicked struggled to stand up. "We were just chatting and smoking in the stairwell, and he suddenly kicked me!"The others added, "Yeah! I've never seen someone so unreasonable!"Ariana noticed Spencer's anger rising. Fearing he might lash out again, she quickly said, "I'm really sorry.""Why are you apologizing?" Spencer's voice
Ariana smiled. "Thank you."The nurse looked at her in concern. "Ariana, are you familiar with that man from earlier? He seemed pretty imposing, but we should be cautious with men who have a tendency for violence."Ariana nodded. "I got it.""Good. The family members of the injured said they had no idea why they were attacked. The man just showed up and kicked him. They're only not pressing charges because of you.""I'll handle it. Thank you," Ariana said. "I'll visit him with some gifts later and discuss the compensation with them."Ariana was already overwhelmed with work. Having to deal with Spencer's mess made her even more exhausted.…Jensen came to her upon hearing the news, and he asked, "Did Spencer hit someone?"Just back from visiting the injured, Ariana massaged her temples wearily and responded with a hum."What's wrong with him?" Seeing her like this, Jensen was heartbroken. "You should just ignore him and let him handle his own problems!"Ariana shook her head.
Ariana lowered her gaze, her lashes hiding the emotions in her eyes. Spencer could not see them, but he imagined her expression remained as distant as ever."I just want to know if we could still be friends," he continued softly.Ariana paused for several seconds before shaking her head. Spencer's voice was strained with pain as he spoke, "I know it's an inappropriate request, but if we don't try this approach, I might not be able to stop pursuing you." "So you're saying if I don't agree to be friends, you'll keep bothering me?" Ariana finally looked at him directly. "Are you threatening me?"His words reminded her of Zane, who had used the same tactic. She wondered if all men thought this way—when pursuit failed, they would settle for friendship as a consolation prize.Spencer met her gaze. "That's not it. Ari… I'm just asking for your mercy."His eyes were bloodshot with dark circles underneath, clearly showing signs of sleepless nights. Ariana looked away, unable to bear
Jacob rubbed his temples in frustration. "I've warned you about this. She has a boyfriend now, and they have a kid. If you get involved, what does that make you? The other man?""I know…" Spencer mumbled. "But I love her and can't control these feelings." "Having control is what makes us human," Jacob said firmly. "Losing control makes us no better than animals. You're better than that.""Maybe being an animal would hurt less," Spencer muttered."If that's your attitude, then there's nothing left to discuss." Jacob was getting exasperated with him. "That man isn't right for her!" Spencer burst out, recounting everything that had happened.Jacob shook his head. "They have a child together. What's the point of saying all this now?""He's manipulative and deceitful!" Spencer's voice rose with frustration. "How can Ari be with someone like that? Even if I didn't love her, I couldn't stand by and watch her be with someone so toxic!"Jacob took a deep breath and offered another per
"Still, he shouldn't have hit anyone!" Ariana sighed as she looked at his face, now swollen and red. "Does it hurt?"Sam's eyes welled up with tears. "Yeah, it hurts like hell..."Spencer stood nearby, his fists clenched tight. For some reason, Sam just made his blood boil, and he wanted nothing more than to punch him again."Mr. Ulrich," Ariana said while supporting Sam. "Let me say this one last time—stay out of my life. Since Sam's willing to let this go, I won't press charges, but if there's a next time, I will call the police."After her warning, Ariana helped Sam inside their house. They both froze in their tracks when they saw Leo standing in the doorway—neither knew how long he had been awake or how much he had heard."Leo," Ariana quickly spoke up. "Go back inside.""Mom, you two go ahead. I'll close the door," Leo responded quietly.Ariana had no choice but to help Sam inside while Leo walked to the doorway and looked up at Spencer. The little boy barely reached Spence
After that, Sam told Ariana softly, "Go check on Leo. I'll handle this."Wanting no part in this confrontation, Ariana went back inside. Sam closed the door and cracked his knuckles. "Why are you always bothering Ari? She's my girlfriend now, and you should stop.""You're not right for her," Spencer replied coldly."Are you?" Sam raised an eyebrow. "I'm younger, more devoted, and I'd never hurt her or flirt with another woman. What makes you think you're better?""This is between Ari and me. It doesn't concern you.""It doesn't concern me? Or you just can't think of a response? Did I hit a nerve? I guess getting older really does make people shameless.""Don't get cocky. You're not Ari's type at all."Sam leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "That's where you're wrong. Ari loves everything about me, especially my young body..."Before he could finish, Spencer threw down the food container and swung at him. Sam, anticipating the move, dodged quickly. Before long, the two me
Boa quickly called Ariana back and reported, "It's not Zane.""Then, it must have been Spencer," Ariana concluded."That obsessive jerk!" Boa exclaimed. "He just won't give up!"Ariana asked, "Boey, since Rowan and Zane are close, could you tell Rowan to let Zane know that nothing will ever happen between us?"Boa sighed. "I already told him, but I'll emphasize it to him again. By the way, when are you heading to Orkney? I want to pick up Leo!""Tomorrow afternoon," Ariana replied. "But don't worry about picking him up—he's coming with me."When Ariana hung up, she found Leo watching her expectantly. He jumped into her arms as soon as she put down her phone. "Mom, are you done? Can you play with me now?"Ariana's heart melted. "Of course, baby. What would you like to play?""Let's play house!" Leo's eyes sparkled. "You be the mommy, and I'll be the baby, and you have to carry me!""Alright." Ariana laughed, scooping him up."No, not like that," Leo directed. "Carry me like
Dennis could not help glancing in the rearview mirror at that comment. Meanwhile, Ariana looked at Sam and blurted out, "Marriage? Did you forget what we agreed on?""I remember," Sam replied. "But with your ex-husband and that Zane guy, we've got our work cut out. I'm worried they'll figure things out. Maybe we should turn this act into reality."Ariana shook her head firmly. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. You're already doing me a huge favor by helping. Marriage is sacred, and when you find someone you truly love—" "But Ari, you're the one I love! I want to marry you!" Sam interrupted."Sam, you're still young..." Ariana smiled gently.Sam protested, "I'm not that young! You always use that excuse, but you're only five years older than me!"Before Ariana could respond, Dennis chimed in from the front seat, "There's an old saying—you can't force love. Sam, if you really care for her, win her heart properly and make her say yes to you. This isn't the way." "You sound like
Ariana smiled politely. "That really won't be necessary. Don't put yourself through that, Mr. Marshall. You're quite the catch, and I'm certainly not worthy. If you'll excuse me, they're waiting for me."With that, Ariana turned and headed downstairs, where Sam was leaning casually against the car, waiting for her. Even though he and Dennis knew each other, they did not get along well, so Sam stepped out of the car to wait.Being a handsome foreigner with striking features and bright blue eyes, Sam naturally drew admiring glances from passersby. He was used to the attention, but suddenly, his gaze fixed on someone watching him with unmistakable hostility.He quickly realized it was the same guy from the airport yesterday, who had tried to block their path but was completely ignored by Ariana. Sam met Spencer's gaze with calm confidence and the natural arrogance of someone who knew they had won. As far as he was concerned, Spencer was the defeated rival—someone who did not stand a
"That jerk..." Boa muttered under her breath before turning to Leo with a bright smile. "Leo, I'm going to treat you to something yummy!""Thank you, Aunt Boa," Leo replied with a blank face."Come on. Give me a smile," Boa cooed, pinching his cheek. "Oh, my goodness! You're just too cute!"Leo responded by burying his face in Ariana's shoulder. Jensen rushed to join them after finishing his surgery, making it a lively meal with five adults and one child. Leo only showed his bright smile when interacting with Ariana, maintaining his composed expression with everyone else.However, his stoic demeanor only encouraged Boa to tease him more, filling the dinner with laughter and joy. After that, Rowan arrived to pick up Boa, accompanied by Zane. By then, Leo was fighting to stay awake after his long flight and emotional reunion.He managed to open his eyes briefly to look at the two tall men before drifting off on Ariana's shoulder. Though the glimpse was quick, it was enough for
"Me, too!" Sienna exclaimed, and Ariana could not help but laugh at her precious son's perfect little face, now adorned with two lipstick marks.Even though Leo felt that he was too grown up to be carried, he had not seen Ariana in so long that he did not want to leave her arms. Just this once, he decided to indulge himself and enjoy the comfort of her embrace.As the group walked toward the exit, sharing laughs, Ariana suddenly stopped in her tracks. The others paused, confused."What's wrong? Why did you stop…" Boa's voice trailed off as she spotted the man standing ahead of them.It was Spencer, his eyes fixed intently on the child in Ariana's arms. Now, Boa understood why Ariana had been so confident that Spencer would not question Leo's parentage. With those bright blue eyes matching Sam's, there was no way Spencer would suspect Leo was his.Boa thought it was a brilliant plan, and she looked at Spencer smugly. On the other hand, Leo glanced at Spencer before resting obed