Ariana thought Spencer was such a pervert. She pushed him away in frustration, desperate to finish up quickly and get out of there.But Spencer took advantage of the situation and held her tightly from behind.His lower body was pressing against her, and Ariana snapped, "Stop fooling around!""Okay, I won't."Though he said he wouldn't do anything, there were plenty of things he could do.When they finally emerged from the bathroom, Ariana felt even more exhausted than she'd run 1.5 miles. Her skin between her legs felt like it might be chafed.She thought men turned into perverts whenever they saw a naked woman! They were worse than a beast!In the end, Spencer carried Ariana out. He seemed to recognize his fault. Not only did he carry her out, but he also helped her get dressed.Ariana was both physically and emotionally drained. She closed her eyes and let him do whatever he wanted. Once Spencer had finished tidying up, he lay beside her and hugged her.Ariana opened her ey
Spencer shot him a glance. "Are you being so wordy because you're now the political commissar?"Jacob glared back at him. "What do you mean? I'm just trying to help you, and you're mocking me."The distraction kept Ariana's unresolved anger from becoming the topic of discussion.…Of course, Ariana was still furious.After the morning run and breakfast, it was time for training.A colleague asked Ariana, "Did you go home yesterday?"They weren't actual soldiers. Hence, they were allowed to take leaves.Ariana nodded. "Yeah.""Nothing beats the comfort of home." The colleague stretched lazily. "The beds here are so small and hard. They leave me sore all over."Ariana was sore, too, but it was from being groped and harassed by Spencer. Spencer was relentless, even during her period. Since he couldn't get what he wanted, he took it out on her legs.Ariana was determined to get a divorce with Spencer. But they were still married now. She couldn't stop Spencer from doing whatev
"I see working out as a form of relaxation," Spencer said. "That's how I built my great physique. Besides, don't you love touching my abs?"Ariana's face turned red. "Who said I touched your abs?""You touched them yesterday," Spencer calmly stated.Embarrassed and angry, Ariana retorted, "I wouldn't have touched you if you didn't mess with me.""Don't be upset." Spencer leaned closer. "I'll let you touch them again tonight.""Get lost!" Ariana was furious and tried to push past him.But Spencer pinned her against the door. "Sleep with me," he said. "The conditions here are better than your dorm."There was a large bed and a private bathroom.Ariana responded, "I said I'm not here for enjoyment.""You call this enjoyment? Do you have a misunderstanding of what enjoyment means?"Ariana couldn't argue with him and turned her face away. "Anyway, I'm not staying with you."When she married Spencer, they neither made their marriage public nor held a wedding. So her colleagues a
Ariana looked at him, thinking about those five years when she had a crush on him. Perhaps tonight, she could finally put an end to it all."What if I said I do?"Spencer stared at her. "Ariana, this joke isn't funny at all.""A joke…" Ariana laughed bitterly. "You think this is a joke? Well, I guess I am just a joke in your eyes.""Ariana, what are you trying to say?" Spencer was confused and frustrated. "Is this another trick to make me divorce you?"Ariana shook her head. "Spencer, have you ever considered giving your love in this marriage?"Without hesitation, Spencer answered, "No."A sharp pain shot through Ariana's heart. "I want to go back and stay with my colleagues." Ariana didn't want to continue the conversation. "Just let me go, Spencer."Spencer felt that she was speaking in riddles and didn't like it. Her vague answers frustrated him. "No!" He grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. "You have to stay here. No discussion."Ariana was exhausted and felt dead in
Ariana asked, "What do you mean?"Not willing to admit his mistake, Spencer simply shrugged it off. He did hit Gerald, after all. Perhaps he would just provide Gerald with some compensation.He said, "Anyway, whatever happened in the past is over. As a member of the Ulrichs, don't keep bringing up divorce. People might think the Ulrichs have poor etiquette."Ariana closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.Divorce was inevitable.Even though Spencer's actions during the bath seemed somewhat tender, Ariana knew he was only interested in her body. His attempts to please her were merely to satisfy his own desires.As expected, Spencer began forcing himself on her in the bathroom. Even though Ariana was on her period and couldn't engage in full intimacy, Spencer had a number of methods to torture her.Fearing others might overhear them, Ariana was too afraid to make any noise. Clearly having a rough time, she was left with tears in her eyes.When they got to the bed, Ariana rolle
Over the past few days, Ariana had been sharing a bed with Spencer. She had seen him responding to messages from Joanne more than once.It wasn't that she was snooping, but Spencer would leave his phone on the table while he showered, and the screen would light up whenever he received a message. The content of the messages wasn't hidden, either.Ariana happened to glance at one of them.Joanne had written, "I miss you so much. When are you coming back?"Ariana smiled self-deprecatingly.A few seconds later, Joanne sent another message. "I really like the gift you gave me last time."Ariana got up and flipped his phone face down—out of sight, out of mind.When Spencer came out of the bathroom, he looked down at his phone and replied with a smile.After a few days of seeing that expression, Ariana knew he was chatting with Joanne.…Spencer claimed he was on leave, but his sudden departure had left many things at the company in disarray. After staying at the base for a few days
Spencer said, "I have loads of work to finish. I don't have time to spend with her. If you don't have anything else to say, hurry up and leave. I'm busy."Connor asked, "How's the training intensity? Maybe I should join.""As usual," Spencer replied, "it's child's play."Connor said, "It might be easy for you, but not for others. By the way, how's Ariana doing? She's always been spoiled. Did she cry?"Spencer was momentarily lost in thought as his mind drifted back to a memory. He saw a little girl, delicate and pretty, with two small pigtails. She was crying, and her white down jacket was smeared with dirt. Connor, who was around eight years old back then, looked at her with disdain. "What a spoiled and clingy brat! How annoying!"He then turned to Spencer. "Spencer, let's not play with her! Spoiled brats are the worst!"Spencer remembered he didn't find Ariana annoying at all. He even wanted to comfort her.But Connor dragged him away.When he looked back, he saw Jensen hol
Ariana didn't care if Spencer thought she was unreasonable. After all, she didn't think she needed to be grateful for his patronizing attitude. She hung up, leaving Spencer fuming. Spencer realized that ever since Joanne came into the picture, Ariana's attitude had changed.They used to respect each other before this. Now, it seemed like arguing had become the norm whenever they saw each other. Spencer was frustrated. He didn't want to argue with Ariana, and he was obsessed with their intimate sessions. But Ariana wasn't cooperating lately.Things couldn't go on like this.He wondered if it might help to keep some distance from Joanne. Yet, thinking of Joanne's face, he couldn't bring himself to give up on her.Joanne had returned with shopping bags and stayed in the office to keep him company while he worked late.People said men who work hard were the most attractive. Not to mention, Spencer had such extraordinary looks.Joanne was captivated. She dreamt of the day he might
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