It turned out that Gerald was holding a large bouquet of roses.When Ariana spotted the roses, she wanted nothing more than to turn and leave.Why did some people not know how to respect other people's boundaries?She hoped that the roses weren't meant for her.The next thing Ariana knew, Gerald was already standing in front of her. He placed the bouquet on her lap right away."Ari, this is a gift for you."Gerald had heard Sienna call Ariana like that, so he decided to copy it as well.Ariana grabbed the bouquet and passed it back. "Sorry, but I can't accept these flowers.""Ari, we both came from Harvoria, yet we ended up meeting each other in another faraway country. This is destiny, you know."As for the flowers, I didn't give them to you because of ulterior motives. It's just that I think those flowers are a great match for your beauty."Gerald smiled casually as he told Ariana his reason coolly. He looked very confident, as though he'd always emerge victorious.Truthfu
Ariana forced herself to speak up. "Why did you come here?""If I hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have found out that my own wife is currently meeting her secret lover in a foreign country. She's clearly living her life to the fullest without a care in the world.""I suppose you must be Mr. Ulrich," Gerald piped up at that moment. "I think there's been a misunderstanding."Spencer didn't even bother to look at him. "I'm talking to her right now! Who the hell do you think you are? You have no right to butt in!"Gerald's expression darkened instantly. No matter how much Ariana loathed Gerald, she didn't expect Spencer to say such hurtful things. After that, Spencer looked at the bouquet of roses lying on Ariana's lap. For some reason, he thought the bright red roses were an eyesore for him.He picked up the bouquet before bending down and leaning closer to Ariana."Do you like gifts from other men that much, Mrs. Ulrich? Last time, you received jewelry. This time, you received flow
Ariana's eyes were red. For the first time ever, she glared at him with barely concealed rage. Spencer's heart sank. His grip loosened a little. However, he simply couldn't tolerate Ariana crossing the line and bruising his pride like this. His voice was cold and monotonous. "Why aren't you saying anything?" Ariana tried her best to hide her sorrow. Still, her voice shook slightly. "You don't trust me…" She knew that Spencer didn't like her and that they had only gotten married for various personal reasons. Still, at the very least, Spencer should have a rough idea of her personality and character by now. Yet, it turned out that it was all just her wishful thinking. He had never bothered trying to get to know her.Ariana closed her eyes. Her feelings were hurt when she learned of Joanne's existence. However, it didn't weaken her resolve to stay in their marriage. It was because she knew Joanne had nothing to do with the problems between her and Spencer. However,
Ariana turned her face away. "Just let me leave." "What about me, then?" Spencer's hand slipped under her shirt. "You need to take responsibility for turning me on." Ariana was flabbergasted. "Did I tease or seduce you? You're the one who has no self-restraint… Mh…" Before she could finish, Spencer had moved his hand over a soft mound and kneaded on a delicate area. It instantly made Ariana let out a small moan. "You say that about me…" Spencer was delighted to see her cheeks flush scarlet. He pressed his lips against the corner of her mouth. "But it seems you don't have much self-restraint, either, Mrs. Ulrich." Then, Spencer started kissing Ariana. He didn't seem angry anymore as he nibbled her lips gently. Her body gradually relaxed as she felt his warm hands roam over her. Previously, Spencer had overheard Ariana's conversation with Jensen. They called him a money-making machine.He was angry when he left Harvoria. Then, he thought Ariana was having an affair. No
Spencer made sure to close the bedroom door before opening the main door. "Jojo?" He then asked with a smile, "You're still up?" After their dinner together, Spencer had told Joanne that he had work to do. Joanne dared not disturb him since she knew how much of a workaholic he was. She only came over after checking that it was almost time for him to wrap up his work. She said in a gentle voice, "Spence, the water heater in my room isn't working. I haven't been able to take a shower." Spencer replied softly, "You should call the receptionist and have someone check the water heater, then." "It'll take quite a while, then." Joanne glanced at his room. "Can I take a shower in your room?" Spencer closed the door behind him and stood outside with her. "I'm still working. Let's go to your room. I'll make a call and wait for the staff with you." Even though her plan failed, Joanne still felt like she had been prioritized since Spencer was willing to pause his work and accompa
Joanne had only pretended to be sweet and innocent around others. There was no way she wouldn't get what Ariana was hinting at. "What's there for you to feel so pleased about?" Joanne screamed furiously, "Spence only wants your body! You're nothing but a tool for him to satisfy his needs!" Ariana's brows arched. "Oh, is that so? Does that mean he's not interested in your body?" "You!" Joanne inhaled deeply and forced herself to calm down. "What would you know? Spence doesn't love you! "Don't you know that loving someone means respecting their boundaries? He would always hold back whenever I told him I didn't want to do it." Ariana directed her gaze at Joanne. "Joanne, have you ever wondered why Spencer treats you differently since the first time he met you? "Or do you honestly think you have something special to make him fall for you at first sight?" "Stop twisting the facts! You would never understand the kind of feelings Spence has for me!" With one elbow on the w
It took Ariana quite some time to return to the hotel she was staying at. When Sienna saw her, she scanned Ariana's body for a moment, checking if she was alright. Then, she asked, "Why is Spencer here? How did he know where we were staying? Did he do anything strange to you?" Ariana chuckled upon hearing the bombardment of questions. "It was nothing. He's here on a business trip. I ran into him when I was out for a walk." "What a coincidence," Sienna responded. "Fate seems to have a way of bringing the two of you together." Unfortunately, fate wasn't trying to bring them closer as a couple. Instead, it was doing the exact opposite. Ariana asked, "How's your progress with the outfit?" Sienna helped push the wheelchair to show Ariana her work. "It's almost done. Take a look at it for me." While they were discussing Sienna's work, Ariana's phone rang. It was a call from Spencer. Ariana excused herself and went to the balcony to take the call. She was trying to preve
Some had made fun of Joanne for trying to copy Ariana when she wore the same dress Ariana had worn.However, Joanne could see that Sienna was a talented designer based on her craft. Even though Sienna didn't like Joanne, it would be impolite for her to ignore her when she was being friendly. Sienna forced a smile. "There aren't any new items for now. I've been concentrating on preparing for the competition lately." "With your great skills, you'll definitely win the competition!" Sienna smiled dryly. "I hope so, too." Upon returning to her room, Joanne was so enraged that she threw a bottle of water onto the floor forcefully. In her eyes, Ariana had always been snobbish. She acted as though she was above everyone else. Yet, Joanne thought it was just pure luck that Ariana was bestowed with her good looks and privileged background. While Ariana had every reason to be conceited, Joanne was infuriated by how Sienna, whose family had gone bankrupt, treated her indifferently
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