Obviously, money wasn't the issue now!Ariana pulled away from Spencer. "Take your time and pick whatever you want!"Spencer wrapped his arms around her. "How am I supposed to know what you like if you don't help me choose? Look at that one over there. It's made of emerald. They say it's good for your health…"Ariana couldn't take it anymore. "Shut up!""Be good," Spencer said, his voice laced with amusement. "Or I'll have everything here packed up and sent to our house."Arian thought he was crazy enough to actually do it.She took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll pick."At least this way, she could choose items that weren't too outrageous.Satisfied with his victory, Spencer let her go. "Alright."Honestly, he wasn't particularly fond of using gadgets or toys himself. He was confident in his own abilities and didn't need anything else to satisfy Ariana. He simply wanted to tease her.Still, some of the clothing did catch his eye. He figured he could buy a few more pieces to bring
It wasn't that Ariana couldn't afford it. She was rather stunned that such items could rake in such a high price.As they left the store, she silently vowed never to return.Spencer explained, "The fabric is real silk, and the embroidery is top-notch. So it's a bit pricey."Ariana wasn't in a good mood. She scoffed. "You seem to know a lot about this, Mr. Ulrich."He had only learned about it after hearing some friends discuss it and had asked for more details.He responded, "Since it's for you to wear, I have to know about the quality."Ariana gritted her teeth. "Well, thank you very much!"After getting what he wanted, Spencer was content. "Shall we get lunch?"By now, it was around lunchtime.Ariana replied, "I have plans.""With who?" Spencer asked. "Can't I join?"Ariana replied, "I'm meeting with the three people you despise most. If you come along, you'll probably lose your appetite."Spencer's expression darkened. "You mean Jensen and the others? You see each other
Ariana was already surprised that Spencer insisted on joining her for the meal.Spencer himself hadn't expected to ever find himself in such a situation, let alone the others.They were utterly shocked.Sienna widened her eyes in disbelief. She was clearly astonished.Jensen froze briefly before snapping to his senses. "It seems like we have an unexpected guest."His tone was laced with hostility as he looked at Spencer.Spencer's expression was equally unwelcoming. "Is this restaurant only open to you? Did your family buy it?"Ariana quickly intervened. "Alright. Let's all say less."When Jensen spoke, Ariana didn't say anything. But as soon as Spencer started talking, she told them both to cool it. She was clearly siding with Jensen.Spencer's expression darkened further.Sienna remained silent. Boa was also surprised to see Spencer but couldn't resist a smile. "Restaurants are open to everyone, especially those with thick skin. They can come and go wherever they please."
"How amusing," Jensen said coldly. "It's just a carrot this time. So, no harm done. But if Ari were allergic to peanuts and you gave her some, her life would be in danger."Spencer felt somewhat embarrassed. He didn't know Ariana didn't eat carrots.He scoffed. "Why did you order them if you knew she didn't eat them?"Looking somewhat afraid, Sienna spoke up, "This is my favorite dish."Spencer had wanted to show off how close he was to Ariana because he was annoyed. Instead, he had humiliated himself.He lost his appetite even more.Ariana broke the tension. "It's not that I can't eat them. I just don't like them. Everyone has different preferences, and we should respect that."Boa smiled and added, "Ari's right. But it's funny when someone pretends to be thoughtful without knowing what the other person likes."Spencer felt like he and Ariana were simply incompatible. Not only Ariana, but her friends were just as difficult as her. As they said, birds of a feather flocked toget
When Jensen stepped out of the restroom, he saw Spencer standing outside while smoking a cigarette.After washing his hands, he grabbed a paper towel and began drying his fingers.Spencer glanced at him and said, "You think you know Ariana so well?"Jensen paused briefly before throwing away the paper towel. He then smiled slightly and replied, "At least I know she doesn't eat carrots."Spencer sneered. "Those things are just trivial matters. How much do you know about her true nature and real interests?""Knowing what she likes to eat, what she avoids, her favorite colors, and her preferred clothing might seem trivial to someone like you. But I don't see it that way." Jensen stepped closer to stand beside him.They were about the same height. Hence, their eyes locked.Jensen continued, "Ari is a living, breathing person, and these seemingly insignificant details make her who she is. If you dismiss them, then you probably don't care much about her feelings, either.""She's my w
Ariana smiled. "If I remember correctly, I rarely saw you at home during the New Year for the past few years, Mr. Ulrich. Did I ever complain about that?"Back then, Spencer was busy with social events and never considered Ariana's feelings. This year, for some reason, he seemed to want to be with her all the time. However, he didn't seem to realize it."You're talking about the past," Spencer said. "This year is different. Besides, I'm sure Grandpa would prefer us to be home with him.""We've already made plans for today. There's nothing I can do about it," Ariana uttered. "But I'll be off the day after tomorrow. I can stay home with Grandpa then.""Do you really have to go?"Seeing his expression, Ariana felt helpless. "I can't back out now.""Alright," Spencer said. "Then, I'll come with you."Ariana couldn't believe it. "Why would you follow me there? I'm meeting my friends, and it's at her home. Don't you realize how awkward it will be with you there?""Then, come home wit
When the two women finally came out, Jensen had already settled the bill. Boa commented, "I feel like Spencer is different from before."Sienna responded, "What do you mean? He's always been a jerk."Boa shook her head. "He used to be indifferent toward Ari. But now…"Jensen interjected, "Just because he's not indifferent doesn't mean he actually cares.""Take Joanne, for example. He shouldn't have cheated on Ari!" Sienna added angrily.Boa smiled. "Only they know the problems in their marriage. I wonder if Ari can make a firm decision this time."Jensen looked inside. "Why haven't they come out yet?"Boa asked him, "Why don't you muster your courage this time?"Jensen frowned. "Stop talking nonsense."Sienna shook Boa's arm. "Boey, don't say that. We'll be in trouble if Ari hears that.""You should fight for everything you want. How will you know if you don't try?" Boa raised an eyebrow. "Are you a coward?"Jensen remained silent.Sienna spoke up, "It's not that he's afr
"Well, you can give me one. It's a term of endearment that couples usually have."Ariana scoffed. "They're real couples with genuine affection. Have you forgotten that we're just a fake couple?"Spencer's face immediately darkened.The two fell into silence.When they arrived at Boa's house, everyone else was at ease, while Spencer sat on the couch alone. His face was sullen, and everyone ignored him.Jensen went to the kitchen to cook, while Boa took Ariana and Sienna on a tour of her bedroom."What's got into Spencer?" Boa finally had a chance to ask. "What's he up to?"Ariana shook her head. "I don't know, either."Sienna commented, "He's never hung out with us before.""Who would want to hang out with him?" Boa said. "I think he might have an ulterior motive.""An ulterior motive?" Ariana was confused. "What could he possibly want?""I don't know," Boa replied. "But Ari, has he been acting strange recently?"Ariana said, "I think he's lost his mind."Boa and Sienna tho
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