Spencer had no choice but to approach Ariana. When she was not lying in bed, Ariana would spend her time sitting by the window. He did not know what she was looking at. He tried to talk to her, but he was met with silence, no matter what he said. Spencer knew Ariana could not accept what he had done. However, compared to her leaving, he preferred to take the risk of keeping her by his side. "Ari." He crouched down. Placing his hand on her knee, he looked up at her. "Grandpa called. He misses you. Will you call him back?" Ariana's eyelashes fluttered, and she looked down at him. Seeing her response, Spencer quickly said, "But let's agree on one thing. Don't say anything unnecessary to Grandpa. You know he's not in good health. If he knew about all this, he wouldn't be able to handle it."Spencer sighed and continued, "Ari, I don't want things to be like this, either, but I don't want you to leave me. You can blame and hate me all you want, but I won't let you go. So what if y
Ariana looked at him. "I only realize now that Jensen is a thousand, no, ten thousand times better than you!" "I knew it!" Spencer's eyes bulged with anger. "I knew there was something between you two! Even your parents didn't suspect anything, but he went to Grandpa to ask about your whereabouts. Sure enough, you and he—" Ariana shook her head. "Not just Jensen, but Jacob, Gerald, and even George are all better than you. Spencer, do you still not understand where you've gone wrong?" "You're even thinking about Gerald?" Jealousy made Spencer lose all reason. "You know he's the child of a mistress, and it was his mother who ruined my parents' relationship, yet you dare mention him to me?""From what I know, your father forced himself on her back then. She was a victim, too." "A victim who couldn't wait to have her rapist's child? Who would believe she had no ulterior motives?" Even now, Spencer was defending Bernard. Ariana did not want to speak ill of Spencer's elders. But s
"You know what you should and shouldn't say, right?" Ariana remained silent. Spencer tilted her chin to make her look at him. "I've given you chances time and again. Haven't you seen my sincerity? Why do you still have others in your heart?" "Where is your sincerity? By mistreating me endlessly? By disregarding my wishes and taking advantage of me?""You've always been my woman, and you can only be mine in this lifetime! Even if we're divorced, we'll surely reconcile. Isn't this normal between spouses?" "I don't want to talk to you." "Indeed, how many words have you spoken to me since you returned? I've been pleading before you, but have you even looked at me once? If I didn't keep you here, would I ever have a chance to see or be close to you in this lifetime?" "So, you've only been considering your feelings all along. Have you ever thought about me?" "I've only been suppressing my desires so desperately because I've been considering your feelings!" Spencer looked at he
Enrique received a video call. He was delighted when he saw Ariana. "Ari? Where are you? How have you been lately?" Ariana smiled and replied, "Grandpa, I'm doing well. I was at the research center before, remember? I've been busy lately, but I wanted to get out and travel around, so I didn't contact you." "I'm glad you're okay. When are you coming back? I've been missing you." "In a few days. I'll definitely visit you when I come back." Since he had not seen her for a long time, Enrique asked many questions. They chatted for about half an hour before ending the call. Spencer immediately took the phone. Ariana looked down at the floor and said softly, "Are you satisfied now?" Spencer asked, "Have you figured out what to say to Jensen?" Ariana nodded. Spencer then said, "Well, choose your words carefully. If not... I won't go easy on the Rivera family." Reflecting on Spencer's words, Ariana realized he had been dissatisfied with Jensen for a while now. When he said he
Spencer leaned in close to Ariana. "Is Jensen really more important than me to you?" Ariana remained silent. Spencer then became jealous. "What's so special about him—" "Enough, Spencer," Ariana softly interrupted. "I want to rest now." Gritting his teeth, he stopped himself from saying anything more. "How long are you going to keep this up? Isn't my sincerity enough?" "What sincerity? The sincerity to humiliate me?" "You always say I humiliate you!" Spencer snapped. "Why don't I humiliate others? I do those things to you because you're the only one in my heart! You're the only one I can accept!" "What's the use of saying all this when you can't even show some basic respect?" "Your so-called respect would ultimately result in you leaving me. Do you think I can accept that?" "Then, don't talk about how difficult and great your love is in front of me," Ariana said. "Your self-pity is truly ironic to me." "I don't understand why you can't give me one chance." Spencer's
Spencer's expression soured when Jacob mentioned Connor. Annoyed, Jacob took a drink, too. "You think I don't want to date? I'm in the military all day—even the mosquitoes flying by are male!" Spencer laughed at him, but his laughter turned bitter. "What should I do? I'm really at a loss with her." Jacob sighed. "The key now isn't you. It's Ariana's attitude. What did she say?" "What could she say? Just... stubbornly claiming she doesn't like me anymore." Jacob looked at him. "Is it possible that she's not just being stubborn?" "She definitely likes me." Spencer clenched his teeth. "Her anger is temporary." Jacob said, "Then, keep trying to win her over. There's always hope." Spencer fell silent. Jacob then asked, "By the way, has Connor been pretty busy lately?" Spencer grunted in affirmation. The last incident with Ariana was all orchestrated by Shanice. Connor had explained that Shanice was just trying to scare Ariana out of jealousy, not actually harm her. But
Spencer gave a bitter laugh. "Yes. Being heartless makes you invincible." Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang. Seeing the caller, he answered, "What is it?" He suddenly stood up after hearing something from the other end. "What did you say?" The look on his face changed dramatically. It startled Jacob. "What's wrong?" Spencer hung up and strode out quickly. No matter how Jacob called after him, Spencer seemed not to hear. Jacob was worried when he saw Spencer like that. Spencer got in his car, and Jacob chased after him, but the car had already driven off. Left with no choice, he had someone follow Spencer's car. They followed Spencer all the way to a villa. Jacob suddenly had a feeling that the phone call might have been about Ariana. After Spencer got out of the car, Jacob quickly followed. When Jacob entered the house just seconds after Spencer, he found Spencer already in a fight with someone. Seeing who Spencer was fighting, Jacob rushed forward to stop them.
Jensen pulled Ariana behind him. Snickering, he said, "Spencer, whatever happened before, at least I thought you were still a man. But now, I see you're nothing but shit! No wonder Ari wants to divorce you. "You think she likes you? Keep dreaming! Who would like someone like you?" Being hit right where it hurt, Spencer nearly lost it. Even after marrying Ariana, he had never felt superior to Jensen. Ariana and Jensen's relationship was something he had always cursed at but, truthfully, envied.Only after realizing his own feelings did he understand it was jealousy. He was jealous that Jensen and Ariana could always be so close. Even now, with Ariana wanting to divorce him and desperately trying to escape, Jensen always had a place by her side. And what about Spencer? The sense of crisis and jealousy made Spencer speak recklessly. He said, "At least she liked me once. You? You're just a pitiful wretch—" "Jensen," Ariana spoke softly. She did not look at Spencer. She merely look
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