Ariana did not know what else to say apart from apologizing. Meanwhile, Boa hit her back a few more times before finally breaking down and crying while holding her. This was different from when Boa had gone abroad.Back then, they had stayed in touch and knew how each other was doing. On the other hand, Ariana had just up and left, with only Jensen to relay a message. It had been over five years—nearly two thousand days—without a single word from her.Boa was truly angry with Ariana. If it had not been for Jensen's updates assuring them that Ariana was fine, Boa would have gone out of her mind with worry. Eventually, the three of them cried, fussed, and scolded for a good while before finally calming down.Sienna sniffled and looked at her two best friends. "You two look like raccoons with all that smeared makeup..."They looked at each other and burst into laughter. Then, Boa gave Ariana another playful shove and scolded her lightly, "What are you laughing at?"Finally, the four
Ariana couldn't help saying, "It's been over five years. Maybe he's forgotten all about me by now.""Let's hope so," Boa replied. "But we need to prepare for the worst."The four discussed the matter further before the conversation shifted to Sienna. Even though Jensen had already told her, Ariana wanted to confirm for herself. "Sisi, what does your fiancé do? How does he treat you?" Sienna's eyes sparkled like a lovestruck teenager at the mention of her fiancé. "He treats me very well. He works in sales and has already been promoted to department manager."Sienna used to be from a wealthy family, but after they went bankrupt, her parents moved back to their hometown. In the past, she would have looked for someone from a similar background, as the family business needed support.Without those concerns, she only needed to find someone she truly liked. Ariana knew that Sienna did not care about social status. She was easily satisfied as long as the person was kind and treated her w
As she spoke, the housekeeper called inside, "Miss, someone's here."A sweet voice replied, "Who is it?"Ariana stepped inside and saw a young woman in loungewear. The girl had long, loose hair and pretty features, and she looked gentle and well-behaved."Who are you?" Nadia approached, waving the housekeeper away. "I don't know you."The house's layout was mostly the same, with only minor changes. Ariana casually opened the shoe cabinet but found all her old shoes gone. She could not quite describe how she felt.Even though she was not close to her parents, and leaving for five years was indeed her fault, coming home to find everything changed was unsettling. Ariana even considered turning around and leaving, thinking a hotel would be fine. Just then, she heard a voice from inside."Nadia, who's here? Come on in, or you'll catch a cold."Ariana could not help but chuckle. She recognized the voice as her own mother, Winifred. She had never heard Winifred speak to her with such c
"Stop right there!" Winifred called out. "You haven't even seen your dad. Where do you think you're going? Are we dead to you?" Nadia intervened, "Mom, please don't be upset. Ari just got back and must be tired from her journey. Why don't I show her to her room to rest?""Weren't you going to pack up the room?" Ariana looked at her. "Why aren't you doing that?"Winifred nearly tossed a coffee cup in anger. "Are you trying to anger me? Look how considerate Nadia is! And then, there's you! How did I end up with a child like you?"When Ariana first divorced, she met with her parents. She explained everything, hoping they would understand her pain and dilemma. Instead, they blamed and scolded her, accusing her of being selfish and shortsighted.The Lubove family's business relied on Spencer, and they were worried about what would happen to the family if she divorced. Kieran and Winifred had even decided that Ariana should apologize to Spencer and live submissively from then on. Onc
Dennis was a man of few words with a stern face, but Ariana knew he was reliable and kind beneath his intimidating exterior. They used Dennis's ID for check-in and took the elevator together."Boss, you should get some rest soon," Dennis advised as they rode up.Ariana had recently returned from an international medical research conference. She had not been idle these past five years, even during her pregnancy. In fact, she would maintain email contact with numerous medical experts during that time.Ariana was exceptionally talented in medicine. Her previous research on mechanical prosthetics had already entered mass production, benefiting many disabled individuals. After having her son, Ariana redirected her energy to other areas.In less than five years, she had overcome numerous medical challenges. She had personally performed Dennis' surgery when other surgeons, even top surgical specialists, could not guarantee success. In other words, Ariana had achieved the impossible.Aria
Connor returned to his room and tried to calm himself down. From the looks of it, Ariana had just returned to Nordenton, and there was no sign of any movement from Spencer, which meant he was likely the first to know about this.Besides, he noticed a man was with her from the surveillance footage. Though he had no idea what their relationship was, judging from the footage, they didn't seem intimate.Connor's mind raced.He knew Spencer had given up looking for Ariana a while ago, and he was certain she wouldn't notify Spencer about her return.Nordenton wasn't a big city, but it wasn't small either. There was a possibility that the two wouldn't meet.But what if, by chance, they did? Or perhaps someone ended up telling Spencer about her return?Although everyone assumed Spencer would've moved on and forgotten about Ariana, Connor knew that wasn't the case. After all, he could no longer read or understand Spencer.Moreover, he had a nagging feeling that Spencer had grown distan
Spencer was like a machine, performing the same tasks day after day. Work kept his mind off anything else. But once he stopped, all he could think of was Ariana. And with the memories of her came the pain.He'd heard that time was the best medicine for curing emotional wounds and that even the most incredible love could be forgotten with time. He didn't know how other people did it, but he was clear that Ariana had never left his heart.Finally, Spencer had news about her. When he heard about her return, his thoughts went blank. His initial reaction was to abandon everything and look for her.But after a few steps, he stopped in his tracks.Five years was enough for him to regret, suffer, and change himself.Five years ago, Spencer was cruel enough to imprison Ariana. But now, he was a changed man. He couldn't bring himself to hurt her. Just the mere thought of seeing her was enough to make him nervous and uneasy.Hence, he was torn.He would soon find out whether Connor's con
Spencer didn't expect to see Ariana so soon. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before, and he headed straight to the hotel first thing in the morning. He initially waited in the lobby, but it seemed too obvious, so he went to the restaurant.Sure enough, Ariana came to the restaurant. However, the man beside her was really getting in the way.Before Spencer could prepare himself mentally, he locked gazes with Ariana.He wasn't sure if it was because of the familiarity, but a part of him dreaded seeing her. However, as she was now in front of him, he realized just how overwhelming it actually was.It had been five years since he last saw her, and now, there she was, alive and well before him.Spencer could almost hear his heart pounding in his chest as his eyes remained fixed on Ariana.She hadn't changed much in five years. If anything, she was even more beautiful. There was an elegance about her that made her even more alluring.Dennis noticed Spencer's intense gaze from
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