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
In the emergency department of Feynman Hospital in Nordenton, Ariana Lubove had just completed several surgeries. The intense exhaustion caused her to feel a little light-headed. Just as she was halfway through taking off her scrubs and thinking that it was time to call it a day, someone pushed the door to the emergency department open and barged in.Dressed in an expensive tailor-made suit, Spencer Ulrich appeared before her. He exuded an air of detachment and nobility. He had stern brows, a high nose, thin lips, and a sharp, well-defined jawline—the classic traits of a handsome face. At the moment, he was holding a petite young woman in his arms. His expression was composed, but the anxiousness and concern behind it were apparent. "She's hurt. Take a look at her," he requested.Ariana's gaze fell on the young woman's face. She had delicate features and innocent doe eyes.She was Spencer's type, and Ariana knew this more than anyone. For years, his taste in women hadn't chang
Spencer had the air of a man used to being at the top of the pyramid—detached and regal. Yet, he was holding an ordinary black plastic bag. The bag most likely contained the sanitary items Joanne needed.Ariana withdrew her gaze and asked him, "Grandpa wants us to return to Ulrich Estate for dinner tonight. Can you make it?"Spencer didn't even spare her a glance. His eyes were fixed on Joanne as he asked, "Does your tummy still hurt? Have you drunk some warm water like I told you to?"As his words fell, he handed the bag to Joanne, who took it shyly. She then glanced at Ariana before replying, "I'm feeling much better now. Thank you.""Go ahead. I'll wait for you here," Spencer said with a gentle expression. "I'll take you home afterward."Joanne cast a tentative glance at Ariana before turning and leaving."Did you follow me here?" Spencer finally turned his attention to Ariana. "Don't you have anything better to do?"Ariana didn't bother answering his question. She simply ask
Spencer was tall and attractive, while Joanne was petite and sweet. They looked like a match made in heaven. For such events, most people normally adhered to the unspoken black-tie dress code. Women, especially, were decked in the most eye-catching evening gowns. In contrast, Joanne's white T-shirt and jeans seemed out of place—Spencer didn't care about such details.But as Joanne looked at Ariana, who wore a stunning silver-gray gown that fit her body like a glove, she bit her lip. A hint of grievance and unease appeared on her pretty face."What's wrong?" Spencer asked, glancing down at her.Joanne whispered, "They're all dressed so formally, especially Dr. Lubove. She's wearing such a beautiful dress."Spencer's retracted gaze held a bit of displeasure. The moment he entered, he saw Ariana laughing and chatting with Jensen in a carefree way. Jensen even ruffled her hair. She had just told him to mind his boundaries with other women, yet here she was, being a hypocrite.Aria
Ariana didn't understand much about business, but she knew that ever since she married Spencer, the Lubove family's wealth had at least tripled. Yet, Kieran was still unsatisfied.After putting down her cutlery, Ariana stood up. "I'm done eating, so I'll be going home now. Please carry on."Kieran shouted at her back, "Don't forget about what your grandmother said to you before she passed!"Ariana's back stiffened for a few seconds. Then, she walked away.When she got to the hospital, she received an unexpected call from Joanne. At first, she didn't want to answer the unfamiliar number. But the persistent ringing got on her nerves, so she relented and took the call.As soon as the call connected, Joanne's sobbing voice came through, "Dr. Lubove, please come quickly! Spence is injured!"Ariana rushed over and found that Spencer's hand had already been bandaged. When Spencer saw her, he frowned and questioned, "Why are you here?"Ariana glanced at Joanne and didn't answer him.
Spencer hung up the phone and began to get dressed. Ariana, still basking in the afterglow of extreme pleasure, lay on the bed lazily. She watched as he pulled up his pants and put on his shirt, covering his well-defined abs.As he dressed, he said, "Jojo's brother was in a car accident. I'm going to check on him. If it's serious, help me contact the hospital. On second thought, come with me."Ariana didn't move.Spencer was already buttoning his shirt. He turned back to stare at her with a frown. "Why aren't you moving?""I don't think it's my duty to help your…" She paused, searching for the right word. Then, she continued, "Why should I help your mistress' brother?"Spencer shot back at her coldly, "You're a doctor. It's your duty to save lives. Don't be so heartless, Ariana."Ariana let out a mocking laugh. How ridiculous and ironic this was. Spencer demanded his lawfully wedded wife to help the brother of his mistress. Moreover, he insisted that it was her duty and told
Joanne's eyes reddened as she was flustered, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Dr. Lubove. That was rude of me…" She then took a step back and bowed before Ariana. Not only did she bow, but she also remained in that position for a long time.Spencer lost his cool immediately. "Why are you doing this, Ariana? Jojo just happened to address you by your nickname. Is there a need to make such a huge fuss?""Only my parents and my close friends get to call me that. She's neither." Ariana's lips curled into a disdainful half-smile. "You two carry on." With that, she turned and walked away. Spencer wanted to go after her, but he felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Joanne looking at him with tears streaming down her face. "Spence…""Wait here."After saying that, Spencer hurriedly chased after Ariana.Joanne slowly clenched her hands into fists, and her nails dug into her flesh. She bit her lip and took a deep breath, reminding herself not to get impulsive. She had to take
Ariana had no idea what could happen.Sienna suddenly said, "There's a charity auction tonight. Why don't you attend it with me?""Weren't we talking about Joanne? Why the change of topic?"Sienna replied mysteriously, "Oh, you'll find out why soon. But before the event, drop by my place so that I can have someone do your makeup."Ariana didn't have any surgery scheduled for that day, so she took an hour off in the afternoon and went to Sienna's place.The moment she reached there, Sienna sat her down in front of the vanity and asked the makeup artist to work her magic. The makeup artist she hired was well-known in the entertainment industry. She had done many iconic looks for various celebrities.She praised, "Ms. Lubove, your skin is flawless. It's like you don't have any pores. With your looks, it's a shame you're not in showbiz."Ariana replied, "I'd just be a pretty face and nothing more. I don't have that kind of talent.""Some people would love to be a pretty face. But