Joanne was startled. "Huh? Really? Spence, are you okay?""He's fine. There's something wrong with his brain."Spencer glared at Ariana furiously. "You're the one with a brain issue!"Joanne watched as the two fought with each other and somehow thought they seemed to be flirting.She had always felt insecure, so she immediately looked at Ariana. "Ari, Spence is injured, yet you're making him mad. Would you leave first? I'll take care of him."Ariana replied, "That's great, then. Otherwise, I'll have to pay to hire a caretaker."She was implying that Joanne was being a caretaker for free. Before Joanne said anything, Ariana smiled and said, "However, you'd better inform me if there's anything wrong with him. After all, they will need me—his lawfully wedded wife—to decide if he needs to be extubated next time." With that, Ariana wheeled herself out of the ward before the two could react.Spencer could vaguely sense the sarcasm in Ariana's words. He asked, "What extubation?"H
Ariana felt great after blocking Connor. Jensen asked, "Are you going to let Joanne take care of Spencer in the hospital?"Ariana replied, "What should I do, then? Do you think it'll change anything if I say no?""Does this mean that you've made up your mind?"Ariana naturally knew what he was referring to.Seeing that she fell silent, Jensen asked, "Or are you worried that Mr. Lubove will be against your decision?"It would be worse than that. Ariana could already imagine Kieran breaking her legs if she mentioned the divorce.To Kieran, his business was way more important than Ariana, although he had been saying that he would leave all his assets to her since she was his only daughter. Jensen knew about the Lubove family's situation. He was curious, too. Since the Luboves only had one daughter, it only made sense that they should be doting on Ariana. However, it was the opposite. Ariana had been brought up by her grandparents. Her grandparents had passed away after fal
"I'm fine." Spencer didn't want to talk about it. "I told you not to come.""You got into a car accident. How can I not come?" Connor asked, "Does Ariana know about this? Has she come?""She was here," Spencer replied coldly. "It'd be better that she didn't come, though. She has such a sharp tongue now and will drive me mad."Connor said, "It seems like she's different now. I called her, but she actually blocked me!"Spencer looked at him. "Why did you call her?""Aren't you focusing on the wrong thing now?" Connor repeated furiously, "I said she blocked me! She actually had the guts to block me!"Spencer said, "She even had the nerve to scold me. Why wouldn't she have the guts to block you?"Connor was more shocked. "She scolded you? Why? Because you have a mistress?"Spencer looked behind him.Just then, Joanne stood at the door. Realizing his slip of the tongue, Connor felt awkward.He immediately said, "Jojo, I didn't mean that…"Joanne's eyes turned red in mere second
The next morning, Weston came to the hospital and got the discharge procedures done for him.After that, they got into the car. Before Weston reported about work, he asked out of habit, "Mr. Ulrich, would you like to go home to take a shower and get changed?"Spencer looked at him. "Go home. Leave the work for tomorrow."Tomorrow? That would mean that he wouldn't be working today. Weston was surprised that a workaholic like Spencer would choose to take a break from work.When Spencer arrived home, he found that Ariana wasn't around. He only found out she had gone to work after calling her."Why did you still go to work when you're still injured?" Spencer bellowed, "Come home right now!"Then, Ariana hung up on him.Spencer wanted to call again, but he couldn't bring himself to do that. He was so mad that he almost threw his phone away.However, not long after that, Weston drove back to the office. As expected from a workaholic, Spencer had decided to go to work in the e
Connor was stunned. "What's that?"When Connor was still baffled, Spencer changed the topic. "You should leave if there's nothing else."Connor stared at him. "Why have you been so secretive recently? Also, you and Ariana—""I think you have nothing better to do." There was a sense of hostility in Spencer's tone. "Get lost now!" Connor placed his hand against the car window and asked, "Have you fallen for Ariana?"Spencer's face darkened in an instant. After saying that, Connor burst into laughter. "I'm joking! Everyone knows you're into… Okay. I'll stop."With that, he turned around and left. However, Spencer fell into deep thought because of Connor's words. After a long time, he finally started the engine and left. Connor's car stopped at the side. When he saw Spencer's car leaving, he smiled faintly. He would keep waiting.However, when the time Ariana mentioned came around, she was nowhere to be seen.Connor didn't know that Ariana never got to leave work on ti
Spencer nearly choked, for he had never expected to hear such a thing coming from Ariana. With a scowl on his face, he asked, "Don't you want to be Mrs. Ulrich?""Do you want me to give it up?" Ariana shrugged. "Okay."She said that so casually, and Spencer was on the verge of exploding. "'Okay'?" He stood up and looked down at Ariana. "Have you been planning all this? You'll leave me and the Ulrich family to look for another man, right?"Ariana took a deep breath and told herself not to lose her temper. However, the man standing before her was the person she had loved deeply for years. Yet, he always said the most hurtful things. Ariana held back her emotions and replied, "If I really want to find another man, I'll do that after leaving you. And you?"Spencer couldn't hear what she was asking. The first half of the sentence was the only thing that reached his ears.He bent down and placed his hands on both sides of her wheelchair. "Ariana, how dare you? Do you think I'm
Ariana looked at Spencer calmly. Spencer continued, "There are many couples in marriages of convenience who only appear loving on the surface. They're willing to take a step back for mutual interests and live together in peace. Why do you have to stir up all this trouble?"Ariana smiled. "Mr. Ulrich, can't I also find myself a sweet and caring lover out there like you do? Can you take a step back then?"Spencer's gaze was full of coldness and mockery. "It seems like you've forgotten that one party is at a disadvantage in this marriage. The entire Lubove family relies on me to run their businesses. "Do you think you're in a position to bargain with me?""After all this, you only want others to follow your order, but you never control yourself.""What do you mean? Do you want to control me?"As Spencer said that, he somehow felt a strange feeling surge within him.However, that feeling vanished in mere seconds before he knew it. Ariana shook her head."No? Then, why are you
Ariana avoided Spencer's gaze. "It's none of your business. I've never asked you who you're interested in."Spencer suddenly held her chin. "Is it Jensen? If you're into him, why did you agree to this marriage? You should've just married him!"Ariana's chin hurt. "Spencer Ulrich, you're hurting me! Let go!"Spencer didn't know how much strength he had used, as he was putting all his focus on the possibility.The possibility that Ariana could've married Jensen back then, even though he was the one who brought this up.Ariana was on the verge of tears. She grabbed his wrist with both hands and pulled his hand away forcefully. "You're such a psycho!"She had fair skin. Spencer could easily leave traces on her body when they made out. And now, there was a visible thumbprint on her chin, and it was slightly bruised. Spencer looked away. Somehow, he felt his heart ache, and he had to try his best to suppress his feelings. "Is it Jensen?" he asked with a stern look. At the same
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