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
"Stop acting like a faultless victim!" Spencer roared. "The photo is here. This is the proof. Are you not going to admit it?""Have you ever thought that it could be due to the angle?" Ariana took a deep breath before saying, "I always regard Jen like family. He sent me back that day, and I fell asleep. He was probably buckling my seatbelt for me…""Angle?" Spencer laughed. "Do you plan to tell me that you two are just lying and chatting on the same bed after you have sex next time?""Spencer Ulrich!" Ariana yelled furiously, her chest heaving with anger. Spencer was as furious as her. "Did I say anything wrong?"He thought he should've developed the photo and tossed it out.When he came back to his senses, he noticed that he had thrown his phone away. Ariana was startled. "Ariana, I'm nice to Joanne, but I know my limits. What about you? You've said that both of you are friends. Are you so desperate that you're even going after your friend? Is it because I haven't satisfied
"I have nothing to fear." Spencer let go of Ariana and took a handkerchief from his pocket, slowly wiping his hand. "If you had the nerve to do that, you should've known the consequences!"Ariana was mentally exhausted. She looked down and suddenly recalled something. She asked, "Who took the photo?""It doesn't matter who took it." Spencer added, "It's the content in the photo that matters.""Did you have someone keep an eye on me?""I'm not that free," Spencer said. "Besides, you're not that important to me."Ariana suddenly thought of Connor's recent strange behavior and asked, "Was it Connor?"Spencer looked at her. He hadn't expected her to get it right. Ariana knew she was right when she saw Spencer's expression."You should be glad that I never hit women." Spencer was still bothered by the fact that he had been slapped. "Ariana, if there's something between you and Jensen, I'll make sure to divorce you and make you go bankrupt!"With that, he tossed away the handke
"What's the point?""Ariana, just you wait!"With that, Spencer grabbed his phone and left. If someone else had said this, Ariana would've thought they were simply bluffing. However, she knew Spencer wouldn't let things slide like this. He would surely look into it. Hence, she quickly contacted Jensen. Ariana didn't bother to consider anything else and immediately called him.Jensen answered, "What's wrong? Do you miss me?"He always liked to joke with her. Ariana asked, "Do you remember that you sent me back the day before yesterday, and I fell asleep?""I don't have dementia." Jensen asked, "What's wrong?""Someone took a photo of us, and it seemed to be taken from an angle that made us look like we were kissing." Ariana went straight to the point. "Were you buckling my seatbelt that time? Did you notice anyone around?"Jensen fell silent for a brief moment. Then, Ariana said, "Connor's such a jerk! He had even gone to this extent!"After a moment of silence, Jens
"Ariana Lubove, I'll fucking repeat myself. I didn't take that photo of you!" Connor bellowed. "I didn't do it then, and I didn't do it this time!""Even if you didn't do it this time, the previous time… "It's been many years, why are you still denying it?" Ariana couldn't be bothered to argue with him about what had happened in the past. "Connor, what are you trying to do? What do you get from sowing discord between me and Spencer?""Let me repeat myself. That photo was not taken by me!""But didn't you send the photo to Spencer?"Ariana knew she was right when she saw Spencer's expression earlier."I did send him the photo—"Ariana sneered and interrupted, "Connor Stone, I've said this about you in high school. And now, this still describes you well."Connor couldn't help but ask, "What is it?""Connor, you're such a pain in the neck."With that, Ariana hung up the phone.Connor was stunned. The 14-year-old girl in a white dress looked graceful and elegant. She stoo
Spencer had no idea what had happened exactly. However, he had fought with Jensen and had even alerted the school management. The two had gotten demerits because of that. After that incident, they had fallen out completely and had been against each other. Spencer felt his body burning after drinking.He unbuttoned his shirt but only felt more irritated. He only found out that the driver had sent him home when the car stopped. Without saying a word, he got out of the car, looking tipsy and furious. Ariana lay on the bed. Her mind was in a mess, and she couldn't fall asleep even after a long time.Just as she was about to fall asleep, she noticed some movements next to her. Before she could open her eyes, she felt someone pressing against her body.She was startled, but she immediately smelled a familiar scent.Somehow, she could get a whiff of alcohol. "Spencer?" Ariana pushed his chest with both hands. "Did you drink?""Ariana…" Spencer looked down at her. "How dar
Ariana was woken up by the ringing of the phone.She moved, and her body felt as though it was breaking apart. Her lower body was so sore, like it had been run over by a car.The phone was still ringing. She turned around and glanced at it before answering, "Jen?"She was shocked to hear her own voice. It was hoarse. Jensen heard her and immediately asked, "Did you catch a cold? Do you have a fever? Do you feel unwell anywhere?"Ariana didn't know how to explain to him, so she replied, "I've caught a cold. I'm fine.""I was wondering why you didn't come to the hospital."Ariana was startled. She looked at the time and noticed that it was already past 8:00 am.She quickly said, "Please help me apply for a leave. I'm not going to the hospital today.""Okay." Jensen was still worried. "Is it okay for you to be at home alone? I'll tell Sisi to go over.""It's okay." Ariana added, "I'll be fine after taking the medicine and getting some sleep.""Okay, then. I have to perform s
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