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CHAPTER 4

The King's family mansion gleamed with a myriad of lights, casting a warm glow across the opulent hall adorned with lavish decorations. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, while chandeliers sparkled overhead, illuminating the grandeur of the surroundings.

As Arianna stepped into the mansion, memories flooded her mind, each corner of the elegant estate evoking a sense of nostalgia.

Despite the passing year, the familiarity of the place stirred her emotions, causing her heart to flutter with a mix of longing and sadness.

Once, she had envisioned this grand mansion as her future home, but life had taken an unexpected turn, altering her once-held dreams.

Gathering her courage, she took a deep breath and stepped forward into the once-familiar yet now-altered environment.

"Okay, Arianna, just stay calm," she muttered under her breath, willing herself to relax. "I'll just wish Grandma King and leave straight away. No need to overthink it."

Dressed in simple attire, Arianna discreetly made her way through the bustling crowd, aiming to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention. Her presence was solely to deliver a gift and offer well wishes before departing.

As Arianna scanned the room, her eyes settled on Grandma King, who was deeply engrossed in conversation, her vibrant energy filling the room with warmth and liveliness.

Arianna couldn't help but smile in response.

Amidst the lively chatter, Arianna's attention was drawn to Grandma King's infectious laughter, her delighted expression painting the room with genuine warmth and happiness.

Although Arianna couldn't discern the details of their conversation, the sight of Grandma King's flushed cheeks and joyful demeanor spoke volumes.

As Xander and Piper shared tender glances, their smiles reflecting a deep connection, Arianna felt a pang of longing tug at her heartstrings.

Despite her efforts to remain composed, the scene before her stirred a mixture of emotions within her, reminding her of what once was and what could have been.

Despite the ache in her heart, Arianna couldn't help looking at Xander.

Her eyes clouded with a profound sense of sadness and longing.

In that moment, it dawned on her that perhaps she never truly knew the depths of the man she had once loved so fiercely.

Arianna thought about why Xander ended their engagement, feeling a mix of emotions—sadness, regret, and confusion.

Perhaps he never harbored genuine love for her, or maybe he found her conservative nature and lack of excitement too stifling.

The presence of Piper, seemingly fulfilling Xander's desires and bringing him joy, only deepened Arianna's sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.

She couldn't help but notice the way Xander gazed at Piper, his eyes filled with adoration and tenderness, as if she were the center of his universe.

It reminded her of how he used to look at her, back when their love was still alive and vibrant.

Or what she thought was love.

With a heavy heart, Arianna turned away, biting her lip to stifle the tears threatening to spill. She realized she didn't belong here anymore, in this place filled with memories that now only brought pain.

Arianna berated herself for her foolishness in coming here, knowing full well the promise she had made to Xander.

She had vowed never to cross paths with him again, yet here she stood in his home, unwelcome and out of place.

Who was she to this family, anyway?

Just a nobody.

The rejected bride.

It didn't feel right for her to offer birthday wishes to Grandma King.

She shouldn't have come.

She didn't belong here anymore.

Quietly, she handed her gift to a servant and offered her silent well wishes to Grandma King amidst the crowd.

Then, without looking back, she made her exit from the mansion, leaving behind the echoes of a past she could no longer bear to confront.

As Arianna stepped out of the mansion, her hand instinctively reached for her phone to call a cab. But before she could even unlock her screen, a hand covered her nose and mouth, suffocating her.

Panic surged through her, and she tried to fight back, but the assailant's grip was too strong. Within moments, darkness enveloped her, and her body went limp, collapsing to the ground.


Arianna's senses slowly returned, her body feeling unnaturally warm. She blinked, but there was nothing but darkness around her. Panic rising, she tried to move, only to find herself restrained.

Then, a voice pierced the silence, harsh and accusing. Before she could react, cold hands closed around her throat, cutting off her breath.

"Unbelievable! It's you?" A raspy, fierce voice sounded from above Arianna, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Fu*k! You actually drugged me?" the voice accused, filled with anger and betrayal.

This voice… Even though she did not see who the man was, she could tell from his voice that.

It was Xander!

Awakening in this unfamiliar place after the attack left her disoriented and frightened. She had no desire to engage with him again, to be entangled in his world once more.

As she attempted to speak up, her words were stifled by a sudden moan, her mind still clouded from the effects of whatever substance had been on the cloth.

Arianna seethed with anger and embarrassment as she felt Xander's imposing presence beside her, his warmth seeping into her body and clouding her judgment. She knew she needed to leave as soon as possible.

Struggling to push him away, Arianna found her efforts futile as her body betrayed her, weakened by whatever substance had been used to render her unconscious.

"Get off me!" she managed to mumble, her voice barely audible amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

Xander, misunderstanding her resistance, interpreted it as flirtation and a game of hard-to-get.

With each passing moment, Xander's breathing grew heavier, his eyes ablaze with fury. His hands clenched into fists, the veins protruding as he gritted his teeth in frustration.

"I can't believe you'd stoop this low, Arianna. To drug me and then manipulate me like this!" he bellowed, his words laced with anger and betrayal.

"If you're so eager, then let's just say you brought this upon yourself!"

In that tumultuous moment, Xander's lips crashed against hers, he felt a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through him.

Anger and confusion battled with a raw, primal desire that he couldn't quite comprehend. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was something else, something unexpected.

As their lips met, it was as if Arianna's breath breathed life back into his lungs, as if she were the very air he needed to survive.

In that brief instant, as their lips moved together in a passionate frenzy, Xander felt alive in a way he hadn't in years.

It was as if Arianna's presence had reignited a spark within him, awakening dormant feelings that he had long buried beneath layers of resentment and pain.

But even as he savored the intoxicating sensation of her lips against his, a nagging voice in the back of his mind reminded him of all the reasons he should despise her.

Yet, at that moment, none of it seemed to matter. All that existed was the electric chemistry between them, pulling them together in a whirlwind of desire and longing.

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