When Ariana arrived home, she noticed his car parked outside. She wasn't ready to face him yet, especially after everything that happened the night before. She entered the house quietly, feeling the tense atmosphere inside, and headed straight to her room.
She lay down on the bed, sleeping come easily.
After 2 hours, she heard knocking on her door. She opened her eyes, quickly heading to answer it. The sound of the clock ticking echoed in her ears as she approached the door, which was knocked on again. When she opened it, the housekeeper stood outside.
"Madam, Leonardo will be having dinner here tonight" This is unusual; he usually only dines here when it's necessary
Ariana processed the information, her mind racing with questions. She nodded briefly. "Alright, thank you for letting me know."
. Leonardo rarely had dinner at home unless there was something important to discuss. Was today the day they would finally face each other?
She went to the bathroom, got ready, choosing an elegant but simple outfit. She changed her look by styling her hair with soft steps.When she entered the dining area, Leonardo was already there. He was playing with his phone, and she remembered their first meeting at the restaurant, where he had been sitting in the same way.He reminded her of their first meeting
he looked at her as she took her seat at the table calmly, placing the plate in front of her. She raised her gaze, but he didn't eat; instead, he kept staring at her. "Is there a problem?" She asked.
She gazed back, holding her silence for a moment. "Is something wrong?" she asked, still with a slight smile.
He said "I knew hannah was here yesterday"
"Yes"
"Did she told you the reason for the visit?"
She remained quiet for a moment, then spoke in a mocking tone: "yes of course and I forgot to congratulate you on your fiancée's… divorce."
His expression changed, surprise evident on his face as he quickly processed her words. "Thank you ?" he said, clearly taken aback. "Bu I'm shocked ?"
Ariana raised an eyebrow and he continued , "
… why does your reaction seem like you're pleased?"
With a slight shrug, she replied, "Would you like me to explain it properly? What do you expect me to say?"
She said, "I'll tell you the same thing I told Hannah:I won't cry,Not just because you went back to her.We never loved each other.
It would be hypocrisy for me to do something I don't feel."
With coldness, he said:
" I thought you will be upset about losing your livelihood and funds now, in just a couple of months, things will change."
He paused "Remember, I've kept my promise to you, haven't I?"
Then he added"I'm planning to propose to Hannah in two months."
Her lips curved into a sweeter smile, but her face showed a hint of annoyance.
She replied, "Really? Congratulations "
Her tone was still formal, though a little irritated.
"I'll write this house off to you so you don't worry. Keep the gifts and the jewelry."
She felt a lump in her throat but responded coldly "Thank you, you are vet generous but this house suits someone who enjoys appearances like her, not me. I'm just an employee here. I've never liked these environments or parties you force me to attend"
His features froze, as though she had thrown an insult at him.
He continued his dinner in silence.
In that moment, she wished that her tears would not betray her.
After a few minutes, his phone rang many times, and she instinctively knew it was her—Hannah.because She had always been persistent in her relationships, and now, with him, she was no different.
He paused for a moment, thinking about it, but surprisingly he decided to cut the call.And just sent a message
Dinner continued, with the servant bringing the next course. Ariana apologized quietly, to go back to her room her voice heavy.Exhausted, he just nodded, as the situation weighed on him.
Her thoughts raced as she reflected on her feelings. Her room felt like a prison of sorrow, the tears that had been restrained finally escaping.
She blamed herself for her tears, for letting herself succumb to this emotional breakdown. After all, it was only a matter of time before the return of his love
As soon as she returned to him, he rushed towards her, and thanked me for the years of service I had given him.
She wished he would choke on his food tonight, letting the suffocating tension between them finally break.
In the stillness, her breath caught in her chest, her emotions overwhelmed.
She lay still, wrapped in her own thoughts.
Her mind kept drifting back to him tonight , to the moments when he had been so exciting. He was so sexy … his shirt, the buttons undone, his jacket discarded he was really handsome tonight
She closed her eyes, feeling exhaustion wash over her.
She whispered softly to herself, "Stop with these teenage fantasies, or you'll admit that you love him. And then, you'll have no one but yourself to blame."