Chapter 94
1037 Words
Ariya had a good sleep, not waking up until after ten the next morning. When she saw the time, she panicked. The company was moving today, and as the CEO, she couldn't be late! She quickly grabbed her clothes and dashed into the bathroom to get ready, finally heading out just before eleven.
"Hey? What's the rush?" Talon was just coming back from grocery shopping and watched Ariya flailing about in confusion.
Ariya was almost in tears. "Oh, Talon, why didn't you wake me up! Arilon Group is moving today, and if I'm not there, it'll be a mess! I can't talk right now; I need to go! Where on earth are my car keys?"
Talon shook his head as he put the groceries inside. "You took a cab home yesterday; you didn't even drive. I'll drive you to work. Plus, you think the company can't relocate without you? Nia called this morning. She's at Arilon Group packing things up and will come over when you wake up."
"How can I let her do that? Nia isn't even part of Arilon Group!" Ariya smacked her forehead, realizing she might have drunk too much yesterday. In her hazy memory, it seemed like Talon had even given her a massage.
"It's fine. Nia probably won't mind. But, Ariya, can I give you a piece of advice? When I'm not around, you absolutely must not drink, especially not to excess." Talon started the car while Ariya sat in the passenger seat.
Ariya stuck out her tongue. Talon glanced at her and quickly looked down. "Got it. Honestly, it wasn't anything serious yesterday. The CEOs from Philadelphia finally gathered, so I had a few extra drinks. I promise I won't drink again."
Talon smiled softly. "That's more like it. By the way, what you said yesterday still hold any weight?"
"What did I say?" Ariya asked, a bit curious. 'Did I say something I shouldn't have while drunk?'
"Oh, if you forgot, then I won't bring it up," Talon said, dragging out the last word.
"You can't do that! What did I say? Give me a hint!" Ariya clenched her fists, her natural curiosity surfacing.
"You said… um, Talon, please don't leave me! Let's try harder and have a brother for Maisy. Talon, please grant me this wish…" Talon held back his laughter and looked at Ariya seriously.
Ariya's face turned beet red. 'How could I have said something like that?'
"That can't be true, right? It must not be real! Even if I did say it, it wasn't my intention! You know I drank too much yesterday, and anything said while drunk doesn't count! Don't think about it!"
"I knew it. I didn't take advantage of you while you were drunk. I thought I was being nice, right? Come have some breakfast," Talon said with a fake sigh, parking the car smoothly in front of a café.
"Well, you could've just gone for it…" Ariya muttered.
"What did you say?" Talon's eyes widened, cursing himself. If he had known Ariya wouldn't mind, he wouldn't have been such a gentleman yesterday!
Ariya looked down, avoiding Talon's gaze. "Nothing! I just said I'd go with you for coffee before work. That should be fine, right? Hurry up. I barely ate anything yesterday while drinking, and I'm a bit hungry."
Talon smiled and turned to the counter to order two coffees and some pastries. He and Ariya sat outside, and as Talon watched Ariya eat, his eyes filled with tenderness.
"Oh wow, isn't that Ariya? The guy next to her must be her husband." A few men entered the café, their attention immediately fixating on Ariya.
"Wow, she's way prettier than in the photos! I really regret not meeting her sooner!"
"I had no idea Philadelphia had such a character. She calls herself the 'Men Slayer.' What a shame I never got to sleep with her!"
"Talon, is there something on my face?" Ariya asked hesitantly, noticing the men smiling at her.
"No." Talon's expression darkened. Though Ariya couldn't hear their conversation, Talon could hear it loud and clear. 'How dare they openly harass Ariya? Are they tired of living?'
"Hey, beautiful, can we take a picture with you?" The leading man approached Ariya with a grin after conferring with his buddies.
"Sorry, I'm busy," Ariya said coldly, refusing.
"Busy? Ha, I bet it's because your husband is back, and you're too scared to have fun outside. What's the big deal? We're all just out for fun. You could invite your husband along! I'll tell you, having three or even four men at once makes it even more exciting!" The leading man laughed heartily.
"What did you say?" Ariya put her bowl down, standing up to glare at the man.
The leading man scoffed. "Oh, are you mad now? Stop pretending! If you weren't promiscuous, why would you post something like 'Without my husband, I'm out with several men'? Now that we've recognized you, no need to put on a show in front of your husband! We won't play for free. Just tell us your price!"
"Yeah, just name your price, and we can even bring your husband along."
"This guy is something else. When he was absent, his wife had so many men, and he still doesn't know! Ha ha!"
"You're saying it like it's nothing. If her husband finds out, won't he just kill her? What a shame—she's so pretty. Why is she such a slut?"
"You're slandering me!" Ariya was furious. Sure, the five years Talon was gone were somewhat dull for her, but she definitely hadn't been out with other men!
"Ariya, sit down." Talon's suppressed rage exploded as he suddenly punched the leading man! The strength behind his punch was unimaginable. The man's eyes bulged, veins popped out on his forehead, and his face turned purple.
Talon slowly withdrew his fist, coldly staring at the leading man. In a flat voice, he said, "Anyone who insults her must die." As soon as Talon finished speaking, the leading man collapsed to his knees. His companions rushed to help him but were horrified to discover he had no breath left.
'Oh my god, one punch took his life!'
- Writer
