It's not long before Xander began to feel uneasy standing among the businessmen.

'It's hot' he thought in his mind while listening to the conversation.

"This collaboration will produce excellent outcomes." one of them stated.

"Yes, working with Blake Corporation is truly an honour." the other man expressed his appreciation to Xander as they carried on their conversation.

Xander gave a small nod. He disliked these kinds of events, especially when there were lots of people gathered around him.

He was only putting up with it for Crystal. As she became the new CEO, she requested him to accompany her to meetings with businessmen throughout the city.

"We have no doubt that with Crystal, Miller Group will achieve greater success." a woman in a white gown interjected.

Xander started to feel suffocated. He felt the need to freshen up and fresh air in a private area. It was packed with people here.

"Are you allright?" Crystal asked, noticing his discomfort.

"I am fine. Please carry on, I will take a break." he told everyone before he walked out of the group.

"I am going to rest for a while." Xander informed his assistant as he headed to his room.

He had a permanently reserved room in the hotel as he often met his foreign clients here and spent the night as well.

His uneasiness was growing with every step. He loosened his tie.

"What is happening to me, it feels so hot." he murmured.

Sweat drenched his face. He took quick steps. In his haste, he ran into somebody.

"Xander? What has happened to you? You don't look good." came a soft voice.

Xander looked at the person in a daze. His senses were clouding up.

"Where are you going?" Ariadne gave Xander a close look and noticed that he was completely drunk. He couldn't even stand still.

"Room number 101." Xander mumbled incoherently.

"Let me assist you. I will take you to your room." Ariadne was worried about him.

She gabbed Xander's arm just as he was about to fall to the floor.

.

They soon arrived at the room entrance. As soon as Ariadne entered the room, she shut the door quickly because it would be embarrassing if someone saw him in this condition. She made him lie down on the bed and took off his shoes.

Xander was bubbling something Ariadne couldn't understand. She then proceeded to undo his tie.

Suddenly, halfway through the procedure, Xander grabbed her waist and flipped her onto the bed. Before Ariadne could process what had happened, Xander was already hovering over her.

They locked eyes, and for a moment everything paused.

Ariadne was snapped back to reality when she felt Xander's hand caressing her cheek softly.

"Beautiful" Xander murmured.

Ariadne tensed up at his strange behaviour. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Xander planted a kiss on her lips, making her stiffen. Her mind went blank.

It was her first kiss ever and that too with Xander. She couldn't resist returning the kiss. The kiss turned passionate.

Xander abruptly broke the kiss and began frantically kissing her neck. Seeing how frustrated he appeared, she suspected he had been drugged.

"I love you." Xander whispered between his kisses.

"What?" Her eyes widened.

"I love you, Angel." she froze on her spot.

"Angel?" Ariadne repeated the word terrified. She knew very well whom Xander used to call with this nickname.

"Yes, you are my little Angle, love" Xander replied.

Realisation dawned on Ariadne. Her heart shattered because even now, Xander was thinking about Crystal. In fact, he mistook her for Crystal.

The pain snapped her back from her romantic reverie. She tried to remove Xander out of her body, but he was too heavy for her. Xander was out of his mind. He did not let go of her.

"Don't stop me Angel; I need you." Xander pleaded.

She found herself in a dilemma. She remained motionless, tears streaming from her eyes. Xander began to take off their clothes. She held his face in her hands and looked into his eyes. There were both love and lust in them.

"For you" Ariadne whispered before kissing his lips.

She didn't stop him after that, allowing him to have his way.

.....

Ariadne woke up in the next morning with pains all over her body. When she opened her eyes, she discovered that her surroundings had completely changed.

"This is not my room. Where am I?" she wondered, and then she recalled everything.

She checked herself and found herself completely naked beneath the white sheet. She quickly got off the bed and picked up her dress that was on the floor.

Xander was sleeping soundly. She panicked at the thought of how he would react to the incident. She couldn't muster the courage to confront him. She was afraid he would accuse her of taking advantage of his drunken state. She dressed quickly and left the room.

As it was still early in the morning, there were no people in the corridor. Taking a cab, she departed from the hotel.

.....

Nearly two months had passed in the blink of an eye. After that party, Xander never visited or spoke with Ariadne. Ariadne learned from others that Xander and Crystal frequently met for business works. She felt insecure, but she couldn't do anything. Xander never answered her phone calls.

Today marked their second marriage anniversary.

She was alone in their mansion as she gave all the maids a break today.

She wanted to celebrate with Xander. Putting aside the humiliation of his previous visit, she delivered her message to him through his bodyguards.

However, they informed her that he had an important appointment and would be unable to visit Ariadne. She was expecting him to reject, but still she tried. Last year, he didn't show up as well.

She was sitting on her bed with a gift in her hands. She had purchased a wristwatch for him as a gift. Even though Xander didn't show up, she would have someone deliver the gift to him later.

She felt hollow inside as she sat alone. She was getting frustrated with Xander's cold behaviour towards her.

She had started to feel tired of trying. She didn't want to accept defeat, but deep down she knew that she was losing this battle day by day.

Feeling restless, she turned on the TV and flipped through the channels mindlessly.

Her attention was drawn to the news coverage on a news channel. She was surprised to see two familiar faces on the screen. She increased the volume.

"Blake Corporation President Mr. Xander Blake was spotted having dinner with Crystal Miller, the recently appointed CEO of Miller Group at a five-star restaurant in Zavion City"

'So this was the important appointment he had to attend.' She smiled bitterly.

Her phone lit up with a notification. Ariadne openned it to find Crystal had sent her a photo and a link to a post with a message,

"Happy Anniversary, my dear sister".

The image showed Xander and Crystal sitting on a table, staring at each other, with Xander holding Crystal's hand. They looked like a loving couple.

Ariadne's heart ached at the sight. She then opened the link and saw another photo of them.

However, it was the comment below the post that drew her attention. Her heart was pounding as she began to read the comments.

"Oh, They look amazing together"

"They're childhood sweethearts, but unfortunately they split up two years ago"

"Xander Blake is already married to Ariadne Miller, but rumour has it that their two-year marriage is not going well. Mr. Blake never appears in public with his wife"

"I have heard Mr. Blake doesn't like his wife at all. It's because of the family pressure that he has to marry her, leaving his beautiful girlfriend"

"Yes, Ariadne came between Mr. Blake and Crystal; they were such a beautiful couple."

"I have also heard that Ariadne used some dirty tricks to convince Mr. Blake's grandfather to force Mr. Blake into marriage."

"Omg. What a horrible woman she is."

"But her efforts appears to have failed; otherwise, why would Mr. Blake have dinner with Miss Crystal?"

"True love can never be stolen or destroyed."

"Is Mr. Blake planning to divorce Ariadne?"

"I think he might be as he has begun dating his first love."

Ariadne's breathing stopped at the word 'divorce'. Unable to take any more, she exited the comments section. Panicked thoughts began to cloud her mind.

The tone of an incoming notification brought her attention back to her phone.

It was another message from Crystal. With her heart racing, she opened the message.

"Enjoy the day to the fullest, dear sister, because everything will change tomorrow. It's time for me to reclaim what you stole from me, two years ago." Ariadne's face paled.

She felt terrified as it was clear that Crystal was upto something. She was affraid of lossing Xander. She couldn't afford it.

She remembered how two years ago she jumped at the opportunity to marry Xander, despite the fact that it was not ideal.

She had endured every insult and mistreatment, only to win his heart. She even sacrificed her career.

How could she possibly afford to lose him. She couldn't hold back her tears. Crystal's message left Ariadne with a bad feeling.

She didn't realize when she fell asleep in between her measurable thoughts.

.......

The ringing of the phone awoken Ariadne from her dreamless slumber. She opened her eyes and looked around.

The cake on the table caught her attention, and she recalled that it was their marriage anniversary yesterday. However, Xander didn't came to celebrate. Once again, all of her efforts were in vain. She sighed.

The phone began ringing again. She hurriedly searched for her phone, only to find it beneath the pillow.

"Hello." she answered the call.

"Is this Mrs. Ariadne Blake?" asked a heavy voice. It appeared to be a middle-aged man's.

"Yes. Who are you?" Ariadne rubbed her eyes, perplexed. Who would call her at this hour?

"Hello Madam. Good morning. My name is Peter Ford." Ariadne became overwhelmed by the man's formality.

"Hmm.. I am sorry, but I don't think I know you."

"Yes, Madam, I am aware of that. I am Mr. Xander Blake's lawyer."

She was surprised and confused at the same time, but then a realization dawned on her and she became terrified.

'No, whatever my mind is telling me, it will not happen.' She said to herself.

"Y..yes.... How can I help you?" Her voice trembled.

"Mrs. Blake. It's about the divorce between you and Mr. Blake. He wants to get divorced. I would like to discuss with you regarding this matter. Madam, when will you be free?"

And there it was. Her fear had become real. She could not hear anything else as she felt an explicit pain rip through her heart before darkness consumed her. She collapsed on the bed with the phone.

"Hello, are you there, Mrs. Blake?" the man kept calling her name for a long time before ending the call when he got no answer.

Ariadne awoke to the sound of a beeping machine. She opened her eyes only to be hit by a bright light, and immediately closed them.

"Are you feeling better?" A voice came from nearby.

She opened her eyes again, and saw Jennifer standing beside her bed. Looking around, Ariadne realized she was in hospital.

"Why am I here?" her voice was hoarse.

"You fainted at home, so we brought you to the hospital."

Ariadne furrowed her brows as she tried to recall what had happened. She felt a wave of pain sweep over her as the memory struck her like a truck. She recalled being called by Xander's lawyer to inform her about the divorce.

'He wants divorce.' She repeated in her mind.

She had been hoping for two years that everything would work out, but she was wrong and her worst nightmare had come true.

Her eyes welled up with tears.

"Hey, what happened? Why are you crying?"Jennifer sensed that something was wrong.

"You are alright, there's nothing wrong with your health, don't cry, Aria." Jennifer became alarmed upon seing her condition.

Ariadne kept crying without saying anything.

"Aria? Are you listening to me?" Jennifer grabbed her shoulder when she didn't get any answer.

Ariadne looked at Jennifer with tear filled eyes.

"He wants divorce, Jennifer." Ariadne said before buring her face between her knees and sobbed.

Jennifer was rendered speechless by what she had just heard. She quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. She felt bad for her friend.

She was aware of Ariadne's deep love for Xander. Unfortunately, Xander never reciprocated her feelings, and always treated her coldly.

However, Ariadne endured all his mistreatment silently as she was afraid of losing him.

Jennifer sat down and hugged her. They remained silent for a while. Jennifer allowed her to gather herself a little.

"Don't loss hope, Aria. Perhaps you can still save your marriage." after sometime Jennifer broke the silence.

"How? By refusing to sign the divorce papers?" Ariadne turned towards Jennifer.

"But he will just hate me more. It will not fix anything." she wiped the tears from her face as she sighed in defeat.

"I have some news for you." she looked at jennifer's glistening eyes, puzzled.

"What is it?"

"You are pregnant." Jennifer declared with a smile.

Ariadne gasped in shock.

"What? How?" She was utterly confused but then realization dawned on her.

"Is this true Jennifer? Are you sure?" she grabbed Jennifer's shoulder in excitement.

"Yes, you are six weeks pregnant." Ariadne covered her mouth with her hands as her eyes welled up with tears again, but this time it was from joy.

However, she paled the next moment.

"But what if he blames me again, and does not want the child?" she asked, her voice filled with fear.

"Stop thinking negatively. No man can abandon his child, no matter how heartless he is. Perhaps he will reconsider the divorce for the sake of the child. Maybe he will start to love you as well. Don't loss hope." Jennifer could not bear to see her like this, and only wanted the best for her friend.

Ariadne's eyes glowed with newfound hope.

.....

Later in the evening, Ariadne sat excitedly on the sofa of their mansion, waiting for Xander.

When she returned from the hospital, she received a surprise call from Xander informing her of his arrival.

She prepared his favourite dishes as always. She also dressed up and applied light make-up to her face. She wanted to appear confident and beautiful in front of Xander. She didn't want him to notice her dull face.

When the door bell rang, she didn't go to open it this time. A maid opened the door.

After some time, Xander appeared in the living area, where Ariadne was sitting on the couch. She stood up, excited, as soon as she saw him.

However, her face darkened, as she saw Crystal right behind him, again.

"How are you doing, Aria? I heard you fainted in the morning and rushed to the hospital. Are you okay now?" Crystal expressed her concern, making Ariadne want to roll her eyes.

If she had cared, she would have paid her a visit at the hospital.

However, except for Jennifer, no one visited her. Grandpa William would have visited her, but his health had deteriorated recently, so he called her to check on her.

She had no idea why Crystal was here today. She hadn't commented on her regular meeting with Xander untill now, despite feeling insecure. Now she couldn't even have some peace in her own house.

Crystal began to accompany Xander whenever he visited the mansion. She was losing her mind.

"Yes, I am fine." Ariadne answered with a rude tone.

Crystal noticed but didn't say anything, instead looking at Xander, as if complaining to him.

'Is he going to lecture me on my manners again?' she wondered.

"My lawyer called you this morning. He said your conversation was cut short because you fainted. I, therefore, came here personally to talk about it. Here are the divorce papers." he pointed to the file, he was holding.

He went straight to the point without wasting any time. Ariadne stared at him, motionless.

He never asked her how she was doing, despite knowing she had been hospitalized earlier that day. His only concern was the divorce.

She was disappointed. She was nervous about telling Xander about her pregnancy, and Crystal's presence made the situation more difficult for her.

However, she needed to inform him because it was her last hope of saving her marriage.

"I have something to tell you."

Ariadne glanced at Crystal before adding, "Alone."

Crystal furrowed her brows.

"I don't want to hear anything, Ariadne. I know what it could be about. But you can't change my mind about the divorce. I want a divorce, and that is final." Xander said, looking directly into her eyes.

"It's not what you are thinking. Listen to me once. Please." she pleaded desperately.

"Don't make it hard, Ariadne. I am willing to pay you alimony, if you want."

Ariadne's eyes filled with tears. She hated herself for being so weak as she did not want to cry infront of them, especially Crystal.

"Just listen to me once, this is important, Xander." she repeated.

She did not like having this conversation in front of Crystal.

It was clear from the faint smirk on Crystal's face that she was thoroughly enjoying the show.

"If she is insisting, why don't you listen to her, Xander?" Crystal said to him.

"I don't have time to waste on her. If she wants to say something, she must say it in front of you." Xander grew irritated by Ariadne's pleading.

Ariadne felt humiliated.

"I am your wife, Xander. And it's about us. Why did you bring her into my house in the first place?" she could no longer contain her rage.

"Keep your mouth shut, and don't try to be brave. It will do you no good. Don't forget that this is my house, and I have allowed you to live here. You are not the one to decide who should and shouldn't come into this house." Xander warned her, gritting his teeth.

Ariadne couldn't believe he would say that.

"Here are the divorce papers. I want them signed by tomorrow evening." Xander threw the file on the couch.

"What if I don't sign them?" Ariadne became both frustrated and furious.

He could've done this in their own privacy. 'Why must he bring the woman whom she despises the most and humiliate her in front of her?'

"Aria, I am sorry, we have something to tell you. I.." Xander stopped Crystal by raising his hand.

"Crystal is pregnant... with my child. So you will sign the divorce papers without causing any fuss."

Right at that moment, everything came to a halt for Ariadne. The tears, which she was trying hard to hold back, streamed down her cheeks. The words had been ringing in her ears.

'No, she might have misheard it.' she told herself.

"Wha.. what did you say?" Her voice trembled.

"I am sorry, Aria..it was..."

"Just shut your mouth, I didnt ask you anything. I am asking this person, who is my so-called husband. " she interrupted Crystal, her gaze fixed on Xander.

For the first time, Xander saw fire in her eyes. He was taken aback for a moment.

"Crystal is pregnant with my child and...." a wave of rage swept through Ariadne, and she stepped forward and slapped Xander hard, not allowing him to finish his words.

Crystal gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

"How could you do this to me? How could you?" Ariadne grabbed Xander's collar.

"I have loved you all my life. As your wife, I endured every single mistreatment of you and so many people for two years. And you cheated on me in the end." Her eyes reflected rage and hurt.

Xander was caught off guard. No one had ever dared to talk to him in a high tone, let alone slap him. His eyes turned red with fury. He did not expect her to react like this.

"Don't act like a victim here. You are responsible for this." Xander said, grabbing her hands and yanking them roughly from his collar. She collapsed defeatedly onto the couch.

"Sign the divorce papers without causing any drama. And don't try any dirty tricks again, because this time they won't work."

There was no trace of guilt in his voice, only arrogance.

Ariadne was silent, staring blankly at the floor.

"Don't get him wrong Aria. It was...."

Crystal never got to finish her words, as Xander dragged her with him and left the mansion, without sparing a second glance at Ariadne.

...

The mansion fell into complete silence.

Ariadne stayed still on the couch and the file containing the divorce papers lying next her. She was in a daze.

Her thoughts drifted back to her wedding day and the words that Xander had said to her.

"I hate you, Ariadne Miller."

"I will destroy you because of what you have done to me. I promise you."

The words kept coming back to her.

He did indeed keep his promise.

"You finally destroyed me, Xander. You have succeeded." she smiled bitterly.

.....

"Madam, are you alright? I have brought water for you." the voice snapped Ariadne back to reality.

"You have been sitting here for quite a while, Madam. Would I serve the dinner?" the maid asked.

"No need, I am not hungry." Ariadne checked the time, it was already past nine.

She didn't realize how much time she had been in her trance.

"Your service is no longer required today, you may retire to your cottage." in a trance she stood up from the couch and began climbing the stairs, to her room.

The young maid watched her retreating figure with sympathy.

"Did you tell him about your pregnancy?" Jennifer arrived at the mansion the following morning, after Ariadne had told her everything over the phone.

"He doesn't want to hear anything from me." Ariadne said, as she sat on the bed, with the divorce papers next to her.

"But you need to tell him, Aria. After all, he can't abandon his legitimate child for a bastard with a mistress."

"He will always choose Crystal over me, Jennie. No matter what." Ariadne smiled bitterly.

"But you should still try. Think about your child."

"I am done thinking. And this time, I will do the right thing." Ariadne didn't sleep the entire night. She was thinking about their lives.

"And that is...?" Jennie looked at her.

"I will divorce him."

This time Jennifer wasn't surprised. Deep down in her heart, she knew this day would come if Xander's behaviour didn't change. But she never imagined that Xander would be such a scumbag to cheat on Ariadne.

"I am done fighting, Jennie. I have endured everything.. but cheating.. no. This time, he has crossed the line. It ended here." Ariadne's eyes reflected her pain and helplessness.

"He is right, maybe I deserve it." she sighed defeatedly.

She signed the divorce papers.

"You are free, Xander. You are now free from me." she murmured as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"You won, Crystal." She eventually accepted her defeat.

Jennifer hugged her.

Ariadne sent the divorce papers to Xander the same day.

..........

Three days passed in melancholy.

Ariadne went for a checkup as she was feeling low. Her eyes had become even more darker around the edges. She looked like a gost.

"You need to rebuild your life, Aria. Take a look at yourself. What have you done to yourself?"

They sat in Jennifer's chamber after the checkups. Jennifer was a gynecologist herself. However, as the hospital was owned by her father, she handled only special cases. Most of time, she was preoccupied with paper work.

"You used to be a very jolly girl, always smiling and living life to it's fullest. Where is that Ariadne? Get back to your old self, Aria."

"I am affraid that's not possible anymore." There was no light in Ariadne's eyes, only pain.

"Everything has changed. I have changed."

Jennifer sighed.

"Yes, it was all because of that man. Aria, have you ever realized that you have lost yourself in search of his love. You literally gave up your career, your dreams and what did you get in return? Cheating and insult... for two long years." Jennifer could not see Ariadne like this. She was furious.

"You need to think about yourself now. At least, think about the child, who needs a strong mother."

"I know, Jennie, but it's not easy for me. I am trying."

Jennifer knew that Xander's cheating had completely broken Ariadne. Silence fell as no one spoke for a while.

"So, what have you decided to do now? I mean, you need to tell Xander about your pregnancy at some point. Even if you don't, he will figure it out eventually."

Except for Jennifer, no one was aware of Ariadne's pregnancy. She didn't even tell Grandpa. He was already unhappy with the divorce. Ariadne was afraid that if Grandpa knew about her pregnancy, he would not allow the divorce to proceed.

"I don't know."

"As far as I recall, Xander was never this rude to you in the past. I'm not sure what magic that bitch has used to make him so much hateful towards you." Jennifer recalled their past.

"Because in the past, we were not married and he had the opportunity to be with his love. But I ruined his plans."

"you were his fiancée, and he was wrong to get involved with another woman."

"We were all children at that time. His feelings may have changed over times."

Jennifer sighed with frustration.

"It was my fault, Jennie, and no one else's. I should have given up and moved away from their lives. It took me too long to realize this." Ariadne stated.

"Ok, let's not talk about the past and focus on your future now. Just remember this, Aria. I will always be there for you. All you need to do is, ask me." Jennifer assured Ariadne.

"Thanks, Jennie. I don't know, what I would have done if you weren't by my side."

"Oh, it's nothing."

"Also, I need you to do me a favor." Ariadne added.

"What's it?"

"Could you help me find an apartment? I don't want to live in that mansion anymore."

"Ok. I will let you know, but if you would like, you can stay with me until I can find an apartment for you."

"Ok, I will let you know."

After their discussion, Ariadne returned to the mansion.

"Good evening, madam." The maid greeted her.

Ariadne went straight to her room after nodding to the maid. She felt hollow inside as she walked into her room. Although she didn't have many memories of Xander in this house, it had witnessed all of her difficult days over the last two years.

Everything that had happened in the last two years flashed before her eyes, suffocating her. 'No, I can't stay here even for a moment.'

She walked to the closet before opening it and find a bag to put all of her important documents in.

She decided to move into Jennifer's apartment today and stay there until she could find another one.

She was going through her belongings when she heard a knock on her bedroom door.

"Madam, Miss Crystal is here to meet with you." a maid said from the other side of the door.

'What, Crystal?' it was the last name she would want to hear at the momemt, let alone meet.

"Who?" Ariadne asked for confirmation.

"It's me Aria, Crystal." Crystal spoke.

Ariadne froze in her spot.

'What does she want this time? Hadn't She already gotten her hands on Xander?'

Ariadne was thoroughly perplexed.

Before she could say anything, the door was pushed open and Crystal stepped inside.

"Hi, Aria." Ariadne turned to find Crystal standing at the door.

"You can leave now." Crystal said to the maid.

"What are you doing here?" Ariadne asked Crystal, trying to keep the turmoil in her heart under control.

She lost everything in her life to this woman.

"Why, can't I come here?" As soon as the maid left, Crystal's tone shifted from polite to mocking.

"No you can't. This is my house, and I don't think you have anything to do with me."

"Oh, common, this is Xander's mansion, not yours, so I can visit whenever I want." Crystal challenged Ariadne with an arrogant look.

"Oh, I forgot. Xander had given you this mansion in charity as he left you... for me." She moved closer to Ariadne and spat those words.

Ariadne swallowed hard as her throat became dry. She felt helpless as she had nothing to counter.

"We don't need it anyway. We can build a far more luxurious mansion in the future." Crystal added as she scanned the room.

"What do you want Crystal? Have you come here to tell me this? Then I am very sorry, I don't have time to listen to your nonsense." Ariadne walked past Crystal to go down the stairs.

"We are getting married next month, Aria. Xander and I." Ariadne halted in her tracks at Crystal's words.

"Well, congratulations to both of you." She said, closing her eyes as she tried hard to control her trembling voice.

"Oh, doesn't it hurt you? I am sure it does. Don't pretend like you are not affected by it."

"Enough, if you don't have anything to say, you can leave." Ariadne yelled in frustration.

Suddenly, Crystal came closer and grabbed Ariadne's hands.

"I am sorry, Aria; Xander cheated on you because of me. But I was his true love from the beginning and you came between us." Ariadne sensed something was off as Crystal acted awkwardly.

"The child in my womb is evidence of his love for me." Crystal whispered in Ariadne's ear.

"It was the most passionate night we have ever had." Crystal smirked as she saw the pain in Ariadne's eyes.

Ariadne, no longer interested in Crystal's taunt, pulled her hands away from Crystal's grip.

But as she pulled her hands away, Crystal deliberately leaned on the floor,allowing herself to fall down the stairs.

Only then did Ariadne realize they were standing at the top of the stairs.

Everything happened so fast that Ariadne couldn't process it all. She gasped when she saw Crystal rolling down the stairs.

Crystal collapsed on her stomach and cried out in pain.

"Crystal" Ariadne hurriedly climbed down the stairs.

"Oh, God. How could you do this to Miss Crystal, Aria?" Someone shouted as she approached Crystal to check on her.

"What? What did I do?" Ariadne asked, looking at Crystal with concern.

"My baby" Crystal cried out loudly, clutching her stomach.

"You pushed her down the steps." Cathy, the head maid, accused and pushed Ariadne's hands away as she was trying to hold Crystal.

"What? No, I didn't push her." Ariadne was perplexed.

"You did, I saw it with my own eyes." Cathy added.

"What?" Ariadne's eyes widened, and she looked around. All the maids were staring at her.

"Seriously?" She came to a realization.

It was a trap. 'So that's why Crystal came to see me.' She was deliberately provoking her to get a reaction from her. Ariadne froze on her spot.

Shortly after that, Crystal was brought to Grace Hospital. Ariadne wanted to go with them, but Cathy refused.

When the chaos in the mansion subsided, Ariadne returned to her room, grabbed her packed bag and left for Jennifer's apartment.

.....

"What a wicked woman." Jennifer was furious.

"But you didn't push her, so you don't need to worry."

"The maids are on her side, Jennie, I was fooled again."

Cathy treated Ariadne coldly from the moment she moved into the mansion after marrying Xander. Over time she discovered that Cathy was Margaret's devoted companion. In the past, Margaret had used her countless times to bully her.

Ariadne felt terrified. She had no idea what Crystal's motive was, but she was certain it would be bad for her. Not to mention that Crystal was pregnant as well.

"I have already signed the divorce papers. Why can't they leave me alone?" Ariadne cried in helplessness.

.....

After sometime Ariadne received a call from William.

"Where are you, Aria? How did this happen?" William asked as Ariadne answered the call.

Ariadne's face paled. 'So, everyone is already aware of the incident. It means Xander may have known by now too.'

"Grandpa, I did nothing, please believe me." Ariadne went into a panick.

"Calm down, Aria, I know you will never do such things. Tell me exactly what happened." William soothed her.

Ariadne told him everything.

"I see. Where are you now?" William's voice was serious, which made Ariadne more nervous.

"I am at Jennifer's apartment now."

"Ok, don't worry, stay there for the time being. Nothing will happened to you."

Ariadne nodded.