Chapter 4 The First Meeting

What! Theodore was awake!

The news caught Ariana and Jasper off guard.

Once Jasper recovered from the shock, his face darkened. He tightened his grip on Ariana's arm and scolded her, "You lied to me, didn't you? What I saw last night wasn't an illusion. Theodore truly regained consciousness last night, right? Oh, I get it now. That's why you suddenly went against me!"

Since Jasper had already drawn a conclusion, Ariana didn't bother to explain. She got rid of his grip and walked away with the servant.

Jasper was pissed off. He wanted to hit Ariana, but he didn't dare. Standing in the garden, he watched her receding figure until she went out of sight. Then he turned around and kicked a flowerpot in anger.

The Anderson family's residence was a manor which had different buildings that were surrounded by flowers and trees. Theodore lived in a small detached house behind the garden. Not only was the air fresh here, but it was also brightly lit and quiet. There were many bamboos planted around the house. It was just perfect for a sick person to recuperate.

However, the beauty of the surroundings was the least of Ariana's concerns now. Her mind was in a muddle.

She wondered if Theodore had woken up since last night. Did he hear the conversation between her and Jasper?

What would happen if he did?

Ariana's heart began to pound. Her face turned pale as several thoughts swept through her mind.

To the best of her knowledge, Theodore wasn't an angel. She had been told that he was a ruthless man who even had strong connections with people from the underworld. It was said that those who offended him in the past were thoroughly dealt with. Would he do the same to her?

"Here we are!" The servant's voice brought Ariana back to her senses.

After taking a deep breath, she pushed it open and walked in. She had just walked into the house when Darian came in panting heavily.

Ariana bowed her head and greeted him. Darian gave her a curt nod and then they entered Theodore's room together.

Standing beside the bed were a group of doctors. They were examining Theodore.

Theodore was sitting up with his back against the headboard, his eyes emotionless and his handsome face as cold as a winter frost.

When he heard the footsteps at the door, he turned his head to look at who came in. His sharp eyes swept over Ariana and fell on Darian. "Who is she?"

It was a simple question. But Ariana found herself in a flap.

Hadn't he sent for her? Anyway, she didn't know how to face him now, let alone introduce herself.

Theodore could terminate the marriage at any time.

If that happened, her revenge plan would be ruined.

"She is your wife," Darian piped up before Ariana could think of a response.

"My wife? Why don't I remember getting married to any woman?"

"Well, I've arranged the marriage for you. The wedding was held yesterday. Everyone knows about it."

Darian looked quite calm as if he had expected that his son would wake up.

The lead doctor was done examining Theodore at this time. But due to the situation, he stood there with his subordinates hesitantly.

Darian coughed to clear his throat, his face inscrutable. "How is he?"

The lead doctor replied, "Although he regained consciousness, he hasn't recovered fully. His legs are still in a bad condition. I hate to break it to you, but he might never be able to stand or walk again."

"Are you trying to say that he's now crippled?" Darian asked in disbelief.

Ariana frowned when she saw the hint of relief on Darian's face.

"Sadly, yes, Mr. Anderson." The lead doctor sighed with pity. "However, a series of physiotherapy may help."

"I see. Thanks for your help. You can leave now."

Darian waved his hand to dismiss the doctors. Once they left, he turned to Theodore and flashed a rare, genial smile. "Son, thank goodness you are back. You need to rest well now. Don't think too much about what the doctor said. I'll get the best physiotherapist to treat you. Just leave it to me."

With these words, he beckoned Ariana to the bedside. "This is your wife, Ariana. She's the daughter of the Edwards family. She will take care of you from now on. You are in good hands."

"I don't have a wife! Since I didn't consent to the marriage, it doesn't count. I'll ask my lawyer to start the divorce procedures immediately!" Theodore declared, his deep voice filled with contempt.

Darian's face twitched as if he was restraining his anger. "You will do no such thing, Theodore! Divorce is out of the question."

Theodore sneered with disdain. "What makes you think you have the right to make decisions for me?"

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

It dawned on Ariana that these two didn't see eye to eye. She fiddled with her fingers awkwardly, not daring to utter a word.

Darian was so angry that his body trembled. He roared, "You are married. And that's final! For your information, your sperm has been inseminated into Ariana's womb already. She must have conceived your child by now. I won't consent to your divorce!"

"What! You put my sperm into this woman?" For the first time, Theodore gave Ariana a good look. His piercing eyes examined her from head to toe. The corners of his lips suddenly upturned with disgust.

After sucking his teeth, he inquired straightforwardly, "Miss Edwards, which do you prefer, surgical abortion or medication abortion?"