All Chapters of True Love Rekindled: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

As the night wore on, Julian knew he had to leave to avoid suspicion. He gently woke Arianna, whispering: "I need to go – before morning. Sarah and Zander might get suspicious if I'm late or absent." Arianna nodded understandingly, her eyes still dreamy from their reunion: "I know. Be careful. My heart feels whole again with you back in it." Julian kissed her softly: "Mine too. We'll talk tomorrow – secretly – and start planning our future together." He dressed quickly. Julian slipped out of Arianna's house, into the still of the night. He drove home cautiously, arriving just before dawn broke – perfect timing. Inside, the house was quiet; Sarah still asleep upstairs. Julian crept into bed beside her, trying not to disturb her. Sarah stirred slightly, murmuring: "Work videos keep you up late again?" Julian smiled to himself – his secret was safe: "Yeah, just got caught up in a case briefing. Go back to sleep." Sarah snuggled closer, oblivious to the n

Arianna's voice was barely above a whisper: "Zander, do you think I've been distant lately... or that something's changed between us?" Zander's eyes locked onto hers, filled with perception: "Honestly, yes. I've felt it – slight withdrawals in your touch, less conversation about us. I assumed it was just stress from my career..." **Chapter 71: "A Direct Question"** Arianna's voice was barely above a whisper: "Zander, do you think I've been distant lately... or that something's changed between us?" Zander's eyes locked onto hers, filled with perception: "Honestly, yes. I've felt it – slight withdrawals in your touch, less conversation about us. I assumed it was just stress from my career..." He paused, studying her face: "But now I wonder – is it something more?" Arianna's heart racing, she felt like she was drowning in guilt – Baby JJ sensed her tension and stirred in her arms. Her mind screamed – Julian's name – as she searched for a response... Do you w

Arianna drifted off to sleep barely sleeping, Her mind racing with visions of tomorrow night – Julian's eyes, his smile, his touch... She tossed and turned, checking the clock repeatedly: 11 PM... 2 AM... 4 AM... 6 AM... Finally, morning arrived. Arianna woke the kids for breakfast, trying to act normal despite her inner excitement. Throughout the day – school drop-offs, laundry, JJ's naptime – her thoughts remained fixed on tomorrow night's secret meeting. As nighttime approached again, Arianna helped the kids wind down, her own heart winding up... Bedtime routines done, she glanced at the clock: 8:45 PM – Less than 24 hours have passed, yet tomorrow night felt like an eternity away... Suddenly, her phone buzzed – a text from Julian: "Only hours left. Are you nervous like me?" Arianna responded: "Beyond nervous – excited doesn't even begin to describe how I feel... My heart has been racing all day thinking of tomorrow night." Julian's immediate reply sent shivers do

Arianna felt anxiety spiking – the family reunion would hide her emotional turmoil, but for how long? Her heart still raced from the secret night with Julian, and now Zander's imminent arrival threatened to unravel her carefully constructed facade. Ava and JJ chattered happily in the backseat, oblivious to their mother's inner chaos. As she pulled into the driveway again, Arianna checked the time – Zander would arrive in about 20 minutes. She took slow, deep breaths, mentally rehearsing her "welcome home" script: * Smile brightly * Kiss him warmly * Ask about his trip... The doorbell would normally signal Emily and Jackson's return from their sleepovers, but today Arianna hoped they'd arrive after Zander had settled in – Giving her time to sink into her fake routine before the whole family was together. Suddenly, her phone buzzed again – Zander texting: "Almost there. Love you" And then, unexpectedly, another text popped up – From Julian: "Missing you alr

Arianna typed out a response to Julian's text, her fingers flying across the screen: "Yes... I've missed you too. Where and when?" Julian's response arrived instantly: "My friend's vacation home near the lake - it's empty this week. How about Wednesday during the day while your kids are at school?" Arianna's heart skipped a beat at the prospect of a secret meeting away from prying eyes... She typed back: "Wednesday works perfectly. What time should I arrive?" Julian responded: "How about 2 PM? I'll make sure the house is ready for us." Arianna felt a thrill of excitement - "2 PM works for me. What should I expect when I arrive - should I come to the front door or...?" Julian responded instantly: "Come to the side door, it's less visible from the road. I'll leave it unlocked for you. As for what to expect... *smiles* Just bring yourself, beautiful. I'll take care of everything else." Arianna's heart raced at his flirtatious message... Arianna