Transmigrated: Stealing the CEO husband-Chapter 56: Jealousy

David, clueless about his impending demise, welcomed her with a warm smile.

"What brings you here? Is there something specific?"

"David, I..." she whispered, placing a hand over his chest. "I’m not feeling well."

He quickly held her up, concern etching his features. "What happened? You were fine when we came in."

"All of a sudden, I feel dizzy," she murmured, leaning against him. "Can you... can you please take me upstairs to a resting room?"

"Don’t worry. You can count on me."

He held her up and guided her toward the stairs, completely unaware of the piercing glare burning into his back.

Luis had already been in a foul mood when she arrived with David. When she declined to stay by his side, his irritation only grew. But now, watching her go upstairs with another man? It short-circuited his brain. He immediately got up, jaw clenched. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Upstairs, David led her into a room and helped her lie down.

"Should I call a doctor?"

"No, I think I’ll be fine after some rest."

"Did you skip lunch?"

"Yes. It took me too long to pick a dress. I didn’t have time to eat."

"That explains it," David mused. "Let me order some comfortable clothes and something to eat for you."

He stepped away to make a call before returning to her side. Grabbing a chair, he sat beside the bed. "Everything should be here in ten minutes. Can you manage on your own? My presence is requested downstairs. If you feel unwell, you can call me."

"No, stay with me," Ariana pleaded. "I feel so suffocated alone. When you’re here, I don’t feel so... lost."

David hesitated for a moment. "I had no idea I had such an effect on you."

"You don’t know a lot of things, David Steverson," she said with a faint smile.

She gripped his sleeve and closed her eyes. "Just stay here."

Ten minutes later, the clothes and food arrived. Ariana changed into the comfortable clothing but was still too weak to eat on her own.

David helped her, spooning small bites to her lips. Slowly, she feigned improvement.

"David, there’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you."

David stiffened. The two of them were alone in the bedroom. There was a certain air of vulnerability between them, and Ariana’s acting was top-notch.

David’s pupils dilated slightly. Was it possible that the rumors about them were about to become real?

A handsome man and a gorgeous woman.

The distance between them shortened with each passing breath.

At that moment, the door slammed open.

At the entrance stood an infuriated Luis.

Watching Ariana and David so close together, he looked ready to murder someone.

[Warning: 30 minutes remaining before "Make President Luis Jealous" ends.][Penalty for failure: Elimination.]

What the fuck?!

Ariana wanted to strangle the system.

Luis was clearly jealous. Just how much jealousy did the damn system need to finally accept the mission as complete?!

The clock was ticking.

"President Luis, what are you—" David started, but he never got to finish his sentence.

Ariana pulled him in for a kiss.

Their lips connected.

David was flabbergasted. It wasn’t like the deep, passionate kiss she had shared with Luis, but it was enough to push him over the edge.

[Main Task: Make President Luis Jealous][Status: Completed][Reward added to inventory.]

"SECRETARY GREY!" Luis howled in anger.

In three quick strides, he reached them and yanked David away from Ariana.

"Mr. Steverson, you are suspended indefinitely."

"But—"

"No questions. You are dismissed. Leave before I decide to fire you."

David hesitated, then backed away. He shot a concerned glance at Ariana before leaving in silence.

Now that they were alone, Luis turned his full attention to Ariana. He stepped forward, grabbing her wrists and pinning them against the headboard.

"How dare you think you can play with me?" he growled.

"President Luis, let me explain—it’s not what it looks like!"

"You were kissing another man, and you expect me to believe that?" His grip on her tightened as anger radiated off him in waves.

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the bedroom, dragging her down the stairs through the sea of guests. He didn’t care about the rumors, the whispers, or the judgmental gazes. The only thing that mattered was getting her away from here.

Luis shoved her into the front seat of his car before sliding in himself.

The engine roared to life, and he pulled onto the highway, driving like a man possessed.

Ariana clutched the seatbelt, silently praying for her life.

"President Luis—Luis, just stop it!" she pleaded, terrified.

He didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled the car to an abrupt stop.

Ariana realized they were now in an isolated spot, surrounded by trees. Birds chirped in the distance, the only sound breaking the tense silence.

Luis took a deep breath, then another. It was clear he was trying to calm himself.

Ten minutes passed before he finally spoke.

"I’m sorry."

Sorry?!

SORRY?!

After nearly giving her a heart attack, all he had to say was sorry?!

"I know you’re angry," he admitted, his voice quieter. "But when it comes to you... I can’t control myself."

"You scared me," she whispered, her voice shaky.

Bead-like tears rolled down her cheeks.

Seeing her cry, Luis’s heart ached.

"Come here, hush," he murmured, pulling her into his arms. He gently rubbed her back, whispering soothing words against her hair. "I’m here. It won’t happen again."

Ariana let herself cry, burying her face in his chest. By the time she was done, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes red.

Luis cupped her face, brushing away the remnants of her tears. His thumb lingered against her soft skin.

"Why did you do it?" His voice was raw, filled with hurt. "When we’re dating... how could you do this?"

At that, Ariana fell silent.

Luis clenched his jaw. "Say something, Ariana."

She opened her mouth but hesitated. What could she say? That it had all been part of a ridiculous mission? That she hadn’t meant for things to go this far?

His grip on her chin tightened slightly. "Tell me the truth. Did you do it just to hurt me?"

Ariana inhaled sharply. "No, Luis... I—"

Before she could finish, his lips crashed against hers.

It wasn’t a soft kiss. It was desperate, filled with frustration, longing, and an unspoken demand for answers.

Ariana’s breath caught as his hands moved to her waist, pulling her impossibly close.

His lips moved with urgency, as if he was afraid she would disappear if he let go.

Ariana had planned to push him away. To say something, anything, to defuse the situation.

But the moment his warmth enveloped her, she lost herself in the intensity of his embrace