Their usual easy conversation faded into silence as they travelled home.

Back at the apartment, Ariana intended to sneak in a quick reply to Mitchel, hoping Theodore wouldn't notice. Yet, he was unusually attentive, hovering like a shadow. He was there with a glass of water when she was thirsty, and sat next to her, laptop in tow, while she watched TV.

Feeling increasingly uneasy, she decided to break the awkwardness.

Shutting off the TV, she announced, “I'm heading for a shower.”

“Okay.”

To her surprise, Theodore followed her into the bathroom.

Taken aback, she stuttered out, "

Grinning, Theodore stepped in.

"I'LL run your bath."

Although it felt odd, Ariana didn't object. As she settled into the warm bath, Theodore's bizarre behavior started to make sense. His constant proximity, as if he was worried she'd disappear, was he feeling insecure due to the Anderson Group's financial turmoil?

‘ou, you are—"

But that didn't seem to fit the Theodore she knew. Unable to decipher his actions, her mind wandered to the pregnancy test.

She sighed heavily. Without her phone, the only chance to message Mitchel would be once Theodore dozed off.

Emerging from the bathroom, she spotted him with her phone. Alarm bells rang in her head, fearing he'd seen Mitchel's text. She made a beeline for the phone, but just as she was about to snatch it, she saw a phone call in progress from Sarah.

Caught off guard, Ariana pulled back her hand, forcing an awkward smile onto her face.

“Sarah rang while you were in the shower, so I picked up for you."

After a beat, Theodore’s gaze locked onto her.

“Problem with that?”

Ariana sensed the undercurrent of suspicion in his voice, so she quickly reassured him, "No, not at all. I was just concerned she had something pressing to discuss."

While still slightly on edge, Ariana was relieved when Theodore didn't press further. He simply nodded and handed her the phone.