After circling the garden twice, Ariana's mood remained melancholic.

On one hand, fury toward Theodore consumed her. Yet, a part of her yearned to see him and confront the struggles they were facing. If they truly loved each other, why couldn't they conquer these difficulties together? Why did he have to keep things from her?

But Ariana also feared that Theodore was resolute in his decision to terminate the pregnancy, which could Lead to a heartbreaking breakup.

With an inaudible sigh, she took two more turns around the garden before returning to her ward.

Theodore didn't show up at all that day.

In the evening, Sonia paid Ariana a visit at the hospital. As she entered, she saw Ariana lying listlessly on the sickbed, her complexion sallow, and her spirits Low. The vivacity that once defined her was gone, leaving her Like a walking corpse.

Sonia's heart swelled with both sympathy and anger. She gently helped Ariana into a sitting position and looked around before asking, “Why are you alone? Where's Theodore?”

A wan smile graced Ariana's lips as she softly shook her head.

"I wish I knew," she murmured.

Sonia's anger grew, and she exclaimed indignantly, "Unbelievable! He hasn't been here at all? Paparazzi caught him and Helen going in and out of the hospital at noon. I thought it was a misunderstanding, but it turns out he's not by your side?! That scoundrel! He must be cavorting with that Little damn vixen! Just yesterday, he was publicly professing his love for you, and now he can't wait to rendezvous with his mistress! I utterly had the wrong impression of him!"

Ariana was momentarily taken aback by Sonia‘s words. Yet, with a moment of composure, she gathered her wits.

It dawned on her that Helen had previously made extensive efforts to sow seeds of doubt about Theodore and Marley's relationship. Ariana could easily discern Helen's intentions.

Theodore had been forthright with her, explicitly explaining that there was nothing inappropriate between him and Helen. Ariana chose to trust him implicitly, believing that their connection was nothing more than a sibling-Like bond.

She surmised that this situation was probably no different from before - Helen had concocted some excuse to manipulate Theodore into accompanying her.

Shaking her head, Ariana replied with conviction, "Theodore has already clarified the nature of their association to me. Helen suffers from a heart condition, and Theodore sees her as nothing more than a sister."

Sonia's temper was always on a short fuse, and now she was in a state of high dudgeon, firmly rejecting Ariana's explanation. Without hesitation, she produced a photograph from her purse, holding it up for Ariana to see.

In the photo, Theodore and Helen were shown embracing each other as they left the hospital together. The photographer had captured them from a distance, making their facial expressions unclear, but the intimacy of their posture was undeniable.

Although Ariana knew in her heart that there was no true romantic connection between Theodore and Helen, the photo still managed to inflict a painful stab. She felt a mix of emotions, anger and hurt, coursing through her veins.

Sonia's words were sharp and pointed.

“Those two have returned to the apartment and Likely haven't left each other's side since then."