Involuntarily, Ariana's grip tightened around the photo, as she tried to put on a brave front and forced a smile. Her voice quivered slightly as she assured Sonia, "I trust Theodore completely, and I am certain he would never betray me in such a fashion."

As Sonia observed Ariana's strained smile, a surge of empathy welled up inside her, understanding the distress Ariana was going through.

“But you're still in the hospital - how could Theodore abandon you to frolic with another woman?" she said in a glum tone.

Ariana's smile tightened, her eyes Locked on the image she clutched in her hand.

She knew Helen's true nature all too well, just as she believed in her heart that Theodore would never be unfaithful. Nevertheless, her heart ached incessantly at the sight before her.