"I've already forgiven you. Mom's death was not your fault."

However, her imitation ended abruptly, swallowed by a surge of static from the bear. A puzzled feminine voice called out from the recording, "Helen?"

At that moment, Helen spotted Theodore's car pulling up downstairs. She quickly silenced the teddy bear and concealed it.

She was about to welcome Theodore with counterfeit delight when another vehicle, a taxi, caught her attention. Someone she utterly despised emerged from the taxi.

As she watched the two figures, a sneer crawled onto her face.

Moments later, the doorbell rang. Opening the door with a facade of surprise, she cheerfully greeted Theodore.

“Theodore, what a pleasant surprise! What has brought you back here?"

“Looking for my phone," Theodore responded curtly, walking past her in search of his misplaced device.

His phone was hidden in a crevice of the couch, a rabbit pendant peeking out. He checked the phone only to find it was off.

Shrugging it off as a drained battery, he scooped it up, intending to leave. But before he could do so, Helen stopped him.

“Theodore, wait," she pleaded, feigning discomfort.

"I have a bit of chest tightness. Could you help me find some medicine?"

Meanwhile, Ariana had managed to locate Helen's apartment, following the directions provided by Sonia. En route, she'd attempted to call Theodore repeatedly but his phone remained switched off, exacerbating her worries.

She couldn't help but speculate whether Theodore had really planned to spend the night at Helen's.

Were his assurances mere platitudes? Every unanswered call heightened her frustration and anger. She had already suffered betrayal once from Jasper, an experience she didn't want to revisit. And yet, a part of her clung to the belief in Theodore's genuine affection for her. His love had always been evident, but the present circumstances fanned her insecurities and heartache.

Adding to her turmoil, Theodore had previously insisted on terminating her pregnancy. Ariana didn't want to believe that Helen was involved in this, so she decided to see for herself.

Arriving at Helen's apartment, she noted the slightly ajar door.

Pushing it gently open, she saw Theodore standing with his back to her and Helen leaning dangerously close to him. A wave of fury washed over her, causing her to tremble and clench her fists.

She kept her gaze locked on Theodore, ready to confront him if he so much as touched Helen.

But Helen's question stopped her in her tracks.