Unwilling to give up, Theodore scoured the street, even venturing into narrow alleyways, but Ariana was nowhere to be found.

Eventually, he halted, gasping for air, doubting whether he had actually seen her. The bracelet in his hand, however, was a cruel reminder that Ariana had indeed been there and had left shortly after.

A sense of restlessness consumed Theodore. He pulled out his phone and dialed Ariana's number, only to be met with the sound of her phone switched off.

He understood Ariana didn't want to see him at the moment.

Frustrated, Theodore eventually surrendered his search amidst the sea of faces.