Clearing his throat, he added, "So, the medication I've been taking, it's supposed to help with the sleeplessness and slow down the hair loss."

Ariana remembered something about this. Holden had mentioned the medicine was for treating insomnia too. But still, something didn't sit right with her. If the medication was only for insomnia and hair loss, why had Horace sternly warned him against it? Plus, the idea of it being addictive didn’t add up.

Brow furrowed in suspicion, she reached out, running her fingers through Theodore's hair. It felt healthy, thick, showing no evidence of thinning.

Glancing at her hand, she found it devoid of any stray strands.

"That's not true! Your hair is even thicker than mine! I find more hair in my comb in the morning than you've apparently lost!"

Theodore stammered, "The... the hair Loss is sporadic."

“Sporadic, you say?" Ariana shot back, her patience thinning.

"So, you want me to believe your hair grows back faster than it's falling out?

What are you doing? Downing hair growth tonics on the sly?" Her voice laced with frustration as she attempted to make sense of the perplexing situation.

With a Lump in his throat, Theodore admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, "I... I got a secret hair transplant.”

Ariana held back her chuckles, finding the situation a blend of amusing and mildly frustrating. She eyed Theodore seriously before responding, “Alright, for now, I'1l choose to believe you."

However, before Theodore could let out a sigh of relief, she promptly added, "But if I find out you've been fibbing, what happens then?"

Caught off guard, Theodore stuttered, failing to piece together a coherent response.

Ariana Looked at him sternly, her voice ringing with conviction, "If I discover you've been lying, that's it. No more talks, no more us. You won't see me around anymore.”

Theodore froze at her words, a sharp pang of dread shooting through him. Nonetheless, he managed to plaster a smile on his face, chuckling weakly at her ultimatum.

The next day, Ariana and Theodore were dressed casually, their heads adorned with twinning caps and their eyes concealed behind matching sunglasses. They were on their way to the unveiling of the film "The Missing Body".

Ariana had originally intended to venture solo, imploring Theodore to remain at the hospital and recuperate. But Theodore wasn't one to sit on the sidelines. The moment Ariana hinted at her plans, he put on a show of frustration and pathos, adamantly declaring his role as her self-determined protector.

Ariana found herself in a whirl of bemusement and slight irritation, yet, seeing his determination, she gave in and accepted his company.

Upon reaching the venue, they spotted Sarah along with a few others already there.

When he noticed Ariana, Tyler's face Lit up like a Lightbulb. He made his way to her at a brisk pace, a look of concern etched on his face.