After the words escaped her lips, Ariana instantly regretted her question. Every mention of Marley seemed to stir deep wounds in Theodore's heart, Leaving him visibly troubled.

Nonetheless, relieved that he appeared composed, Ariana couldn't resist her surprise and curiosity.

“But why would she make such a decision?"

Theodore hesitated, the past haunting him like a ghost that refused to be silenced.

“After my mother's departure, Marley and Darian were both scarred, emotionally wounded to their cores."