Hearing Holden's name, Theodore felt a surge of nervousness, but he managed to maintain composure.

"Yes, I've heard of him," he responded, trying to downplay much familiarity with Holden.

When Ariana heard this, she turned to him and asked, "Is Holden wearing a mask? Did he ever have it rough?"

Theodore lifted an eyebrow in mild displeasure at her repeated inquiries about his other identity, Holden.

Ariana, though, seemed oblivious to it all.

"He is such a mysterious guy?

As she persisted, Theodore's irritation grew. With his eyes fixed on Ariana, he reached out and grabbed her by the waist, asking, “Are you so interested in Holden?"

Ariana could feel the jealousy brewing inside Theodore, which brought a smile to her face. She averted her gaze and drawled, “Not really.”

“If so, then why the questions?” Theodore shot back, his displeasure evident as he playfully nudged her face back toward him,

Unable to contain her Laughter, Ariana stood on her tiptoes and pinched Theodore's cheek, teasingly saying, “Alright, I was just fishing for something."

“What is it?" Theodore asked, his curiosity piqued as he looked at her with raised eyebrows.

A mischievous thought crossed Ariana's mind, and she pretended to be enigmatic, refusing to reveal her secret. With a grin, she looked at Theodore and said, "That's for me to know and for you to find out!"

"Is it?" Theodore raised an eyebrow and leaned down, stealing a swift kiss from her Lips.

“Will you tell me now?"

Ariana raised an eyebrow and shook her head, keeping the mystery alive.

Theodore leaned down again and swiftly kissed her, repeating the process until Ariana was breathless and laughing, begging him to stop.

“Okay, okay! I just feel that Holden wears a mask of hypocrisy," Ariana finally confessed.

Theodore froze. Hearing this evaluation from Ariana surprised and puzzled him. He couldn't help but wonder what had transpired to make her perceive Holden as insincere.

“Why would you say that about him?" Theodore asked, feeling a pang of hurt.

Unaware of the change in Theodore's tone, Ariana continued her analysis, “I stumbled upon some rumors about Holden before. Someone told me that Holden had a tragic past, disfigured in a childhood fire, forced to wear a mask forever, and suffering from social anxiety due to betrayal by a trusted caregiver. It sounded heart-wrenching."