Theodore gave her a look and sighed. ‘m glad you're safe."

Ariana decided to play innocent and approached him with a sweet face.

"I'm sorry I forgot to call you. Don't be mad, okay?"

Looking into her twinkling eyes, his irritation melted away. He gently patted her head.

"Not mad, just a tad worried."

Suddenly aware of the day's grime on him, he Lightly pinched her cheek and declared, "I'll go take a shower first."

As soon as Theodore mentioned a shower, Ariana took the opportunity.

She swiftly hid the yarn she'd just bought under her desk.

Having no experience at all, she'd planned to start knitting early, but Theodore had been glued to her recently. She had no choice but to wait for the odd times when he was out of the house to start her secret knitting project. But, to her surprise, he stayed in for the next few days, wanting to be with her every moment.

With his birthday looming on the horizon, Ariana's nerves began to fray. Unable to keep her concern to herself any longer, she casually asked him during one of their Lunches, “You've been indoors for the last two days. Is everything okay at work?"

Theodore shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yeah, I got all my work stuff done. I just wanted to hang out with you, so I've been home."

Ariana was stumped. Who knew the usually composed Theodore could morph into a teddy bear in their relationship, tailing her around, initiating hugs and kisses whenever he pleased. While she was thoroughly enjoying their cozy moments, she couldn't ignore the ticking clock. His birthday was just three days away, and she hadn't even started knitting his scarf!

Theodore too picked up on her recent preoccupation. Though it irked him a little, he chose to express it through deeper, more intense kisses. often leaving her breathless before letting her go.

Ariana couldn't wait any longer. That night, she turned in early, pretending to sleep. Luckily, Theodore seemed unaware of her plan and soon fell asleep.

Once she was sure he was fast asleep, she let out a sigh of relief and carefully eased out of his arms. Silently, she slipped out of the room, not knowing that the moment she shut the door, Theodore's eyes fluttered open.

Ariana tiptoed into the study, her steps as light as a feather, cautious not to stir Theodore from his slumber. With a flick of her hand, she turned on the desk Lamp, casting a warm glow on her knitting project.

Frustration carved lines on her face as she battled with the yarn, trying to untangle it.

Crafting had always come effortlessly to her on any given day, but now, she found herself getting the stitches all wrong; tangled and crooked!

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Ariana, Theodore had stealthily followed her, pausing at the study door, his chiseled features darkening at the sound of a stranger's voice.