Despite nibbling on her toast, it tasted like sawdust to her. She took a few bites and casually inquired, "What time is the surgery?"

“It's at 10 o'clock. We should hurry," Theodore replied.

Hearing that, Ariana's heart sank further. She absentmindedly continued nibbling on her toast.

Finally noticing Ariana's discomfort, Theodore asked with concern, “What's wrong?”

He reached for her hand, only to find it ice-cold, deepening his worry.

Ariana finally snapped out of her thoughts and gave Theodore a forced smile, saying, "I'm not feeling well.”

She held Theodore's hand tightly and whispered, almost pleadingly, "Can I not go through with the surgery?”

As Theodore skillfully danced around the question, his eyes darted.

With a poker face, he gracefully presented a steaming bowl of soup to Ariana. Then he suggested, “Perhaps it's best to go for a check-up at the hospital."

Ariana's heart sank like a stone in a deep well, but she tried to convince herself to put faith in Theodore. She knew she needed to trust him more.

“What's the matter, my dear? Are you still feeling under the weather?"

Theodore inquired, genuine concern etched on his face.

“It's nothing." Ariana forced a smile, shaking her head as if trying to unravel a difficult puzzle.

"I'm just a bundle of nerves. Surgery is uncharted territory for me.”

Theodore tenderly comforted her, drawing her close like a sheltering oak.

"Fear not. It's but a minor procedure, over in the blink of an eye!"

Ariana nodded in agreement, took the Last bite of toast with a touch of reluctance, and tidied up the table. Together, they got in the car and left for the hospital.

Reaching the hospital entrance, Ariana regained her composure, veiling her emotions.

She couldn't easily trust Helen, that was for sure. She knew she needed to uncover the truth for herself.

At the hospital, while the operating room was being prepared, they arrived early to address some matters.