“Okay

Their agreement stood firm: whenever Melon made a mistake, he had to pen a promise.

" Melon readily agreed, showing no hesitation.

Despite being just five years old, Melon had acquired the skill of reading at an early age due to having few playmates during his hospital stay. His brightness and impressive vocabulary matched that of an eight or nine-year-old.

After dinner, Mitchel received an urgent phone call, calling him back to the Laboratory. Meanwhile, Melon seized the chance to retreat to his room and craft the promise. Left alone in the living room, Sonia and Ariana tidied up while engaging in conversation.

Sonia let out a wistful sigh.

“Mitchel is truly a good man. The way he cares for Melon speaks volumes about his affection for him."

Ariana smiled and nodded, agreeing without a hint of denial.

Playfully nudging Ariana, Sonia couldn't resist a bit of gossip.

"He treats you quite well too. Are you genuinely not considering being with Mitchel?"

“Why would you think that way?" Ariana sighed helplessly, gently shaking her head.

“I've said it before, Mitchel and I are just friends."

"Yeah, sure," Sonia replied, though she couldn't bring herself to believe it. Over the years, she had witnessed how Mitchel treated both Melon and Ariana. He would go to great lengths, enduring 16-hour flights, just to visit them in Melcorn. ALl these gestures convinced Sonia that Mitchel cared deeply for both Melon and Ariana. Even Melon seemed to adore Mitchel.

Realizing her thoughts had wandered, Sonia composed herself and advised Ariana, "So many years have passed, and you should consider starting over. Don't hold yourself back."

Ariana simply smiled, assuring Sonia not to worry.

"You're overthinking things. My relationship with Mitchel is straightforward. He is my benefactor, and after all these years of being together, he's almost like family to me. I am grateful for everything he has done."

As Ariana spoke, her voice took on a somber tone, conveying the weight of her emotions.

“I understand your concern for me, but I feel as though I can never truly move on from the past in this lifeti "

With Theodore's passing, her soul seemed to have departed with him.

Their child at that time had been a saving grace, providing the strength she needed to carry on.