Melon's voice radiated excitement, as if their last trip to the amusement park hadn't been enough.

Holden chuckled.

“Are you taking Daddy to play, or do you just want to play?"

"I want to have fun, but I want to do it with both Mommy and Daddy,”

Melon responded earnestly.

"Sounds like a plan. Daddy will be looking forward to it."

After a few more exchanges, Holden ended the call.

Melon gleefully leapt into Ariana's arms, his eyes alight.

“Mommy, Daddy really does love me.”

Ariana looked down at him, her eyes a blend of amusement and sadness.

She tenderly tousled her son's hair and encouraged him to go play.

Then, she quietly opened a messaging app and sent a two-word message to the other person.

"Thank you."

A prompt reply arrived.

"You're welcome. Melon is so adorable."

After a brief exchange, the conversation ended.

Ariana pocketed her phone, but her thoughts inevitably returned to Theodore. No matter how hard she tried, his face haunted her.

She sighed, realizing that Theodore's influence seemed inescapable.

By evening, Ariana and Melon received another package containing collectible figurines. The sender was, once again, Holden.

Puzzled, Ariana frowned. Was he hooked on sending gifts?