But maybe, just maybe, some cosmic force took pity on her. Because, at that moment, the door slowly swung open, letting in a hopeful ray of light.

Ariana jerked her head up, and even with her eyes clouded with tears, she thought she saw Theodore standing there.

ALL the pent-up feelings of fear, sorrow, and longing came rushing out like water escaping a broken dam.

Was this just another cruel trick played by her mind? Why did this vision feel so sharp, so tangible?

If her mind's escape was to weave these delusions and let her see him again, maybe that wouldn't be so bad.

The buzzing in Ariana's ears was deafening, making the man's words a distant murmur. When he knelt down next to her, she couldn't help but wrap her arms around him, releasing a sob that seemed to come from her very soul.

“Is that you? Why'd you take so long?" Her voice was raw, reflecting the chaos inside.

Holden paused, his hand almost reaching hers. He'd just wrapped up his duties and was looking forward to meeting the new child psychologist. But all he found was little Adele munching on snacks alone.

He spotted her phone left behind. She couldn't be too far. Following the faint sounds, he stumbled upon the bathroom door that refused to budge.

But when he finally got it open, there she was. Ariana's face, stained with tears, caught in the faint light. For a second, he wondered if he was seeing things. But her unmistakable voice and the scent he remembered so well made him realize she was really there, and she was in distress.

Holden's instinct was to distance himself, to get a better look at her face, but Ariana wasn't letting him. She held on tight, her cries echoing softly in the room as she whispered, "Don't ever leave me again." She felt so fragile as she shuddered in his embrace.

Tears soaked through to his shirt, giving him an unexpected twinge of pain in his chest. Holden's frustration started to evaporate. He began to lift his hand, aiming to comfort her, but her next words stopped him in his tracks.

“Theodore.. I miss you so much," Ariana said, her voice trembling with grief.

Holden's hand stopped mid-air, a sharp burst of anger surging in him, powerful and wild. His brow creased, and he let out a scoff of disbelief.

This Theodore must be her late husband, the name he'd caught in passing conversations.

A part of him wanted to push Ariana away, but propriety held him back. Before he could make a move, Ariana's head tilted back, and she went limp in his arms.

Suddenly, Shawn appeared, catching sight of Holden and saying, “I've looked everywhere, and I can't find the doctor." His eyes landed on Ariana, and he paused, wide-eyed. Was Ariana the psychologist they were talking about?

Holden's expression turned thunderous. Without a word, he gently lifted Ariana's unconscious form. He shot a stern look at Shawn and said, "Don't just stand there. Find the doctor. Now."

Shawn shook off his surprise and darted away.

In a nearby guest room, Holden placed Ariana on the bed, but he found he couldn't move away. He just stood there, almost hypnotized, unable to tear his gaze from her.