Holden struggled to understand the whirlwind of feelings he was experiencing, sensations that pulsed and electrified his heart.

Seeing her in person was different from glimpsing her in photographs or videos. The emotions were stronger, more intense.

His eyes caught a stray strand of hair clinging to her cheek, wet from her tears. Without even thinking, Holden's hand reached out, as if drawn to brush it aside.

Holden's fingers almost touched Ariana's face, the warmth of her skin almost palpable. But suddenly, he pulled back as if jolted awake.

Regaining his senses, confusion and frustration welled within Holden.

A deep breath was his attempt to re-anchor himself to the moment.

It dawned on him just how profound her unconscious influence over him was. He felt irresistibly drawn to her, a sensation he couldn't reconcile with.

This unfamiliar lack of control was unnerving. Holden recalled similar entrancements he'd felt around her before.

He distanced himself, choosing a seat on the sofa by the bed, deliberately avoiding Ariana's tranquil face. Yet, even out of sight, she was not out of mind. Her presence was pervasive, dominating his thoughts.

No past experience came to mind that could explain this magnetism. He was certain Ariana hadn't bewitched him; the turmoil was entirely his own doing.

But why? What about her elicited such a reaction from him? Doubts and questions swirled within.

The accident had stripped him of his memories. His grandfather's recounting of his past always felt like tales of another person's life.

He had come to terms with that detachment, chalking it up to the aftermath of memory loss.

However, his body's innate reactions to Ariana raised unsettling questions. Was there a forgotten bond between them? A connection his mind couldn't remember but his very being still felt?

His turbulent reflections were disrupted when the family doctor entered the room. After a quick examination, the doctor said, "It's just a fainting spell due to stress. She should come around soon."

Holden exhaled softly, relieved by the doctor's words. He gave a curt nod of acknowledgment.

Spotting an opportune moment, Shawn interjected, “Sir, we've found the person responsible for locking the door."

With a gesture, the bodyguards brought forth the plump maid, who looked visibly apprehensive.

She hadn't anticipated her actions reaching Holden's attention.

Flustered, she hastily tried to defend herself.