Navigating the chat waters with Holden after that felt like skating on thin ice, so Ariana made a few mundane comments before ending the conversation.

As she was about to set her phone aside, it buzzed with a call from Jayson.

“Ariana, are you available recently? I'm in a bind and could use a hand," Jayson said, anxiety evident in his voice.

“What happened?" Ariana inquired.

"I'm slated to film a parenting show, but one of the participants had a mishap during another project and is a no-show. I'm striking out left and right trying to find celebs with children. Either they're booked, or their kids are too old for our criteria. Can you swing by with Melon to join the program?"

After hearing Jayson's pitch, Ariana paused, deep in thought.

Melon was still so young, and she was wary of how he might handle the limelight, especially with school right around the corner.

Sensing her reservations, Jayson said, “Look, we only need you for this one segment. We're on the hunt for another guest to take your place afterward. This gig is just for three days, so Melon's school schedule won't be affected. Plus, the music show is in five days."

Weighing Jayson's predicament, Ariana felt she could step in to help him.

But she didn't agree immediately. “I'm okay with it, but I want to ask Melon about this. I'll loop you in soon."

"Alright, I'll wait for your reply."

Once off the phone, Ariana found Melon engrossed in playing toys.

Kneeling beside him, she ventured, “Honey, Mr. Spears has a cool TV project and wants us to be a part of it. We'd have to be away for three days. Fancy a mini adventure with Mom?"

Melon's eyes lit up. "Yep!" Always game for something new, he was onboard.

The following day, having juggled her commitments, Ariana brought Melon to the show's location.

On set, there were six celeb parent-kid duos, including them. Ariana recognized the other faces from entertainment headlines she had seen.

Melon was the youngest. And the eldest kid was eight.

With introductions done, the crew steered them to a fleet of vehicles destined for a grand farmhouse. This would be their set for the coming days.

Ariana's gaze swept over the farmhouse. It was a marvel, with age-old structures stacked like a pyramid. At the pinnacle stood a majestic villa, a relic from the previous century, whispered to be the landowner's prized possession.

Melon, awestruck yet a tad jittery, clung to Ariana as they walked around.