Did she love her late husband so profoundly? Five years had passed, yet she still couldn't forget him.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Ariana slowly regained consciousness.

The instant her eyes fluttered open, Ariana discovered a cluster of individuals gathered beside her bedside.

As Ariana woke up, Judy released an audible sigh of relief and exclaimed, “Thank the heavens. You've finally awakened!"

Rodney also exhaled a sigh of relief and stated, "It's fortunate you've awakened. If you hadn't, Mitchell would have had to prepare for another surgery.”

The remaining members present joined in with warm smiles.

Sonia chimed in playfully, “Dr. Chadwick was quite on edge. Upon hearing about your condition, he rushed over, still clad in his lab coat. Those hospital interns were so daunted to see him that they maintained impeccable posture throughout."

The presence of Ariana's awakened form instantly brightened the atmosphere.

Following a round of jests, Rodney shifted the conversation to more serious matters.

"The two human traffickers have been apprehended, and both children are now safe and having a rest."

Relieved, Ariana inquired about her rescuer.

"Who saved me?"

Rodney shook his head and replied, “I'm uncertain. The hospital staff reported that a man brought you here and then departed. Likely someone from the farm."

Ariana came to realize that the figure she had glimpsed before slipping into unconsciousness had been nothing more than a hallucination. A wry smile touched her lips; the depth of her yearning had taken its toll.

After a brief exchange, the group departed, leaving Ariana in solitude within her hospital bed.

Exhaustion enveloped her, and she soon drifted into slumber. The room descended into silence.

At that moment, the hospital room's door eased open, and Holden quietly entered. He took his place by Ariana's bedside, watching over her in silence.

Outside the hospital room, a sudden stir of activity beckoned Holden to investigate. Stepping into the corridor, he confronted a disconcerting figure-a man with a face with wounds, accompanied by a young boy.

Upon laying eyes on Holden, Remy hesitated, wondering if Holden might be one of Ariana's acquaintances. Extending a tentative introduction, he said, “Hi, I'm Remy. I came to inquire about Ariana and express my heartfelt gratitude. Without her, my child might not have been saved."

"She's resting and still asleep. You can come back later," replied Holden, subtly signaling his reluctance to permit them entry for the time being.