Upon hearing the voice from the other end, an overwhelming wave of awkwardness coursed through Ariana.

Melon, a mixture of sniffles and anger, exclaimed, "Daddy, your wife was stabbed, and yet you're not coming to see her?"

For a brief moment, a heavy silence hung between the two adults, shrouding the room in an uncomfortable atmosphere.

Ultimately, it was Holden who chose to break the oppressive silence.

He cleared his throat and inquired with a measured tone, "How are you now? Are you feeling better? Does the wound still hurt?"

"Much better," Ariana replied.

On the other end of the line, Holden expressed gentle concern, feigning ignorance, and inquired, “How did you sustain your injury?

Who did it?"

Ariana provided a succinct and matter-of-fact account, addressing each question with precision.

Nevertheless, the person on the other end of the line remained steadfast in his role as a concerned husband, causing Ariana's cheeks to flush with embarrassment and shyness.

Noticing Ariana's blushing countenance, Melon grew immediately concerned and urgently asked, “Mommy, why are you blushing? Are you running a fever? Should I call the doctor?"

For a protracted, uneasy moment, Holden, on the opposite end of the phone, lapsed into silence, a pause that Ariana also endured.

Ariana's countenance blushed a deep crimson, her inner turmoil palpable. How could Melon lay bare her vulnerabilities in such a manner, casting a shadow over her reputation?

In an effort to end the embarrassment, Ariana engaged in a few more strained pleasantries before deliberately releasing an exaggerated yawn.

“Oh, my, I'm quite fatigued. It's high time I retired for the night. We'll chat again soon!" Without waiting for a response, she swiftly ended the call.

Immediately upon disconnecting, Ariana flung the phone aside as if it had scalded her, cradling her head in her hands. Her silent scream resonated with the weight of her shame.

Her flaming cheeks seemed to resist cooling while that voice, eerily reminiscent of Theodore's, was still in her thoughts.

In dire need of distraction, Ariana switched on the television, only for young Melon to undermine her yet again.

"But Mommy, I thought you were sleepy? Why are you watching TV now?"

Ariana snapped. Seizing the boy roughly, she sank her teeth into his soft, pale cheek in a vicious nip.