Holden no longer piqued Ariana's interest as he had at first. After all, Holden was getting married, and Theodore was still alive. Ariana had no interest in a married man.

For a little while, Ariana hesitated as she thought about Theodore.

Opting not to divulge Theodore's situation to Sonia, fearing it might derail their pursuit, she played along.

She smiled and said, “Sure, I'm looking forward to your scoop."

Sonia cheerfully announced her intention to go prepare for this plan.

Without even sitting down, she left the apartment on her mission.

Ariana held Melon's small hand and led him into the apartment. As soon as they entered, the old and dusty furnishings caught Melon's attention. He looked around, curiosity in his wide eyes. “Mommy, where are we?" he asked.

Ariana suddenly had a nostalgic feeling. She smiled and said, "This, my dear, is where Mommy and Daddy used to live together. Come now.

Let me give you a little tour."

Melon's face lit up at that. Gripping his mother's hand eagerly, he explored every nook and cranny of the apartment.

From the side, Ariana could see Melon getting excited at everything she pointed at. Melon's cute little behavior filled her heart with amusement, and the trepidation that she had from the thought of discussing the past in front of him dissipated eventually. Seeing that his mood remained cheerful and lively throughout the entire tour, she felt relieved.

After looking around, Melon finally stopped in front of a shelf. On the shelf was a collection of figurines of different sizes. His eyes observed the dusty figurines intently for several minutes before he reached out to one, holding it up with curiosity. "Is this Daddy?" he asked.

Ariana's gaze fell upon the figurine in her son's small hand. It was the very one she and Theodore had crafted together in happier times.

Ariana caressed the figurine gently. A hint of sadness in her eyes as memories flooded through her mind. Then, with a wistful smile, she nodded and said, "Yes. Your daddy and I made these figurines together.

This one is your father, and this one is me."

She picked up another matching figurine from the shelf and Lightly bumped it against the one Melon was holding.

Once again, Melon's face brightened with enthusiasm. "Then, I want to make one with you, too, Mommy! We can put it here with Daddy's!" he exclaimed.

Ariana smiled and stroked her son's hair. “Of course, we'll go make you one as soon as we have time." She made a firm promise to her son.

Ariana's words and her countenance whenever she talked about the past filled Melon's mind with so many thoughts. He peered up at his mother with curiosity. Then, he asked, "Mommy, what were you and Daddy like together?"

Ariana was temporarily lost in memories. With a wry chuckle, she said, “When we first met, your daddy had quite the temper! He scowled constantly..."