Ariana wiped her tears, meeting his gaze with a voice choked with emotion. "I believe you. I believe it all because I love you. Every day was a yearning for you. But the truth won't change. Even if I love you and trust you, I won't betray my principles to meddle in your relationship. We can't rewind time now."

Ariana moved to leave but was stopped by Holden in haste.

His stare hardened. "But I disagree. I won't let you go. It's not a dead end, and you can't just walk away from me."

“Let go of me!" Ariana shouted. For a brief while, Ariana fought hard, but she was unable to get free. With a strong grip, Holden pulled her into his embrace.

Holden held on despite her resistance, weathering the kicks and punches. Ariana cried out in pain and despair. “What do you want?