With a smile, Ariana bowed her head to sip her coffee, acknowledging Devin's words.

"Holden clearly holds you in high regard. He had even introduced you to Aldus before any of this unfolded. I, too, wish you and Holden could reunite," Devin remarked, his tone shifting. “However, five years have elapsed, and much has changed."

Ariana remained quiet, cradling her coffee. She understood Devin's implication.

In the present, Holden had Sadie and Adele by his side.

Ariana hadn't made up her mind, but at that moment, her pride wouldn't allow her to back down. She met Devin's gaze and said, "What if I choose to be selfish this time? I've never filed for Theodore's death certificate. By law, he's still my husband.”