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.”

Devin exhaled deeply, his response measured. “But now he lives as Holden, not as Theodore. Theodore, and all that he was, perished with his supposed death. Theodore no longer exists in this world, and with his passing, all ties to him, marriage included, are nullified."

Ariana sank into silence again.

After a moment, she offered a bitter smile and softly said, “It seems that, from the start, my marriage with Theodore was fake. He was never truly mine, and all that I perceived as reality was mere illusion."

Devin regarded her with compassion, yet firmly stated, “I'll refrain from meddling in your personal matters from this point forward. Your decisions are yours alone to make. Should you seek knowledge and it's within my grasp, I'll share what I can. Regardless of what the future holds, my sincere wish is for both of you to find joy.”

Ariana sensed the genuineness in Devin's words and looked at him. She was about to say something more, but after a brief pause, she only said, "Thank you."

Devin acknowledged her with a nod, maintaining silence for an extended period. Eventually, he hesitantly inquired, “Would it be alright for me to visit Melon?"

Devin appeared somewhat embarrassed by his request, conscious of the harsh words he had previously spoken.

Ariana responded with grace, "Of course, I don't drag children into adult disputes. Melon can only benefit from having another person in his life who cares for him." With a slight pause, she added earnestly, “But please, don't disclose to Melon that Holden is his father. I prefer to clarify things with Holden before deciding whether to share that fact with Melon."

Devin expressed his understanding with a nod, though he felt a tinge of sadness for Melon.

After bidding farewell to Devin, Ariana was prepared to depart when she received a message from the plastic surgeon's office. They informed her of an afternoon availability and requested her presence.

Promptly, they forwarded the address.

Upon accepting the invitation, Ariana messaged Calvin, sharing the address and urging him to go there promptly.

Subsequently, Ariana hailed a taxi to the designated location.

Upon arrival at the specified address, she discovered it was a secluded villa situated on the outskirts.

Exiting the vehicle, Ariana messaged Calvin, inquiring, “Have you arrived?"