Exasperated, Ariana countered, “Can't you see through the lies? Those stories are the work of paparazzi, nothing more. I'll say it once more-there's absolutely nothing between Mitchel and me."

"Why call him back then?" Holden challenged, refusing to hand over the phone.

Rubbing her temples, Ariana replied, "He called me. It's only natural to find out why, isn't it?"

"And why must you inquire at this hour? You ignore my messages, yet rush to return his calls?" Holden's frustration was palpable.

"Because he was there for me when I needed help most. Without his intervention, neither Melon nor I would be here today. I'm not one to forget such kindness," Ariana said.

Their argument spiraled, with Ariana defending Mitchel's honor against Holden's growing resentment. Holden asked, “Does Mitchel have the passcode to this house?"

"Yes, he does," Ariana confirmed, her brow furrowing in confusion at the direction of the conversation. "So what? Sonia and Sarah know the passcode, too.”

But Holden was beyond reasoning, his anger peaking. “I don't care about them. You're to limit your interactions with Mitchel. Stay away from him, or I'll lock you up and ensure you two never meet again," he said, his words echoing with possessiveness.

Ariana found Holden's words absurd. Despite the passage of time, his penchant for resorting to threats remained unchanged.

Glancing at Holden, she remarked sarcastically, “Holden, such behavior hardly befits your status. Could you please refrain from such childishness?"

Holden made it evident he wasn't inclined to heed her words. Gripping Ariana's hand tightly, he stared intently at her, his teeth clenched as he demanded, "I don't care what you say, but you must promise me that you'll never see Mitchel again."

Ariana rolled her eyes in frustration. It was impractical for her to never see Mitchel again. Mitchel had shown her kindness, and she couldn't do that.

Shrugging off Holden's grasp, she stated firmly, "I'll reiterate once more: there is absolutely nothing between Mitchel and me. I see no reason to be wary of him. But you, you're the one who fathered a child with another woman. And she is carrying another baby of yours now."

As soon as she finished speaking, the room fell into a hush.

Holden bowed his head, his silence palpable.

Regret instantly flooded Ariana as she observed his reaction. Seeing him lower his head and retreat into silence filled her with remorse.

Yet, despite her guilt, her anger still simmered, making it challenging for her to offer words of comfort. She maintained her cold and distant demeanor, refusing to meet his gaze.

After a prolonged silence, Holden spoke slowly, his tone heavy with emotion. “I don't know."

Startled by the grievance in his voice, Ariana inquired, “What do you mean?"

"I don't know when she appeared in my life." Holden gently embraced Ariana, resting his head on her shoulder. With a tone heavy with remorse, he began to explain, “I don't remember anything. After the accident, when I woke up, my memory was blank. I don't know how the child came to be, and I have no recollection of Sadie. I can't even recall when she entered the room that day. The child she carries may not even be mine. I'm sorry. I don't understand why I lost my memory. Can you forgive me?"