Then, turning to Mitchel with newfound confidence, he said, “Just make yourself at home, Dr. Chadwick."

Holden's voice exuded a sense of self-assurance as if reclaiming his place.

Mitchel simply smiled and gently wiped a smudge from the corner of Melon's mouth.

Undeterred, Holden persisted and said, "We're unaware of your culinary preferences. Please enlighten us, so we may prepare accordingly for future dinners.”

Mitchel cast a calm glance in Holden's direction. “I'm not picky.”

Holden clenched his jaw, poised to respond, but Ariana swiftly intervened.

She redirected the conversation to lighten the atmosphere.

After dinner, a call summoned Mitchel away. Holden promptly cleared the table, though washing the dishes proved challenging for him.

While Ariana savored fruit in the living room, the unmistakable sound of shattering porcelain echoed from the kitchen, signaling a broken plate.

She hurried over to inspect the damage, gently reminding Holden, “You know, we do have a dishwasher."

"No, hand-washing is better," Holden insisted through clenched teeth.

Ariana glanced at him, feeling resigned and amused at the same time.

Earlier, Mitchel had mentioned his help with the chores for Ariana, including doing the dishes. Therefore, after dinner, Holden was adamant about taking care of the cleanup himself.

“Let me handle it. I'd hate to run out of dishes for tomorrow's dinner," Ariana said.

"No, I won't break another plate." Holden turned to face Ariana and said, "Go take a nap. I'll clean it up."

Ariana nodded, but her concern kept her rooted in place.

Observing Holden's earnest demeanor, she discreetly snapped a photo of him with her phone before engaging him in casual conversation.

"Aside from memory loss, were there any other repercussions from your car accident?" she asked.

Holden paused, considering her question. “I experienced insomnia initially. I required medication at first, but eventually, I managed without it."

Ariana felt sorry for him. “Are you fully recovered now?" she asked, her concern evident.