"Yes," Holden replied. "I've gotten better. About a year ago, I stumbled upon a doctor online who cured my insomnia." As he did the dishes, Holden grinned and shared, "This doctor has a really unique approach. Just hearing her voice can make me sleep soundly."

“Is she a hypnotist?" Ariana sounded puzzled.

With a laugh, Holden said, "Something like that. A very special kind of hypnotist. She uses videos about snacks during the hypnosis. So, I not only get to sleep but also learn a few snack-making tricks."

It was then Ariana realized he was talking about her. She playfully tickled his side and teased, "Oh, I'm the doctor, then? That's why you sent me money."

Grinning, Holden playfully dabbed Ariana's nose with soapy water and responded, “I was just scared you'd stop posting videos. I figured paying you might ensure you'd keep them coming."

“You didn't expect I don't depend on that for my living, right?"

Ariana said.

"It seems you've really learned a lot over these five years," Holden said, still smiling.

Ariana nodded and filled him in on the last five years. She explained how she had learned so much to keep Melon safe. Determined not to always lean on Mitchel for support, she had started a few businesses of her own.

Holden's emotions were a whirlwind as he Listened. He felt proud that Ariana had found her own footing and value, yet he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her struggles.

Ariana's voice was surprisingly relaxed as she talked about raising Melon alone for half a decade. It hadn't been easy, but that chapter was behind her now.

She had faced many challenges, yet the loss that haunted her most was the tragic death of Theodore and their newborn daughter's death in a fire.

As Ariana dwelled on these memories, tears started to form in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Holden from behind and said, “As long as you're still here with me, I'm happy."

After a brief pause, she continued, "Melon was born weak and sick. I've spent the last five years getting him treatment at Melcorn. And our daughter... It was me who didn't protect her well."

Ariana rested her head against Holden's back, letting her tears fall.

"She was born with a weak heart and had to be kept in the hospital's neonatal unit. That night, a fire broke out, and I couldn't save her."

Holden felt a deep pain in his heart, and tears welled up in his eyes as he turned to embrace her. He caressed her hair, saying, "This isn't your fault. It's mine for not being there for you, for not protecting you two."

Ariana wiped away her tears and gently shook her head. “I know you've had your own battles. Seeing you alive and well is all I need.”

She gazed into Holden's eyes, tenderly tracing his brows and smiling through her tears. “I used to only hope you were still out there, somewhere. Now, you're here with me. It's more than I could've wished for."

Holden wrapped her in his arms, gently stroked her hair, and reassured her, “I'll be here for you. I'll always be by your side."