He wrapped his arms around her waist, rested his head on her shoulder, and rubbed against it, breathing in her scent. With a playful smile, he said, "I didn't lie. I do have a headache. Feel for yourself if you don't believe me."

The two kids tagged along and surrounded Ariana, tugging at her clothes. Melon glanced up at her and said, "Yes, he's got a headache from missing you too much."

Adele also nodded in agreement.

Surrounded by the three of them, Ariana couldn't move. She looked into Melon's and Adele's innocent eyes, feeling resigned.

Turning to Holden, she asked, "Do you really have a headache?"

"Yeah." Holden pretended to be aggrieved, bowing his head toward Ariana. "Go ahead; touch it if you don't believe me."

Ariana's gaze softened with worry and affection as she looked at Holden. Compelled, she placed her hand on his forehead, noting the warmth.

As she maintained her gentle touch, Holden took her hand in his and pressed a kiss to it. With a reassuring hold around her waist, he said, "It's really nothing. The seasons are shifting, and it seems I've caught a cold. That's all."

Despite Holden's assurances, he looked at her with pitiful eyes.

Ariana felt resigned. She nudged him lightly. "Better lie down. I'll get you something to help with the cold."

As Ariana sifted through the medicine cabinet, she asked, "Where has everyone gone? The house seems so quiet with Devin and the other servants not here."

Holden answered with ease, “Today is their day off. That's why it's just me and the kids here."

"Their day off?" Ariana echoed, her brow furrowed slightly. It was rare for the household staff of such an influential family to align their schedules thus.

But she shrugged off the thought, focusing instead on finding the medicine.

Holden breathed a sigh of relief when Ariana didn't press for more details.

He had orchestrated this today, ensuring he and Ariana could enjoy some undisturbed time together.

Ariana, holding the medicine, asked him, “Have you had anything to eat?"

Holden responded with a slight shake of his head. “Not as of yet.”

"Really?" Ariana looked at him, puzzled. “Are you hungry then?"

Holden gave a compliant nod. “There's no need for concern. The kids have eaten. I skipped the meal due to my headache."