Seeing Holden like this, Ariana let out a weary sigh and put aside the medicine. "I'm going to fix you something to eat," she declared.

"Wait for me, will you?"

She started for the kitchen, clueless that Holden and the children were tiptoeing behind her.

When she paused, Holden came to a standstill, the children at his flanks.

Ariana turned and saw them; they clearly wanted to stay by her side all the time.

Ariana wanted to urge them to return to the room, but when she looked at them, a trio of wide, clear eyes met hers, rendering her speechless for a moment.

Glancing at what was left in the kitchen, Ariana decided on making noodles for Holden. As the scent of the savory noodles filled the air, it caught the attention of the children. Adele looked on with hopeful eyes, and Melon couldn't contain his excitement. “Mommy, Adele and I want some, too!"

Ariana's face lit up with a tender smile as she prepared two bowls for the eager children, inviting them to sit down.

They ate quietly, taking in the meal. Ariana noticed how at peace Holden seemed and wondered if he might still be oblivious to the recent news about the love-variety show.

With this thought, she ventured a question. “Have the days been too busy with you managing the home and caring for the little ones?"

She held onto the hope that his days had been filled to the brim, leaving no room for the mind-numbing pull of reality television.

"Yes," Holden confirmed with a nod. "Today is my rare day off. Tomorrow's agenda includes a charity auction."

After a brief pause, he inquired, “How would you feel about going with me to the auction?"

Ariana weighed his invitation for a moment and shook her head.

Her commitments to the love-variety show didn't allow her the time to do that. Besides, she was not his official partner. Attending the auction with him could spark unnecessary talk.

She yearned for nothing more than a peaceful life.

Understanding her stance, Holden simply gave her a heads-up on what had been planned for the coming days.

Listening to Holden's packed schedule, Ariana felt a wave of relief wash over her.

It made sense, given his CEO responsibilities, that his time was stretched thin. She doubted he had a moment to spare for idle internet browsing or rumor mills. She would feel more at ease once the current whirlwind of media attention died down.

She considered reminding Shawn, known for his interest in celebrity news, to keep such discussions away from Holden.