With a mischievous grin, Holden said, "Leaving? I was just teasing you. How could I leave when you're still here?"

Ariana's irritation was evident as she pulled her hand away and stormed out of the bathroom. Holden hurried to follow, reaching out to hold her hand, but she shook him off.

"Are you angry? Please, don't be. I'm sorry," Holden said, reaching out again. However, Ariana evaded his grasp, quickening her pace.

Holden refused to give up. With each attempt Ariana made to pull away, he continued to reach for her hand.

Ariana's annoyance peaked as she forcefully slapped his hand away, the sharp sound echoing in the corridor.

Shocked by her own strength, Ariana turned to face Holden, only to find him wearing a pitiful look.

A pang of guilt tugged at her, prompting her to gently take his hand to check for any harm. However, before she could react further, Holden swiftly reclaimed her hand, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips.

Caught between irritation and resignation, Ariana found herself unable to break free from Holden's grip.

Only after they reached the living room area did they stop holding hands, maintaining the pretense of being strangers.

Unbeknownst to them, a man lurked in the shadows of the corridor, camera in hand, capturing Ariana's side profile.

Swiftly, he sent a message. "Is this the woman you were referring to?"

A prompt response came. "Indeed."

Later that afternoon, the show organized a beach volleyball match to promote camaraderie among the guests. Teams were formed through a random drawing of lots.

Ariana, Jennifer, Wilbert, Mitchel, and four others found themselves grouped together, while Holden, Adrian, Jolie, and a few others comprised the opposing team.

Adrian, positioned near Jennifer and Wilbert, appeared visibly irked, while Holden maintained a composed demeanor, his eyes frequently darted towards Ariana and Mitchel.

As the game commenced, Adrian showcased his skills with flair, eager to impress with powerful spikes, particularly in front of Jennifer, who felt resigned by his theatrics.

In contrast, Holden played with precision and consistency, often setting up impeccable shots for Ariana.

The duo exhibited remarkable teamwork, swiftly accumulating points for Ariana's team.

Mitchel, entrusted with the role of defense, exhibited remarkable agility and foresight, anticipating the trajectory of incoming balls with precision, effectively becoming the standout goalkeeper of the match.

The game unfolded with thrilling intensity, captivating the attention of the participants and the show's crew members, who observed with keen interest.