Ariana said like a spoiled child.

Holden felt resigned. He let her lie down, sat on the edge of the bed, and hummed a tune while gently patting her back.

Ariana was about to drift to sleep when she suddenly opened her eyes again. She looked at Holden seriously and said, "Honey, I am very happy."

Holden was taken aback, looking at Ariana blankly. Even in normal times, she seldom called him honey.

Ariana continued, "I am very happy these days because you're back. My best treasure is finally back to me. I'm so happy."

When Holden heard this and saw the sincerity in Ariana's eyes, his chest swelled up. It was as if a warm stream of air slowly flowed in his heart.

"You..." Holden started, a hint of shyness in his voice.

He looked at Ariana, feeling a rush of emotion, and gently kissed her.

"Yes, I'm back." Holden took Ariana's hand and said, “You're my most precious and unique treasure." He was soothing her patiently when suddenly, Ariana covered her mouth and retched.

Holden froze.

The romantic words he was about to say got stuck in his throat. He gently patted her back and asked, "How are you feeling? Do you need to throw up?"

With a miserable look, Ariana replied, "I feel awful. I need to go to the bathroom."

As she spoke, she tried to get up from the bed, but her legs gave way. She nearly fell.

Holden quickly caught her and supported her to the bathroom.

He took her by the hand, helped her out of her pants, and carefully seated her on the toilet.

Ariana was so drunk that she could barely keep her eyes open, yet she managed to gaze at Holden. With a shaky hand, she pushed him lightly and muttered, “Leave; I can't pee with you being here."

Seeing her struggle to even push him, Holden grew concerned and asked, “Are you sure you can manage on your own?"

"I can handle it! Now, please... Leave," Ariana said, on the verge of tears, prompting Holden to reluctantly exit the bathroom.

He stayed close by, though, resting against the door, his ear tuned to any sound from inside. His main worry was her possibly falling over.

Soon, the toilet flushed, but Ariana didn't reappear. As Holden waited, a sudden noise of something falling made him anxious.