Ariana glanced down at her still-stained body, feeling a pang of embarrassment, and instinctively submerged herself further into the water, leaving only her head exposed. “Come in," she said.

With a gentle push, Holden entered the room and set down the shower gel he had brought. Observing Ariana's reddened neck and shoulders from her vigorous scrubbing, he settled beside the bathtub.

Ariana's eyes locked onto Holden as he sat down, her gaze vigilant.

She instinctively covered her chest with her hands and asked, "What are you going to do?"

Holden deftly dispensed a dollop of the special shower gel, ready to wash away the paint. He gently lifted her hands. “I'll help bathe you," he said.