His arms, which had previously been relaxed on the armrests of the wheelchair, now became tense.

Their close proximity was electric, charged with the chemistry that crackled between them. Ariana's alluring scent enveloped Theodore. Her hand trailed from his chest to his shoulder; her voice Low and seductive as she whispered in his ear, "Or like this?"

Theodore's lips curved into a sardonic smile. His gaze was cold.

"Is that all you've got?" he drawled, his voice low and husky.

Ariana pointed a finger at Theodore's chest, tracing the contours of his body with a tantalizing touch.

"But your heartbeat tells a different story," she murmured.

Theodore's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint as he lifted Ariana's chin.

"Well then," he said resolutely, “since you've come to me, I don't see any harm in indulging ourselves."

Theodore's eyes glimmered with an icy disdain that reflected his Lack of interest. The silence between them was broken by the sound of his clothes rubbing together, and he inched closer to Ariana.

Just as their lips were about to meet, a wicked grin spread across Ariana's face, and she tilted her head to sink her teeth into Theodore's Lips, drawing blood.

Theodore recoiled in shock, his lips throbbing with the pain. He pushed Ariana away.

"What the hell? Are you a rabid dog?"

Ariana straightened herself up, her eyes flashing with resentment.

"I'm nothing like you."

She sneered at him, grabbed her packed suitcase, and strutted away, leaving Theodore alone.

Theodore's countenance soured, but he pushed his wheelchair forward and trailed behind her silently.

As Ariana and Theodore emerged from the entrance of the Edwards family's house, Brielle hustled to catch up with them.

“Hold up!" Ariana halted and spun around, coming face-to-face with Brielle. She ft Agreemer detected the glint of jealousy and resentment in Brielle's eyes, and Ariana knew exactly what was coming.

“Mr. Anderson," Brielle began, “Are you sure you're not being fooled by Ariana? She's been infatuated with Jasper for three years. She was head-over-heels in love with him! But now that Jasper and I are together, Ariana had no other option but to marry you."

Brielle's words hung in the air, breaking the tranquility.