The man in charge glanced at Ariana, giving her a subtle nod, silently urging her to speak up.

Embracing the puppy tightly, Ariana stepped forward and said, "I want to keep this puppy, but this man won't permit it. I thought I'd come to you directly. Can I please keep it?"

Bennett looked at the puppy and snorted. "You seem quite at ease, harboring a desire for a pet. Fear seems to have abandoned you, has it not?"

His mocking gaze continued as he added, “Weren't you counting on your lover to come to your rescue? What became of that expectation?"

Ariana pressed her lips together, locking her eyes defiantly with Bennett's for a fleeting moment before her gaze wavered. A tinge of sadness crept into her voice as she admitted, “If he were coming, he'd be here by now... It's been far too long."