“I'm very sorry, Ms. Edwards. As you know, Ivebridge is a popular city with tourists. All the hotels here are almost always fully booked at weekends." The forewoman smiled apologetically.

Ariana got anxious.

“Well, what am I supposed to do? I can't go out like this. I won't even be able to find a hair salon to fix my hair in this area."

The forewoman was stumped. She couldn't think of a solution.

"You can take a shower in my room."

The sudden voice startled Ariana. She turned around to see Theodore looking at her. She couldn't tell how long he had been there.

Ariana did not want to go to Theodore's room. She brushed off his offer and turned to the forewoman.

"Please find someone to fix it now."

The forewoman hesitated.

“I'm afraid the mechanics are off-duty at this time. Even if I call someone over, it will take some time before they arrive..."

Ariana could feel her temples throbbing. This was not going as she expected.

“If I may ask, what is the relationship between you two?" The forewoman looked between Theodore and Ariana and studied them carefully.

Ariana let out an awkward cough. She was about to make up an excuse and pretend she didn't know him, but Theodore interrupted her.

"She's my wife."

Theodore stated it so firmly and clearly that he left no room for Ariana to say otherwise.

The forewoman seemed glad to hear that. She quickly flashed a smile at Ariana.

"That seems to settle it. Ms. Edwards, why don't you go to your husband's room to take a shower first? It's cold today and the water heater may not be fixed until tomorrow morning. So..."

Ariana felt extremely uncomfortable. The soapy bubbles in her hair were giving her unpleasant creepy-crawly sensations on her skin.

It caused her to erupt in a sneeze. She looked away, scowling, and rubbed her nose with her cold fingers. She finally conceded, "Fine."

She grabbed a change of clothes before going to Theodore's room.