Many Internet users had left comments on Sarah's social media accounts, waiting for her response.

Sensing the urgency, Ariana quickly left the study room to find Sarah.

Ariana approached Sarah, who was sitting by herself in the living room, deep in thought. The ashtray on the table was littered with three cigarette butts. Alina and Molly were nowhere to be seen.

Ariana took a seat beside Sarah and showed her the phone screen where the video of Sarah's breakdown and announcement had become a hot topic online. Ariana urged her, “We have to clarify this right away. What should we do?"

Sarah gazed silently at Ariana.

Surrounded by the soft glow of the lamps, Ariana looked at her friend and she noticed something unusual. Sarah's eyes were brimming with tears, and the sight made Ariana's heart race. An uneasy feeling settled deep in her gut.

Sarah said in a quiet, broken voice, "I'm sorry."

She then reached for her lighter, hoping to distract herself with another cigarette.

But Ariana wasn't going to let her do that. She swiftly grabbed the lighter, not allowing Sarah to light up another cigarette.

“Sorry for what? Let's first clear things up by posting a clarification."

Sarah looked up at Ariana, her expression serious.

"No. I didn't say that on a whim. I truly want to quit," she explained, her voice determined.

Ariana was in disbelief, not sure if she heard Sarah correctly.

Sarah spoke with determination, her voice unsteady, as she explained her reasoning.

“I'm so sorry, Ariana. I just can't bring any more trouble to my family. Today's events have shown me that I can't keep going on like this. Alina came so close to danger."

Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, her thoughts consumed with the safety of her child.

Ariana listened, at a loss for words. She tried to reassure Sarah, "We've been working hard for so long. We're so close to the finish line, just one step away." But her words seemed to fall short in light of Sarah's distress.

With her head down, Sarah couldn't bring herself to look at Ariana. Her lips quivered as she apologized, "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault..."

Without a word, Ariana firmly held Sarah's hand and led her toward the study.

Sarah, who was now filled with confusion, asked, "Where are we going?"