"Of course, if you really don't have time, I'm not going to force you.”

Picturing Holden celebrating his birthday alone, Ariana thought it was so pitiful.

She couldn't help but think of what Jennifer had said before. Holden hadn't had friends since he was a child. Perhaps he had never celebrated his birthday.

Her heart softened at this thought and she gave him a short reply, "Okay, I'll go.”

Now she had to prepare a gift for him. She couldn't afford to get him an expensive gift. It became a real dilemma what she should get for him.

She spent the whole night browsing online for the perfect gift for him. Finally, she chose a black string bracelet with a cartoon cat head made of pure gold.

She figured since he liked the cat emoji, he would like this. She hoped that when he was in a bad mood, he could look at the cat and it would make him smile.

After paying, she gave the shop her phone number, and planned to pick it up the next morning.

The next day, she woke up very early and left the house, avoiding everyone.

She went to collect the gift, and then sat alone in the cafe for the rest of the day.

Theodore called her once, but she hung up his call.

She wasn't in the mood to hear his annoying voice.

When it was time to meet Holden, she fixed her makeup, and headed to the restaurant.

The place he had chosen was also very dim. He was still wearing a mask, and was dressed in a high-end suit. He looked elegant.

Ariana greeted him with a smile, while feeling more natural than the last time they met. She pulled out a chair and sat down, ignoring the mask and treating him as an ordinary person.

Aside from the unhappiness in the projection room, Holden was actually a gentleman with good manners. He was easy and comfortable to chat with.

During dinner, Ariana began to sincerely treat him as her friend. They talked more and more, including about their private lives.

But when Holden asked about her relationship with her husband, she felt like she was still on alert.

"Why do you ask about that?"

Holden smiled.