But then Theodore's piercing gaze landed on Ariana, and he asked a provocative question.

"What if my wife wants a divorce?" he demanded.

Ariana was stunned and blurted out, "What do you mean?"

Her heart skipped a beat, and the panic on her face was impossible to hide.

Had he found out the divorce agreement she prepared? She couldn't help but wonder.

The landlady seemed to share her concern as she knitted her eyebrows together in distress.

"Is it so serious that you have to divorce?" she asked.

"In that case, what do you think about it?"

Theodore hesitated before answering, "As I said, I have no intention of divorce for the time being."

But the landlady was not convinced.

"You can divorce her if you want. What do you mean ‘for the time being’? In my opinion, you are just being stubborn and that's why your wife feels disappointed with you."

Theodore was left speechless, unsure of how to defend himself.

However, Ariana felt righteous indignation bubbling up inside her. She spoke up in support.

"I agree. It's not rocket science. It's your fault, just admit it," she said with asmug smile.

Theodore massaged his temples with a heavy sigh, hoping to ease the mounting tension in his head.

He was just about to put an end to the discussion when the landlady's unexpected question struck him like a bolt from the blue.

"Do you still love her?" she asked with a concemed expression.

Theodore's heart pounded against his chest. He slowly raised his head and met Ariana's eyes. He saw a trace of expectation in her eyes. It was as if she was hoping for a positive response.

Asilence descended upon the group. Ariana's heart was pounding in her chest. She anticipated what he would say, but at the same time, she dreaded hearing the answer that would break her heart.

The landlady's impatience began to show as she pressed Theodore to answer the question.