“What's wrong? Is it difficult to answer this question?" she prodded.

"If you love her, just express it. How could she know if you don't tell her?"

Theodore was about to respond when Ariana, unable to bear the tension any longer, abruptly cut in, "I'm full and I feel exhausted. I'll head back, you two continue."

With a hasty apology, Ariana bolted from the room, leaving Theodore staring after her in silence.

The landlady shook her head, her lips pursed in a knowing smile.