“Ariana,” he murmured, "I allow you to fall in love with me." The words hung in the air, electrifying and powerful, sending a shiver down Ariana's spine.

In her room, Ariana's face flushed with embarrassment and anger as she clutched the bear doll tightly in her hands.

Her ears burned as she replayed Theodore's words in her mind.

"Ariana, I allow you to fall in love with me."

She scoffed at the audacity of the man.