She cautiously entered the dimly-lit living room, calling out his name with a sense of urgency.

“Theodore Theodore, hello? Are you there?"

Ariana's voice echoed through the silent apartment as she called out to Theodore.

The sprawling layout of the apartment was a stark contrast to her small unit, and as she made her way through the living room into the corridor, she felt a sense of unease creeping up on her.

As she approached the half-closed door of Theodore's bedroom, she heard a faint sound emanating from within. It seemed that someone was talking in their dream.

Her heart racing, Ariana pushed the door open and stepped inside. The curtains were drawn tightly shut, but she could see the outline of a figure lying in the center of the room.

‘As she drew closer to Theodore's bed, her eyes were drawn to his form lying motionless beneath the quilt. Despite his disheveled appearance, with his pajama collar askew and his collarbone exposed, he still exuded an air of quiet strength and masculinity.

Ariana noticed the slight furrow in his brow and the gentle fall of his hair across his forehead. He seemed to be lost in a deep sleep, his body completely relaxed and vulnerable.

She called out his name, her voice soft and gentle as she whispered into his ear.

However, despite her efforts, Theodore remained unresponsive, lost in the depths of his slumber.

Worried, Ariana leaned in to touch Theodore's forehead, but she was suddenly seized by an icy, yet beautiful hand that sent shivers down her spine.

Caught off guard, she found herself staring into Theodore's piercing, murderous gaze, her wrist trapped in his grasp.

Her heart pounding with fear and surprise, Ariana let out a cry of alarm, her voice echoing through the silent room.

It was the sound of her voice that jolted Theodore out of his slumber, his eyes slowly clearing as he registered Ariana's presence.

"It's you..." he murmured, his voice hoarse with sleep.

As Theodore's eyes met Ariana's, a deep sigh escaped from his lips, his body relaxing as if he had finally let his guard down.

But he still held onto her wrist, his grip gentle yet possessive, like a child clutching their favorite toy.

Ariana couldn't help but be taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor, wondering when he had grown to trust her so completely.

Ariana was lost in thought. Theodore'’s guarded and murderous gaze from a moment ago reminded her of the early days of their marriage.

She remembered the cold, indifferent look that he had given her when he had just awakened from his vegetative state, a look that was mirrored in his eyes once again.