“That's enough!" Theodore was feeling overwhelmed and couldn't take it anymore.

He stopped her mid-sentence, his eyes filled with anguish, and asked, "Do we really need love? Can't we just be together forever?"

“But Theodore, you don't have feelings for me."

"I never said I didn't have feelings for you."

"So do you like me?"

Theodore stayed silent.

Ariana stared at the man who couldn't respond.

"Never mind. Just as you said, the answer isn't important.”

After that, she rose to her feet and gazed down at him coldly.

"When I return to Eleymond, I'll reserve a hotel room on my own. I won't be going back to the rental apartment for a while. I hope you can respect my wishes this time. Don't follow me.

Give me the time and space I need to clear my head and contemplate how to handle this relationship going forward."

Theodore didn't want her to leave. He grabbed her wrist, attempting to convince her to stay, but Ariana shook free.

“Don't worry. Regardless of what happens, I'll keep my promise and finish the bet with Jasper.”

Theodore's bottled-up emotions finally erupted. He spoke somberly.

"I won't divorce you, nor will I let you go. You'd better accept that."

“why should I cbey you? What do you take me for?" Ariana was filled with anger and sadness, tears streaming down her face.

As he saw her in tears, Theodore clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and made a compromise.

“Alright, we can separate for the time being, as you suggested. I won't go back to the apartment; you can live there undisturbed. Don't move into a hotel. You can also stay in the presidential suite while working with the crew for the next few days. I'll leave. But I'm only giving you one month to think. After that, whether you've made up your mind or not, you must return to the Anderson family's mansion with me."

Once Ariana had departed, Theodore remained in the restaurant's private room by himself for an extended period.

He gazed out the window at the bustling traffic, feeling as though his heart was trapped in a desolate, cold, and vacant place.