"Do you see the end of the flower field? There's a cemetery there."

Ariana followed his gesture, her eyes moving past the white villa nestled among the flowers and reaching the far end. Cherry blossoms bloomed brilliantly on the hill, beneath which a tombstone lay hidden.

Without Theodore's revelation, who could have guessed that beneath the vibrant spring flowers, remains lay at rest?

Ariana felt somewhat surprised. When she gazed upon the flowers once more, she not only admired their beauty but also felt a sense of reverence.

She hung her head down, attempting to convey her respect to the deceased.

Theodore chuckled and reached out to take her hand, which was resting on the wheelchair. He gently rubbed her fingers in his palm and said, “Come on, let's head inside. Push me into the villa."

As she realized what was happening, Ariana blushed and swiftly withdrew her hand.

"Aren't you taking me to the cemetery? It's my first time coming here.

Wouldn't it be rude if we didn't go there to visit your mother?"

"['ll bring you to visit her next time. Right now, I need to attend to something else.”

Ariana couldn't help but notice that Theodore seemed different today. He had not only kidnapped Tyler but also brought her to this place.

She believed this location was his private sanctuary. Did it mean that Theodore was gradually opening his heart to her, making him willing to share this place with her?

No, what was she thinking? He hadn't only brought her here; he had brought Helen as well.

With that thought, her once fluttering heart sank.

While she stared at the enigmatic, castle-like building before her, she couldn't shake an inexplicable feeling of danger. Regardless, she continued to push the wheelchair forward slowly.

The inside of the villa was not what Ariana had expected. She had anticipated it to be as glamorous as its exterior, but it surprised her with its cozy ambiance. The dominant color scheme was earthy, with wooden flooring, warm-colored curtains, and a delicately designed fireplace that dispersed the cold air brought in by Ariana from outside.

This place felt much more inviting than the Anderson family home.

Ariana, feeling more at ease, asked, "It's very clean here. Do you visit often?"

"No, I stay here for a month each year during this time. Someone cleans it regularly." Theodore casually draped his coat over the sofa and loosened his tie. It seemed as if he had become completely relaxed upon entering the villa, no longer appearing as somber and aloof as he had in the car.

Ariana found herself stealing glances at him before asking, "Did you ever come here with Helen?"