"You asked me about my family before, and now I think I can answer."

Holden sent a question mark implying he was curious to have her answer.

Ariana then replied, "After my dad died, I felt like a ship adrifting on the sea. I felt so helpless, like I could be drowned by a giant wave at any moment. But now, I think Thave found a port where I belong."

Holden was silent for a long time, and then he replied, "If one day you find that this port is not like you imagined, will you sail away?"

After reading his message, Ariana thought about the cage and golden shackle in the greenhouse of Theodore's manor. She hesitated for a moment. However, she didn't want to leave room for any misunderstanding with Holden, so she answered firmly, "No. Once I have made up my mind, I won't give up easily."

Holden was silent for a while. Then, he sent her another message.

"That's good. I wish you forever happiness."

Ariana figured that Holden understood what she meant. They were both adults, so she didn't have to type long words for him to understand what she wanted to say.

Perhaps Holden would cut her off now.

Now that she'd cleared everything up with Holden, Ariana breathed a sigh of relief.

She deleted the chat and lay back on the sofa, staring at the scenery outside.

The night was quite chilly and after sitting outside for a while, Ariana felt a bit cold.

She eventually returned to the bedroom and put on a coat.

This apartment wasn't as empty as it used to be. Anyone who entered the apartment could see that someone lived there. The blanket on the couch, the snacks and coffee beans on the table, and the figurines in the hallway were all things that brought the apartment to life.

However, Ariana, who lived in the apartment, still felt cold and gloomy.

She missed Theodore.

He kept trying to persuade her to move in with him, and he was even ready to move in with her. But after several days, Ariana still hadn't given him a positive response. e)

She wasn't yet ready to tell him about the baby. If they were living together, he would easily notice her condition.

Now, standing in the big living room, Ariana felt empty all of a sudden as she really missed Theodore.

She used to be quite relaxed being alone. Why did she suddenly feel uneasy?