Meanwhile, Horace had already finished setting up the tables, chairs, and food for their date.

“I'll help Horace. You take care of Alina," Ariana said, pushing the little girl into Theodore's arms.

Alina had stopped crying, but her toy had gotten dusty. She didn't say a word, but gazed up at Theodore with her big eyes, silently challenging him to play the wooden doll game with her.

Theodore moved first. From the beginning, the game was one-sided. He expressionlessly took out a tissue and handed it to her.

"Here, use this to wipe."