Even though she knew it was a trap waiting for her, she couldn't help but dive headfirst into it, desperate for the truth.

Slowly pushing open the study door, Ariana stepped inside and flicked on the light.

This marked her second venture into the study, still haunted by the memory of Theodore scolding her the first time she mistakenly entered.

She didn't browse through the books and collections; instead, she followed a peculiar intuition that drew her closer to the desk. Finally, her gaze fell upon a photo frame, likely the very thing Helen wanted her to discover.

In that moment, panic coursed through her veins. With bated breath, Ariana approached the desk, her steps heavy, fixating on the photo before her.

The image portrayed a radiant girl, her smile as bright as a sunflower. Dressed in white, she playfully contorted her face for the camera. A sweet and innocent grin adomed her youthful countenance, possibly in her early teens. Had she been a few years older, she would resemble the girl in the photo alongside Jasper.

How could this be? Was it all a mere coincidence?

Ariana felt an overwhelming sense of frustration. Just last night, she had embraced and kissed Theodore, like any ordinary couple. Yet now, he felt like a distant stranger, as if she had never truly known him, and their love seemed nothing more than a cruel joke.

Weakened, Ariana leaned against the back of a chair, her strength ebbing away.

Tears welled up in Ariana's eyes, yet not a single drop escaped. She mustered a forced smile.

In the end, she seemed to have overestimated her own endurance. Everything was unbearable for her. She remained seated, lost in her thoughts for what felt like an eternity.

Was she truly just a replacement? Ariana refused to accept such a notion. Initially, she had been against Theodore, but as they grew to know and trust each other, her feelings changed. If he had only been kind to her because she resembled someone else, he could have shown that kindness from the start, allowing her to fall for him without hesitation.

All of a sudden, Ariana found Helen had led her astray. Didn't they talk about having children initially? Could Theodore's aversion to parenthood be connected to Marley?

Disappointment engulfed Ariana once more. It suddenly dawned on her that when they had returned to the Edwards' house, Theodore had become moody after seeing a photo of her and Jasper in her room.

At that time, she had assumed his change in mood was due to his discomfort with the picture of his wife and her ex. Feeling guilty, she had even sent him some late-night snacks into his room as a peace offering, which only angered him further.

Now, the truth laid bare. His distress had never been about her. All his care and tendemess had been reserved for another girl who held an irreplaceable place in his heart.

Like a naive fool, she had believed she had acquired a treasure that others envied, holding onto it with all her might. Little did she know that it was all a fabrication, spun by the hunter to lure her into a cunning trap.

Helen stood at the doorway of the study, her gaze fixed upon Ariana, who appeared lost in her own thoughts. A mocking expression appeared on Helen's face.

"Now you finally understand, you're nothing more than a despicable substitute. Theodore doesn't love you at all, which is why he won't allow you to bear his child."

Ariana suddenly lifted her head, her eyes filled with a cold, unwavering stare fixed on Helen.