"I refuse to believe it. This must be a lie."

Helen felt a pang of annoyance. How could Ariana be so defensive?

"Stop deceiving yourself. Even if I wanted to deceive you, the evidence in those photos cannot be fabricated." Impatience laced Helen's words as she continued, “Theodore has always held a special place in his heart for Marley. It's highly unlikely that this sentiment would change, regardless of how much time passes. He keeps her photographs in prominent places, ensuring they remain within his constant view, simply because he doesn't want to forget her. Let me think..."

Pausing briefly to consider, Helen clapped her hands lightly as if an idea had just struck her.

"There are also pictures of Marley in Theodore's office. If you don't believe me, you can go and see for yourself. Although you probably won't be able to enter his office. Theodore detests uninvited guests the most."

Ariana could no longer bear the suffocating atmosphere and rose from her seat, making her way towards the door, desperate to escape this place.

"Be sensible and leave Theodore on your own accord. Don't let him deceive you,"

Helen urged, her face adorned with an innocent smile. She extended her hand to halt Ariana’s departure.

"It's becoming tiresome, you know. If Theodore finds out that you're pregnant, can you even begin to imagine his reaction?”

"If 1 am just a substitute, you should be happy. Why are you always against me?"

Ariana halted abruptly, her smile transforming into something enigmatic. She turned around and asked, "Or could it be that you're afraid of something?"

A momentary tenseness washed over Helen's expression. She furrowed her brow and responded resolutely, "I was Marley's best friend when she was alive. No one has the right to replace her and take her place in Theodore's heart. I will look after Theodore on behalf of Marley, and you need not interfere. I've been by Theodore's side the longest and understand him the most!"

Ariana grew weary of Helen's incessant references to Theodore. She pressed her fingers to her ears, displaying impatience.

"Young lady, who do you think you are?

Just because you were Marley's friend, does that grant you the right to become his mistress? Don't forget, 1 am Theodore's lawful wife. 1 can take care of my own husband. I don't need you telling me what to do."

“Ariana! Shame on you!" Helen's emotional defenses crumbled in that moment. She still couldn't accept the fact that Theodore had married Ariana. Legally, they were married, and she was the outsider.

“Even if you hold the title of Theodore's wife, what does it matter? He doesn't love you. Itis I who deserve to spend the rest of my days with him. I don't require him to return my affection like you do. All I long for is to be by his side."

Ariana's countenance darkened upon hearing these words. Her response was laced with icy coldness, "How do you know what I said to Theodore in private?"

A sense of pride enveloped Helen as she replied haughtily, "Naturally, it was Theodore himself who told those details to me. Perhaps you were unaware. He can be quite bothersome at times, venting his frustrations on me. I know all the conversations you two have had.”

Ariana's heart sank as her grip tightened, a mixture of hurt and embarrassment flooding her being. The realization that he would trivialize their relationship in the presence of others pierced her deeply.