Alina's sobs gradually subsided, and she held Theodore's arm tightly. It was as if she was stubbornly holding onto a beloved toy.

“Alina, do you want to hear a story? Have you heard the story of Little Red Riding Hood?" Ariana asked gently.

When Alina didn't respond, Theodore sneered, “Would that really help? That's a horrible story. It could traumatize her."

At this, Ariana raised her eyebrows in challenge.

"Okay, how about you tell her a story?"

He snorted at this, his face turned away.

"I would never do such a childish thing."

"Yes, you're right, I'm being childish." Ariana knew there was no point in arguing.

After Theodore's comments, she opted for singing a lullaby instead of telling the stories.

A soft melody soon filled the room. Her voice was sweet and warm, Like a spring breeze. Slowly but surely, it dispelled the chill of the winter night.

The rain had stopped pattering on the windows and it was pitch dark outside.

Ariana's features were lit by the warm yellow Lamp light. Seeing this, Theodore could feel his body gradually relax.

Her presence here late at night seemed to bring some warmth into his cold heart.

The soft hum of her voice in his ears gently pulled him into a trance.

He couldn't tell whether he was dreaming or not.

As a child, his mother had also sung a lullaby like this to send him to sleep when he fell sick. It was one of the only nice memories he had.

Little by little the humming became quieter before it faded away completely.

He turned to Ariana to see she was fast asleep, Alina cradled in her arms.

Theodore frowned and wanted to shake Ariana awake, but for some reason, he didn't make a move.

He stared at her sleeping face for a while. She was too trusting. How could she let her guard down and fall asleep next to a man?