Ariana nudged Sarah and asked in surprise, "Since when did Alina get so close to Aziel?"

Sarah smiled awkwardly, "Before when I was too busy with my work, I often asked Aziel to take care of Alina."

“You know it's not good to bother strangers all the time..."

Ariana said in a low voice. Before she could finish her words, she was suddenly interrupted by Alina. Alina said in a clear voice, "Uncle Aziel is not a stranger.”

Ariana paused and looked at Alina with her eyes narrowed.

Without looking up, Alina pinched the toy and suddenly added, "Mommy said that."

The entire car fell into silence.

It was not until then that Ariana noticed that Aziel's collar was pulled up as if to cover something. She suddenly thought of the red hickey on Sarah's neck and looked at Sarah with wide open eyes.

"You..."

Sarah put her hands together and said earnestly, "I'm sorry. We're together!"

Shortly after, they arrived at Sarah's new residence. After the unsettling incident with Alina, Sarah had made the decision to move to a secluded and upscale community to seek refuge from the prying eyes of the media, a place where the relentless harassment of the paparazzi would hopefully be kept at bay. The dwelling she now called home was a charming two-story duplex, boasting a cozy and minimalist interior design.

Aziel took Alina to the bedroom while Ariana settled herself on the sofa opposite Sarah, wearing a serious expression.

“Tell me, when did it all begin?"

Sarah, overcome with guilt and a tinge of shyness, hesitated before responding, “It all started during the time when I received the performance notice. I found myself confined to my home, grappling with a desperate search for creative inspiration.

Alina's constant presence by my side made it challenging for me to find peace and focus on my work. I was feeling frustrated, desperate even."

She paused, her voice faltering as she recounted the events.

"One day, when I took Alina out for a bit of fun, I happened upon Aziel. There was something about him, something remarkable for someone so young. He possessed an uncommon patience, especially when it came to caring for children. Alina took an immediate liking to him."

Coincidences like these didn't simply materialize. Ariana thought to herself with skepticism. Aziel resided in Ivebridge, while Sarah resided in Eleymond. They were separated by thousands of miles, yet they claimed it was a chance encounter? Even in novels, things were not so melodramatic. Ariana's thoughts were all over the place.

Observing the blissful yet bashful smile on Sarah's face, it became apparent to Ariana that her friend was undeniably smitten and entangled in the throes of love, unable to extricate herself.

Choosing her words with caution, Ariana asked, "Tell me, Sarah, is your fondness for Aziel solely based on Alina's affection for him?"