Since it's your underwear, you'd better wash it by hand."

“T'll wash it by hand," Sarah insisted, not allowing him to take over. She playfully smacked his arm and nudged him away from the sink.

Sarah and Aziel engaged in their usual banter, a hint of jealousy lingering in the air.

Aziel stood by, watching as Sarah tackled the task of washing the clothes.

Afterwards, he assisted her in drying them and carefully applied hand cream, a gesture that held more significance to him than tending to his own hands.

Meanwhile, Ariana, forced to witness their public display of affection, sat in the living room, leisurely sipping her tea. Envy seeped into her veins as she longed for a partner like Aziel.

Unfortunately, she had Theodore, a partner who wouldn't lift a finger to help with any household chores.

Thoughts of Theodore weighed on Ariana, leaving her feeling downcast and annoyed.

“Ariana, I'm going to prepare dinner. What would you like to eat?" Aziel approached, rolling up his sleeves and holding a floral apron.

Ariana pondered for a moment, about to speak, but Sarah beat her to it.

"Today is Ariana's birthday, and someone should have prepared a feast. It's not our turn to celebrate her birthday."

Ariana found herself grappling with the daunting task of explaining her lack of recent communication with Theodore to Sarah. The sight of Sarah and Aziel getting along so well cast a shadow over her intentions to say her story today.

The scene of the two made her think that she couldn't voice her concerns without jeopardizing the pleasant atmosphere or revealing her innermost thoughts too much.

“Actually, I won't be able to stay for dinner tonight. I have other pressing matters to attend to," Ariana said, pretending to be taken aback as she glanced at her watch.

“Can you believe it? It's nearly five o'clock already! I must dash. Else, traffic will catch up with me!"

With her bag hastily slung over her shoulder, Ariana hurriedly left, escorted by Sarah to the door.

Just as they were about to bid farewell, Sarah's playful demeanor dissolved into seriousness as she asked, "What's happened between you and Theodore?"

Ariana, in the midst of changing her shoes, raised her head in surprise upon hearing the question.

Sarah let out a sigh and guided her to sit on the porch chair.

"When I was teasing you earlier, I couldn't help but notice a flicker of unease in your eyes. Have you two had a fight? Have you divulged the news of your pregnancy to him?"