Shame coursed through her as tears streamed down her face, but her sorrow refused to be contained. In a quivering voice, she asked, "Theodore, what mysteries are you hiding from me? Who is Marley, and what connection do you share with Helen?

What secrets of the past do you guard? What am I to you? And why, oh why, do you withhold the truth from me?"

Theodore's countenance turned somber, a fleeting glimpse of dreadful cruelty flickering in his eyes before vanishing. He struggled to soften his voice, to soothe Ariana's weeping form. His heart ached as he looked at her tears.

"You cannot embrace the true essence of who I am."

Ariana, bewildered, and with tears blurring her vision, peered at him through her teary eyes.

"In my eyes, you were never perfect. Your nature encompasses both darkness and chill, dominance and self-righteousness. Yet, I love you still. At times, I despise myself for succumbing to your influence, and your words. I yearn for freedom; to be unburdened!"

Theodore's attempt to wipe away her tears was thwarted by her hand.

"So, I fail to comprehend." Ariana'’s emotions surged, her sobs still breaking through.

"I have professed countless times that since falling in love with you, I shall embrace every facet, including your flaws. Why then do you show a desire to be with me, yet doubt me and deny me the truth? What am I to you? A mere substitute? An omament? A damn plaything? Even Helen, it seems, holds a higher place in your heart than I do!”

"No, you hold great significance in my life. None can replace you," Theodore interrupted her.

“Important enough to go without a call for two days? Weren't you afraid that I would leave if I was totally disappointed in you and decided to let go?"

“No, you can't leave me. Not when I still breathe!" Suddenly, Theodore changed his demeanor. His expression hardened, and his eyes locked on hers.

"Remember that you committed to being my partner for life!"

Ariana wiped away her tears with the back of her palm, took a long breath, and asked him, "Do you love me?"

They exchanged mute glances once she finished speaking. Theodore seemed to be trying to utter something as his lips twitched, but nothing more.

"Well, you don't need to answer me." Ariana was heartbroken. She looked down and replied mockingly, "Your answer is not that important. I don't want to know, and I won't bother you about it again!"

When the air grew heavy with tension, a knock on the door of the private room broke the stalemate. A waiter dressed in a black uniform entered, pushing a dining cart adorned with a birthday cake and an array of delicious food.

Ariana averted her gaze, attempting to calm herself. Her eyes were red, adding to her pitiful appearance under the warm glow of the candlelight.

Theodore lowered his head, toying with a lighter, his eyes fixed on something. No one could discern his thoughts.

‘The waiter poured a glass of red wine for Theodore and placed fresh roses in front of Ariana. As the waiter tidied up the tableware, Theodore's gaze fell upon the calluses on the waiter's hand and a scar on the back of his hand.