Betsy found it hard to believe that he was so gentle about Sarah's offensive words and Ariana's escape.

“Very well, I shall take my leave." Betsy offered a smile and carefully made her way toward the exit, clutching her bag.

Theodore nodded slightly.

Exhaling a sigh of relief, Betsy hastily descended the stairs as soon as she stepped out of the ward.

She had perhaps never been that scared!

Meanwhile, Ariana returned to her rented apartment to gather her belongings. Upon. reaching home, she meticulously combed through every nook and cranny with the instrument borrowed from Aziel. Only when she assured herself that there were no prying eyes or hidden bugs did she finally find solace.

“Thank goodness Theodore is not completely unhinged, though his desire to control you runs deep," Sarah mused, reclining on the sofa with crossed legs, munching on an apple. After scolding Theodore at the hospital, a glimmer of hope emerged within her, suggesting that he might not be entirely nefarious.

"I believe there are numerous misunderstandings between you two, stemming from a lack of communication."

Ariana packed her clothes into a suitcase, a tinge of bitterness etching her smile.

“I'm willing to communicate, but he isn't. He conceals so much from me, forcing me to maintain a cold facade these days."

“True, true. For now, don't think too much. Stay at my place and tend to yourself and the little one growing in you. But are you truly adamant about keeping the baby a secret from him?"

Ariana's smile faded, and she continued stuffing clothes into the suitcase.

"That's a talk for another time."

Having packed essential garments and personal effects, Ariana made her way to Sarah's place with Sarah.

Alina, seeing Ariana in a wheelchair, regarded her with curious eyes. The young girl halted her playful interaction with a toy duck, squatting beside Ariana.

Ariana gently touched Alina's head, a smile gracing her lips.

"I'll be staying here with you for a while."

Alina remained silent, nestling her head against Ariana's knee while clasping onto her unhurt leg.

“By the way, your ankle was quite severe. Is it wise to leave the hospital in such a state?" Sarah asked with concern, bringing a glass of warm water to Ariana.

"It'll be fine. I've obtained the attending physician's contact information. He has provided me with a prescription. I can fetch the medication myself. I've memorized the massage techniques. However, I'll still need to visit the hospital for prenatal checkups." Ariana expressed worry.