Ariana pivoted towards the doorway and yelled, "Dr. Chadwick, are you alright out there?"

Theodore's gaze darkened, her words like striking a flint deep within him. He removed the key from the lock and closed and locked the door with a resounding slam. With a stern expression, he approached the woman now lying on the floor.

Ariana's heart sank. His presence brought back memories of their first encounter.

Theodore had just emerged from a vegetative state then. The revelation of his unexpected marital status had provoked a violent reaction. His cold indifference from back then mirrored his demeanor now. It was as if nothing mattered to him, Ariana included.

The feeling of being prey under the gaze of a predator was a stark memory that resurfaced, causing a tremor of fear.