The confined space exuded an unbearable silence. Ariana and Theodore were in silence, neither willing to break it, each waiting for the other to speak.

Ariana, confined to a wheelchair, nervously clutched her coat, her gestures growing increasingly unnatural.

Theodore, towering over her, gazed down, creating an overwhelming weight upon Ariana's shoulders, like a mountain pressing down on her.

Avoiding prolonged eye contact with him, Ariana's gaze wandered, her mind filled with unease. She silently cursed, wondering if he had ever leaned the art of conversation.

After a while, she finally sensed that something was amiss. She raised her eyes to meet Theodore's and asked, "Have you finally decided to discard the wheelchair?"

There was no ulterior motive in her question; she was simply curious. In the past, Theodore had always been the one standing while Ariana sat. The sudden reversal of roles unsettled her.

Yet, as soon as the words left her lips, Ariana detected a bitter undertone in her tone.

Theodore's expression, or lack thereof, hardened. He appeared colder, devoid of any visible emotion.

Embarrassed, Ariana compressed her parched lips and stumbled over her words.

"I didn't mean it that way."

“| know." Theodore remained silent, dropping to one knee to examine her injured foot.

Restlessly curling her rounded toes, Ariana murmured, "Please refrain from touching my feet. They're dirty."

Her feet were stained with red wine and had yet to be cleaned.

Frowning, Theodore's tone brooked no refusal as he commanded, "Behave and don't move."

Ariana awkwardly sealed her lips shut and obediently stayed still. As she watched Theodore kneel beside her, meticulously inspecting her ankle, a familiar sense of security washed over her. But it also stirred something within her, igniting a rapid heartbeat akin to electric currents coursing through her body. It was an irresistible and captivating sensation.

She had once claimed that Sarah was an incurable romantic. Now she wondered if she, too, possessed that same trait.

Ariana scratched her head, her face contorting suddenly.

"No, no, no. It hurts..."

Attempting to adjust her ankle, Theodore inadvertently caused her to scream out in pain.

Her ankle was tightly wrapped in thick bandages, yet a noticeable swelling protruded beyond their confines, revealing the severity of her injury.