However, to her surprise, Judy didn't bring up Theodore throughout the meal.

Ariana initially wanted to restrain her curiosity, but the growing sense of longing and anxiety prompted her to break her silence.

"Judy, where is Theodore? Hasn't he been here?"

Judy's face shone with a knowing smile as Ariana asked her long-held question.

"So you couldn't hold back any longer," she quipped, her hands busy straightening Ariana's blankets.

"Mr. Anderson, you see, has been your constant guardian since you came in last night. He treated your wounds, and applied the bandages. He stayed with you throughout the entire night and didn't call me until dawn. Perhaps he was worried you wouldn't want him around when you woke up."

Ariana fell silent after Judy's revelation. Her gaze drifted downwards, taking in her lifeless feet, her heart aching with a peculiar discomfort.

Not want to see him? How could that be possible? Even in her darkest, most vulnerable moments, her thoughts were consumed by him, a constant presence in her mind.

She was acutely aware of the depth of her feelings for him. She yearned for his company, but couldn't let go of what he kept hidden.

Observing her gloomy expression, Judy broke the silence.

"Madam, Mr. Anderson can be a bit of a tough nut to crack, but that's because he's never had romantic feelings or been in a relationship before. Give him a chance, all men need a little shaping up. It's not like two people are born ready for each other, right?"

Settling down next to Ariana, Judy leaned in, her voice barely a whisper.

"He genuinely cares for you. Give him a little time, he'll learn. Don't be too quick to judge. Believe me, my husband was a much more stubborn man than he is now when we first met—"

Judy's words faded into the background as Ariana got stuck on the revelation that Theodore had never been in love before. A thought popped into her mind and she cut Judy off, "You've been with Theodore for a long time, Judy. Do you know who Marley is?"

The moment Ariana mentioned ‘Marley’, Judy, always forthcoming, seemed taken aback. Her face morphed into an unreadable expression as she busied herself, hastily rearranging the lunchbox.

"Who? I don't know," she stuttered, not meeting Ariana's eyes.

Completing her task, she announced, "Mrs. Anderson, I'll clean these up. A nurse will be here shortly to change your dressing. You should rest."

And with that, she made a beeline for the exit, disappearing within seconds.

A frown crossed Ariana's face as she watched Judy's hasty retreat.

Why such a dramatic response? It was as if ‘Marley’ was some forbidden topic.