She choked and was unable to continue. She didn't want to break down in tears and make a fool of herself here.

But ever since she found out she was expecting, she had been unable to hold back her tears.

Theodore, his heart heavy with sorrow, approached Ariana, gently wiping away the cascading tears on her face.

“Please, don't cry," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing balm.

"My ties with her are not what you imagine."

“And what are they, then? What kind of bond do you share?" Ariana's words pierced the air like shards of glass, her tear-filled eyes locking on Theodore's, brimming with a sense of betrayal.

“Why can't you just tell me?"

Cupping her tear-stained face, Theodore hesitated, wrestling with his own inner turmoil. At last, he sighed and embraced her in his arms.

“Give me a Little more time," he entreated, his voice a gentle plea, brimming with sincerity.

"Can you wait just a Little longer? Soon, everything will be resolved, and I will reveal my whole self to you-my past and my future."

Ariana buried her face in his chest, her tears staining his shirt, searing a mark on his heart.

Given the path ahead still was a little obscured, Theodore knew that now was not the time for complete disclosure. There was one more step to take, one more veil to lift.

Gradually, Ariana's emotions steadied.

Since Theodore told her that, she saw no need to press the matter.

She had waited patiently for so long, and a few more days would not sway her resolve.

Having shed tears, Ariana couldn't help but feel a tinge of embarrassment and awkwardness. Pushing Theodore gently away, she retreated to the bathroom to freshen herself up.

Observing her retreating figure, Theodore's gaze softened, finding solace in the adorable expression that graced Ariana's face. A smile curved his Lips as he watched her, appreciating her resilience even in moments of vulnerability.

Ariana quickly finished her ablutions, and her mind was now more serene than before. She decided to Lie down on the bed in the only available room, and so she no longer harbored the same reservations.

When Theodore returned from his own ablutions, he found Ariana lying on the bed with her back to him. He looked at her for a moment before deciding to make his way to the couch for the night.

Ariana coughed softly and then shifted slightly to make room for him in the bed.