Without giving her a chance to utter another word, he hastily slipped into the car parked by the roadside.

Helpless, Lilyana sighed, her eyes fixed on Theodore's gradually retreating car.

What she had wanted to say was that Ariana might be pregnant.

In the shop, she had observed Ariana instinctively cradling her belly multiple times, displaying the telltale signs of a pregnant woman.

With two children of her own and the responsibility of caring for her two pregnant daughters-in-law, Lilyana possessed a keen instinct and could instantly discern that something was amiss with Ariana.

So when Ariana retreated to change into her wedding dress, Lilyana paid special attention, and there it was! A slight bulge in her belly, visible to Lilyana's discerning eyes.

Sighing, she recollected her earlier conversation with Theodore, realizing that he seemed oblivious to Ariana's pregnancy. He had not taken it into consideration when designing the wedding dress either.

The memory of their exchange resurfaced in Lilyana's mind.

Prior to Ariana's arrival, while tidying up the sewing room, Lilyana stumbled upon some old photographs of her children. She eagerly shared them with Theodore, remarking, "Look how time flies; my two Little ones are about to become fathers themselves."

Theodore, ever the man of few words, simply smiled and nodded in Lilyana's presence.

“And my two daughters-in-law are about to give birth too. How wonderful," Lilyana continued, her eyes twinkling with warmth as she regarded Theodore.

“You mention your wife all the time. You must love her very much. When do you two plan to have a child? With your good looks, the child would undoubtedly be gorgeous."

A soft smile played upon Theodore's lips as he responded, his voice gentle, "Right now, I don't want to have children."

“Why not? It would be such a pity not to have children."

However, Theodore remained silent, swiftly changing the topic as if purposefully avoiding any discussion regarding their decision about having children.

Lilyana heaved a sigh, her comprehension of the couple's situation limited. Her suspicion regarding Ariana's pregnancy remained mere speculation, leaving her unable to express it directly. Instead, she could only offer subtle hints and reminders to Theodore, unsure if he would grasp their significance.

As an outsider, Lilyana knew it would be inappropriate for her to meddle too deeply in the couple's affairs. With a gentle shake of her head, she closed the door behind her and left.

Meanwhile, Ariana had undertaken a grueling five-hour drive back to Eleymond.

Although she hadn't felt tired during the journey, the weight of newfound knowledge and her encounter with Theodore had left her utterly exhausted once she allowed her guard to drop.

With weary steps, Ariana made her way back to the rented apartment, her body pleading for respite. After appeasing her hunger with a hastily cooked bowl of noodles, Ariana sought solace in a quick wash before surrendering to the embrace of her bed.