A wave of indignation and helplessness washed over Ariana as she thought of Theodore's audacity. His plan probably didn't account for their unplanned rendezvous in town.

She was now a wild card that could potentially expose his charade. Yet, he had plowed on with his plan, leaving her none the wiser.

Did he not worry that she might impulsively spill the beans upon realizing the truth? That she might proclaim to all that the body in the morgue wasn't his?

Did he trust her to keep her emotions in check, or did he trust her ability to feign despair?

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke her train of thought. In an instant, Ariana painted herself into a picture of despair, lying down wordlessly, her gaze lost in the distance beyond the window.