Ariana's heart softened as she listened to his distressed confession.

Though she wanted to respond, words failed her. She felt a sense of helplessness, recognizing that fate had led them to this complicated juncture.

Taking a deep breath, Ariana gently pushed him away, her voice resigned. "Let's just stop arguing. It's pointless."

As Ariana spoke, she made a move to leave, only to be firmly restrained by Holden's embrace. He questioned anxiously, "Where are you going? Are you going to see Mitchel? I won't allow it."

Exhaling a weary sigh, Ariana turned to face Holden, meeting his intense gaze. His eyes were red, his grip unyielding as he held her close. “Please don't leave me," he said.