Ariana took a composed breath, her gaze shifting between Shawn and Adele before she said in a measured tone, âItâs quite commonplace, as the Fredricks own this mall.
â
Recollection washed over Ariana, carrying her back to that initial return from abroad, when she and Sonia had ventured here to select gifts for Melon.
In that bustling place, a man had caught her eye, his profile bearing an uncanny resemblance to Theodoreâs.
And with that memory, a new revelation struck her.
It was Holden.
The cadence of Holdenâs voice echoed Theodoreâs, and there was a resemblance between their features, a similarity Melon had once remarked upon.
A fanciful notion danced at the edges of Arianaâs thoughts.
Could Holden be Theodore?
Almost as swiftly as the thought surfaced, Ariana dismissed it, a wry twist touching her lips, dismissing the idea as preposterous.
How could such a connection exist? Theodore, the heir of the esteemed Anderson family, tethered to the Fredrick lineage? It defied reason.
If Theodore held any close ties to the Fredrick family, surely Darian would have showered him with favor, not the cold indifference he had received.
Furthermore, if Theodore were truly Holden, retribution would have been well within his grasp.
Why would he have had to fight against Darian for so long?
The pieces simply didnât align.
How could Holden possibly be Theodore?
Besides, when she was with Theodore five years ago, Holden had been also around.
Upon reflection, Ariana noted an absence â an incongruity.
Theodore and Holden had never materialized together.
Moreover, Theodore had seemed entwined with the BRD Group and Adrian, a connection that bore a semblance of congeniality.
Arianaâs thoughts churned in turmoil.
She sought to steady herself, feeling a touch of absurdity for ever entertaining the notion that Theodore and Holden were one and the same.
But she couldnât control her mind.
If, by some twist of fate, Holden truly was Theodore, how had he allowed her to endure half a decade of suffering?
A gentle touch on Arianaâs arm jolted her back to reality.
Adele, looking up at her, reached out her hands.
Comprehending Adeleâs silent request for a hug, Ariana adjusted her demeanor, offering a warm smile as she stooped down to lift Adele into her arms.
Shawn trailed behind them, his own smile bright as he remarked, âMiss Edwards, what a pleasant surprise.
Adele spotted you and couldnât resist coming over.
â
Returning the smile, Ariana inquired, âAnd where might you and Adele be headed?â
âWeâre off to a charming dessert shop nearby,â Shawn replied, âIt happens to be one of Adeleâs favorites.
â
He then turned his attention to Sarah and Sonia, who sat beside Ariana.
âItâs a pleasure to meet both of you.
Your names are quite familiar in the entertainment industry.
â
Sonia and Sarah exchanged friendly greetings with Shawn, their demeanor warm.