Ariana recognized Holden was in the tallest Ferris wheel in Eleymond.
Though both were aware of each otherâs intentions by now, Holden kept his face hidden, preserving the delicate pretense that still hung between them.
Ariana chose not to say anything about it.
In that quiet moment, they both silently appreciated the night view together.
After a prolonged moment of silence, Ariana gently asked, âAre you feeling down?â
Holden responded with a soft, affirmative sound before opening up.
âIâve been experiencing a sense of disorientation lately.
Itâs as if Iâm navigating a vast maze with my eyes blindfolded.
I used to think I had it all figured out, but now I realize I know nothing at all.
I canât even distinguish between whatâs real and whatâs fake.
â
âSometimes, the line between reality and illusion blurs,â Ariana offered.
The two continued their candid conversation late into the night, sharing their thoughts and experiences from both the past and the present.
As Ariana gradually grew drowsy while talking to Holden, she succumbed to sleep, comforted by the soothing sound of his voice.
Listening to her steady breathing over the phone, Holden chuckled softly but chose not to end the call.
He kept it connected as he returned home and placed his phone on the table.
Then, he went to take a shower.
Meanwhile, Sadie sneaked into the bedroom wearing provocative lingerie.
To her delight, she found Holden in the shower and decided to enhance the mood by pouring some wine.
While fetching the glasses, Sadie noticed Holdenâs phone still engaged in a call.
Who could Holden be talking to at this hour?
Sadieâs eyebrows knit together, curiosity piqued.
She reached for Holdenâs phone, but before her fingers could graze it, she felt a sharp tug on her collar, yanking her backward.
Startled, she spun around to meet Holdenâs frosty stare.
He quickly ended the call and slipped his phone into his pocket.
âWhy are you snooping in my room?â His voice was frostier than a winter morning.
Trying to play it cool, Sadie glided her fingers suggestively down her neck.
But Holden didnât bite.
Instead, he took a step back, making sure to keep his distance.
âIf you donât have any legit reason to be here, you should leave,â he said, his voice dripping with detachment.
Feeling cornered, Sadie played her trump card.
She jangled the bracelet on her wrist, letting it shimmer in the dim light.