âWhy would my opinion influence your casting decision?â Mitchel replied, genuinely confused.
Arianaâs laughter bubbled up.
âDid you not catch Ripleyâs glances?
Looks like Dr.
Chadwickâs fan club just gained a member.
You never seem to lose your touch, do you?â
A hint of amusement twinkled in Mitchelâs eyes.
âFan club? Since when did I have one?â
Ariana smirked, ticking off on her fingers.
âWell, there are the smitten nurses at the hospital, the eager junior researchers in your lab, and donât forget the patients who always rave about the handsome Dr.
Chadwick.
â
Mitchel, ever so unruffled, simply murmured an âHmmâ as he drove.
But at the next red light, he suddenly asked, âWhat about you?â
Mitchel spoke with a depth of sincerity, and when he looked at Ariana, she could tell he truly meant every word.
Caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation to her, Ariana laughed a little too nervously.
âWell, I also canât help but admire you, Dr.
Chadwick.
With your impressive medical track record, who wouldnât? Your skills and intelligence in the field are something else.
â
Wanting to change the subject, she said, âThings went off without a hitch today.
The movie shoot was issue-free now.
â
They exchanged a few words, but then Ariana found herself distracted by the passing scene outside.
A quiet settled between them.
They both felt a bit awkward.
The silence persisted until the car pulled up to the Chadwick home.
As the gates opened, the unmistakable sound of Melonâs laughter filled the air.
Opening the door, Mitchel was greeted by the sight of Rodney, Melon, and Catalina, all engrossed in some floor game.
Hearing them enter, they all looked up, each with a comical piece of paper stuck to their faces.
Rodney and Catalina were caught off guard by Mitchel and Arianaâs sudden arrival.
Their smiles went stiff, and their laughter halted abruptly.
Only Melon, unfazed and delighted, ran towards Ariana with papers stuck all over his face.
âMom!â he chirped.
âWeâre playing!â
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Ariana couldnât help but grin, giving Melonâs cheek a little squeeze before acknowledging the two adults with a nod.
Trying to appear unaffected, Catalina attempted to clear her throat and hold onto her usual cool exterior.
But, catching sight of her paper-clad face in a mirror, she gave up and laughed.
âMelonâs been such a bundle of joy.
Heâs brought so much life to this place.
â
Ariana found it hard not to find Catalina charming; underneath that tough front was a genuinely warm soul.
âI just hope he isnât too much of a handful for you guys,â Ariana said.
Inviting her to take a seat, Rodney shifted the topic.
âYou were out of the hospital in no time.
Howâs the injury?â