In the middle of their conversation, Ariana got a text on her phone.
She checked it and discovered it was from the doctorâs assistant, giving them the time and place for Calvinâs first appointment.
Ariana couldnât contain her excitement and promptly shared the news with Calvin, exclaiming, âDoes this mean he has agreed? Thatâs amazing!â
Calvin, too, was overjoyed upon reading the message.
Both of them were happy, realizing their efforts throughout the day had finally paid off.
After sorting out some details with the assistant, Calvin drove Ariana to her place before heading to his own.
As Ariana approached her home, she saw a black car parked by the gate and instantly knew it was Holdenâs car.
A part of her felt a surge of happiness and anticipation.
Could it be Holden?
Yet, the next moment, Ariana composed herself and decided not to hurry inside.
She chose to call Randell instead.
Once the call connected, Ariana inquired, âWhere are you and Melon? Are you guys at home?â
Randell answered, âIâve been here since I dropped Melon off.
And, wellâ¦â
After pausing briefly, Randell added, âMr.
Fredrick is here, too.
Melonâs been pestering Mr.
Fredrick to cook for him.
Do you think this is a bit much? Given Mr.
Fredrickâs status and allâ¦â
While saying this, Randell sneakily looked over at Holden and Melon, amazed by the whole situation.
The last time Ariana couldnât make it to Melcorn, he had attended the meeting for her and met Holden.
Holden had seemed cold and intimidating.
Yet here was Holden, the esteemed leader of the Fredrick Group, showing such a gentle and patient side in private.
It almost made Randell question if this was the same person he had encountered before.
True to Arianaâs expectations, Holden was indeed at home.
Ariana gazed at the brightly lit villa from her spot.
She realized that entering now would mean meeting Holden, butâ¦
She steadied herself and muttered, âItâs okay.
Melon already knows him well.
Thereâs no need for concern.
â
At that moment, she heard Holdenâs voice through the phone.
âIs Ariana on the line?â he asked.
Before Randell could reply, Ariana, flustered, cut in, âI-I just wanted to let you know Iâve got some work left, and Iâll be home late.
Since Holdenâs there, Melon can stay with him.
â
Rushing her words without waiting for an answer, Ariana quickly added, âIâve got to go now.
Bye.
â
She ended the call abruptly.
She couldnât pin down why she felt so nervous and hesitant, but one thing was crystal clear: she wasnât ready to face Holden just yet.
Suddenly, the door to the villa swung open, causing her to stiffen.