âYes,â Holden replied.
âIâve gotten better.
About a year ago, I stumbled upon a doctor online who cured my insomnia.
â As he did the dishes, Holden grinned and shared, âThis doctor has a really unique approach.
Just hearing her voice can make me sleep soundly.
â
âIs she a hypnotist?â Ariana sounded puzzled.
With a laugh, Holden said, âSomething like that.
A very special kind of hypnotist.
She uses videos about snacks during the hypnosis.
So, I not only get to sleep but also learn a few snack-making tricks.
â
It was then Ariana realized he was talking about her.
She playfully tickled his side and teased, âOh, Iâm the doctor, then? Thatâs why you sent me money.
â
Grinning, Holden playfully dabbed Arianaâs nose with soapy water and responded, âI was just scared youâd stop posting videos.
I figured paying you might ensure youâd keep them coming.
â
âYou didnât expect I donât depend on that for my living, right?â
Ariana said.
âIt seems youâve really learned a lot over these five years,â Holden said, still smiling.
Ariana nodded and filled him in on the last five years.
She explained how she had learned so much to keep Melon safe.
Determined not to always lean on Mitchel for support, she had started a few businesses of her own.
Holdenâs emotions were a whirlwind as he Listened.
He felt proud that Ariana had found her own footing and value, yet he couldnât help but feel a pang of sympathy for her struggles.
Arianaâs voice was surprisingly relaxed as she talked about raising Melon alone for half a decade.
It hadnât been easy, but that chapter was behind her now.
She had faced many challenges, yet the loss that haunted her most was the tragic death of Theodore and their newborn daughterâs death in a fire.
As Ariana dwelled on these memories, tears started to form in her eyes.
She wrapped her arms around Holden from behind and said, âAs long as youâre still here with me, Iâm happy.
â
After a brief pause, she continued, âMelon was born weak and sick.
Iâve spent the last five years getting him treatment at Melcorn.
And our daughter⦠It was me who didnât protect her well.
â
Ariana rested her head against Holdenâs back, letting her tears fall.
âShe was born with a weak heart and had to be kept in the hospitalâs neonatal unit.
That night, a fire broke out, and I couldnât save her.
â
Holden felt a deep pain in his heart, and tears welled up in his eyes as he turned to embrace her.
He caressed her hair, saying, âThis isnât your fault.
Itâs mine for not being there for you, for not protecting you two.
â
Ariana wiped away her tears and gently shook her head.
âI know youâve had your own battles.
Seeing you alive and well is all I need.
â
She gazed into Holdenâs eyes, tenderly tracing his brows and smiling through her tears.
âI used to only hope you were still out there, somewhere.
Now, youâre here with me.
Itâs more than I couldâve wished for.
â
Holden wrapped her in his arms, gently stroked her hair, and reassured her, âIâll be here for you.
Iâll always be by your side.
â