The sight of Ariana perched so high, contemplating a jump, alarmed him.
The thought of her leaping from such a height and possibly injuring herself was unnerving.
âDonât move,â Holden urged, his voice tinged with anxiety, worried Ariana might tumble down and hurt herself.
Approaching the wall, he stretched out his arms towards her.
âJump to me.
Iâll catch you,â he said.
Ariana scanned her surroundings, realizing she had no better option.
With her eyes closed, she leaped towards Holden.
The next thing she knew, she was enveloped in a warm embrace, safe in Holdenâs arms.
As she let out a sigh of relief, Holdenâs voice, filled with concern, reached her ears.
âWhy are you here? And why did you climb the tree? You know itâs dangerous to climb so high, right?â
Ariana became infuriated the moment Holden voiced his thoughts.
He didnât know why? Did he think she had nothing better to do?
Ariana regained her composure and swiftly jumped out of Holdenâs embrace.
Without a word or a glance back at him, she left the yard.
Holden was taken aback.
He didnât understand why Ariana was angry.
Rushing to catch up with her, he grasped her hand.
âWhatâs the matter? Iâm just worried about you.
Are you upset? I might have been too harsh earlier.
I was just really concerned.
â
Ariana shook off his hand without facing him and replied coldly, âIâm not upset.
What right or status do I have to be upset?â She then began to walk away.
Holden hurried after her, sensing her anger despite her denial.
Without hesitation, he took Arianaâs hand and clarified, âIâve just organized a new house for Sadie.
Thereâs nothing more to it.
Please donât misinterpret anything.
â
Glancing at him, Ariana asked, âA new house? She wonât stay in the Fredrick mansion anymore? What about Adele?â
Holden explained slowly, âSheâs still Adeleâs mother.
Thatâs a fact.
â
The more Holden explained, the more despondent Ariana seemed.
With a somber expression, she asked, âAnd what about the baby sheâs carrying? Whatâs your plan for that?â
Relieved to see that Ariana was not going to leave soon, Holden sighed and explained, âWeâll have to consult Zayden to understand whatâs happening.
Everything will become clear once the baby is born.
â
âGot it,â Ariana said in a low voice.