Mitchel looked in their direction.
He smiled at Ariana and asked, âAre you leaving now?â
Ariana nodded.
âYes.
Itâs already late, so I should take Melon back home.
â
Mitchel nodded in understanding.
They chatted for a while before he said, âItâs already late.
Iâll drive you home.
â
After saying that, he was about to walk out.
But Ariana quickly said, âThank you, but you donât need to do that.
Thereâs someone waiting for us outside.
â
Actually, Ariana didnât want to say Holden was waiting.
She felt a bit awkward.
When Mitchel saw Ariana like this, he already guessed who was waiting for them outside.
So, he nodded and said, âOkay.
But I didnât see his car outside the gate.
â
âI asked him to park the car near the banyan tree,â Ariana explained.
âOkay, Iâll walk you there.
That part of the road is dark,â Mitchel said.
Ariana glanced outside.
Indeed, it was dark.
So she didnât refuse.
âThank you.
â
She held Melonâs little hand and walked towards the banyan tree while chatting with Mitchel.
Before they knew it, they were already in front of the tree.
Ariana raised her head and saw Holden leaning against the car door.
He played with the lighter, making slight clicking sounds from time to time.
He had quit smoking recently, but he still habitually played with his lighter.
Holden heard voices, so he raised his head.
And when he saw Ariana and Mitchel walking toward him together, a trace of displeasure flashed through his eyes.
But it was only fleeting.
He quickly adjusted his expression, walked up to them, and gently pulled Ariana to his side.
He looked at Mitchel, smiled politely, and said, âThank you, Dr.
Chadwick.
â
As he spoke, he held Arianaâs hand and looked at her affectionately.
It was as if he was telling Mitchel that Ariana was his.
Mitchel remained calm.
âItâs okay.
I just did what I should do.
â
Then, he looked at Ariana and said, âBe careful on your way back.
â
He was about to turn around when he suddenly remembered something.
âMelonâs special vitamins are about to run out.
Iâll send them over soon.
Try not to stay up too late, and donât overwork yourself.
Drink plenty of water, and stop drinking too much coffee.
Make sure you get enough sleep at night.
Although your wound has healed, take good care of yourself.
â
While listening to Mitchelâs concern for Ariana, the smile on Holdenâs lips gradually faded.
He couldnât help but feel irritated.
He wished Mitchel would go away quickly.
He now had the urge to drive Mitchel away.
But he restrained himself.