Chapter 1361: Chapter 1371

Turning to Holden, she asked, “Do you really have a headache?”

“Yeah.

” Holden pretended to be aggrieved, bowing his head toward Ariana.

“Go ahead; touch it if you don’t believe me.

”

Ariana’s gaze softened with worry and affection as she looked at Holden.

Compelled, she placed her hand on his forehead, noting the warmth.

As she maintained her gentle touch, Holden took her hand in his and pressed a ki*s to it.

With a reassuring hold around her waist, he said, “It’s really nothing.

The seasons are shifting, and it seems I’ve caught a cold.

That’s all.

”

Despite Holden’s assurances, he looked at her with pitiful eyes.

Ariana felt resigned.

She nudged him lightly.

“Better lie down.

I’ll get you something to help with the cold.

”

As Ariana sifted through the medicine cabinet, she asked, “Where has everyone gone? The house seems so quiet with Devin and the other servants not here.

”

Holden answered with ease, “Today is their day off.

That’s why it’s just me and the kids here.

”

“Their day off?” Ariana echoed, her brow furrowed slightly.

It was rare for the household staff of such an influential family to align their schedules thus.

But she shrugged off the thought, focusing instead on finding the medicine.

Holden breathed a sigh of relief when Ariana didn’t press for more details.

He had orchestrated this today, ensuring he and Ariana could enjoy some undisturbed time together.

Ariana, holding the medicine, asked him, “Have you had anything to eat?”

Holden responded with a slight shake of his head.

“Not as of yet.

”

“Really?” Ariana looked at him, puzzled.

“Are you hungry then?”

Holden gave a compliant nod.

“There’s no need for concern.

The kids have eaten.

I skipped the meal due to my headache.

”

Seeing Holden like this, Ariana let out a weary sigh and put aside the medicine.

“I’m going to fix you something to eat,” she declared.

“Wait for me, will you?”

She started for the kitchen, clueless that Holden and the children were tiptoeing behind her.

When she paused, Holden came to a standstill, the children at his flanks.

Ariana turned and saw them; they clearly wanted to stay by her side all the time.

Ariana wanted to urge them to return to the room, but when she looked at them, a trio of wide, clear eyes met hers, rendering her speechless for a moment.

Glancing at what was left in the kitchen, Ariana decided on making noodles for Holden.

As the scent of the savory noodles filled the air, it caught the attention of the children.

Adele looked on with hopeful eyes, and Melon couldn’t contain his excitement.

“Mommy, Adele and I want some, too!”

Ariana’s face lit up with a tender smile as she prepared two bowls for the eager children, inviting them to sit down.