Jolie glanced at a photo on her phone and let out a derisive snort.
âTruly pathetic, choosing someone based on looks alone.
Sheâs ignoring the son of the Chadwick family for the owner of a brick factory.
Sure, this man is good-looking.
But just owning a brick factory? With no wealth and no influence, heâs nowhere near Mitchelâs league,â she muttered.
Ariana had been tricked into entering Holdenâs room.
The moment she stepped in, Holden wrapped her in a tight hug.
He pressed his face into her shoulder, gently ki*sing and caressing her.
Frozen for a moment, Ariana finally exhaled and gently tried to push him away.
âThatâs enough; I came to help you find your medicine.
â
Yet, Holden didnât loosen his hold.
He nuzzled her again and ki*sed her forehead, moving down to her neck as he whispered, âI donât need any other medicine.
You are my cure.
A ki*s will suffice.
â
He then softly ki*sed her lips.
That was when Ariana realized she had been duped.
Irritated, she pinched Holdenâs cheek.
As he leaned forward again, she playfully bit his face, leaving a faint mark.
Just then, Holdenâs phone rang.
Still embracing Ariana, he didnât bother to check who it was and said, âItâs probably Melon calling.
Can you get it for me? I need to get dressed.
â
Ariana nodded.
Holden released her before he went to dress.
Ariana followed the sound and found Holdenâs phone under a pillow.
The lock screen of Holdenâs phone displayed a sneakily taken photo of Ariana.
Seeing it, Ariana couldnât help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through her heart.
As she answered the video call, Ariana saw Melon and Adele, both looking happy.
âMommy Iâ
âAria!â
Ariana, brimming with happiness, chatted with them.
Melon, clutching the phone, asked, âMommy, when are you coming home? It feels like ages since I last saw you.
â
In fact, they had just met that morning.
With a warm smile, Ariana replied, âIâll be home very soon, sweetheart.
â
Then, Adele popped into the frame, exclaiming, âAria! I miss you!â
âI miss you, too, Adele! How about I bake you a special cake when Iâm back?â Ariana proposed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Adele nodded enthusiastically.
Soon, Holden, now dressed, joined Ariana, drawing her close so their heads touched in a snug pose.
He greeted the children with a cheerful smile.