Chapter 1702: Chapter 1712

When Holden heard this, his heart clenched with pain.

Finally, he understood the source of Ariana’s hesitation just now.

Her hesitation stemmed not from a lack of desire to marry him, but from her fear that she might not survive in the end.

Lowering his head, Holden ki*sed the back of Ariana’s hand and then rested his forehead against it, staying silent for a long while.

After some time, Ariana felt a warmth and realized it was from Holden’s tears.

He was crying.

Ariana’s eyes also welled up with tears.

“Holden,” Ariana said, holding back tears as she choked on her sobs.

“If I can’t make it, promise me you’ll take care of the children.

I know you’ll be a great father.

You can—”

“Don’t say that.

You’re not going to die.

There has to be a cure for you.

Ariana, I can’t bear the thought of losing you.

If something happens to you, I can’t go on alone,” Holden interjected.

“Mitchel is working on finding a solution.

If he can’t, we’ll find another way.

Please, just hang on.

”

Seeing the stubbornness on Holden’s face and his unwillingness to give up on her, Ariana felt even more heartbroken and powerless.

She held Holden’s hand tightly, saying nothing, and slowly closed her eyes, allowing tears to stream down her cheeks.

Holden took a deep breath, calming himself, and reached out to gently wipe Ariana’s tears away.

“You’re a patient now.

Try not to worry too much.

Just rest,” Holden said softly, ki*sing her hand tenderly.

“I’ll ensure you are safe and sound.

”

Ariana nodded, a mixture of acceptance and surrender in her eyes.

“Okay, I trust you.

”

Just then, a nurse entered the room, greeting Holden respectfully.

“Mr.

Fredrick,” she said with a nod.

Hearing the voice, Holden lifted his head.

His brow furrowed with concern; he wondered if the nurse would deliver more bad news about Ariana’s condition.

Before he could continue his thoughts, the nurse gently removed Ariana’s oxygen mask, spoke to them for a bit, and turned to Leave the room.

Just then, Holden’s phone rang.

He frowned again at the caller ID, stood up, and moved to the window to answer the call.

Noticing the nurse about to leave, Ariana weakly stopped her, saying, “Since the oxygen mask has been removed, can I eat solid food instead of just Liquids?”