Theodore met her gaze, set down his knife and fork, wiped his hands with a napkin, and replied, âWhat would you like to know?â
âHow do you feel about tonightâs dinner?â Ariana asked hesitantly.
Although she didnât want to ask this question, she was uncertain how to broach the topic she truly wished to discuss.
Theodore was mildly surprised by her inquiry.
He chuckled and said, âItâs quite enjoyable.
Horace selected this restaurant, and his taste is usually impeccable.
â
Ariana agreed, âYes, itâs quite nice.
â
Subsequently, she was at a loss for words and unsure of what to say next.
Ariana reached out to touch the roses beside her and inquired, âWhatâs the occasion for these flowers today?â
Perhaps she should have said ârosesâ instead? In Arianaâs understanding, roses were typically reserved for oneâs beloved.
Theodore remained silent, simply gazing at her.
âTheodore, youâve not only sent me flowers but also moved in next door.
Youâve been attentive and supportive.
What exactly are you trying to achieve?â
Seemingly fearful of his response, she continued without waiting for an answer, âI confess that broke my vow and fell for you during our marriage of convenience.
Itâs infuriating.
So, this is my final question, and I ask you earnestly, do you genuinely care for me?â
It was only after asking the question that she felt a sense of relief.
If Theodore were to provide a negative response, she would abandon hope entirely.
Following a prolonged silence, Theodore spoke.
âDoes it truly matter whether I like you or not? Ariana, I assure you that you will always remain my wife, and I will never entertain affection for another woman.
I can fulfill all your desires.
Why are you so insistent on an answer, even secretly plotting to leave me and file for divorce?â
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Hearing his words, Ariana was momentarily stunned.
It then dawned on her that Theodore had discovered the divorce papers.
Perhaps it was when the police returned her bag after the car accident and Theodore found them inside.
No wonder he had appeared troubled all of a sudden in the hospital that day.
She pressed her lips together and declared, âYes, I want to divorce you.
â
Theodore was shocked by how firmly Ariana used the word âdivorce.
â
His expression darkened.
âIs this your plan?â
âYes, if you donât love me, then letâs part ways.
I wonât force you to love me.
â Ariana spoke with difficulty.
After a lengthy silence, Theodore asked gently, âWhy did you initially agree to marry me, someone you didnât know? At that time, you didnât even know whether I would wake up or not.
Now, youâve fallen in love with me, but you want a divorce.
He scoffed and continued, âIs it just because of my feelings? Is the answer that crucial? Even if I provide a positive response, it would be meaningless if my actions donât match my words.
Iâve told you I can give you whatever you desire.
â
âExcept love, right?â Ariana gazed at him, disappointed, trying her best to keep her voice calm.
âYes, I admit that I had my own motives for marrying you initially, but not anymore.
â
Theodore remained silent, watching her with a complex expression.
Ariana lowered her gaze, tightened her fists, and said, âIf I never fell in love with you, I might have agreed to your proposal to be your wife and a member of the Anderson family forever.
But itâs precisely because I truly fell in love with you that I canât bear to see myself sinking deeper into a loveless marriage.
â