All of a sudden, Ariana found Helen had led her astray.
Didnât they talk about having children initially? Could Theodoreâs aversion to parenthood be connected to Marley?
Disappointment engulfed Ariana once more.
It suddenly dawned on her that when they had returned to the Edwardsâ house, Theodore had become moody after seeing a photo of her and Jasper in her room.
At that time, she had assumed his change in mood was due to his discomfort with the picture of his wife and her ex.
Feeling guilty, she had even sent him some late-night snacks into his room as a peace offering, which only angered him further.
Now, the truth laid bare.
His distress had never been about her.
All his care and tendemess had been reserved for another girl who held an irreplaceable place in his heart.
Like a naive fool, she had believed she had acquired a treasure that others envied, holding onto it with all her might.
Little did she know that it was all a fabrication, spun by the hunter to lure her into a cunning trap.
Helen stood at the doorway of the study, her gaze fixed upon Ariana, who appeared lost in her own thoughts.
A mocking expression appeared on Helenâs face.
âNow you finally understand, youâre nothing more than a despicable substitute.
Theodore doesnât love you at all, which is why he wonât allow you to bear his child.
â
Ariana suddenly lifted her head, her eyes filled with a cold, unwavering stare fixed on Helen.
âI refuse to believe it.
This must be a lie.
â
Helen felt a pang of annoyance.
How could Ariana be so defensive?
âStop deceiving yourself.
Even if I wanted to deceive you, the evidence in those photos cannot be fabricated.
â Impatience laced Helenâs words as she continued, âTheodore has always held a special place in his heart for Marley.
Itâs highly unlikely that this sentiment would change, regardless of how much time passes.
He keeps her photographs in prominent places, ensuring they remain within his constant view, simply because he doesnât want to forget her.
Let me thinkâ¦â
Pausing briefly to consider, Helen clapped her hands lightly as if an idea had just struck her.
âThere are also pictures of Marley in Theodoreâs office.
If you donât believe me, you can go and see for yourself.
Although you probably wonât be able to enter his office.
Theodore detests uninvited guests the most.
â
Ariana could no longer bear the suffocating atmosphere and rose from her seat, making her way towards the door, desperate to escape this place.
âBe sensible and leave Theodore on your own accord.
Donât let him deceive you,â
Helen urged, her face adorned with an innocent smile.
She extended her hand to halt Arianaâs departure.
âItâs becoming tiresome, you know.
If Theodore finds out that youâre pregnant, can you even begin to imagine his reaction?â
âIf 1 am just a substitute, you should be happy.
Why are you always against me?â
Ariana halted abruptly, her smile transforming into something enigmatic.
She turned around and asked, âOr could it be that youâre afraid of something?â
A momentary tenseness washed over Helenâs expression.
She furrowed her brow and responded resolutely, âI was Marleyâs best friend when she was alive.
No one has the right to replace her and take her place in Theodoreâs heart.
I will look after Theodore on behalf of Marley, and you need not interfere.
Iâve been by Theodoreâs side the longest and understand him the most!â
Ariana grew weary of Helenâs incessant references to Theodore.
She pressed her fingers to her ears, displaying impatience.
âYoung lady, who do you think you are?
Just because you were Marleyâs friend, does that grant you the right to become his mistress? Donât forget, 1 am Theodoreâs lawful wife.
1 can take care of my own husband.
I donât need you telling me what to do.
â
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âAriana! Shame on you!â Helenâs emotional defenses crumbled in that moment.
She still couldnât accept the fact that Theodore had married Ariana.
Legally, they were married, and she was the outsider.
âEven if you hold the title of Theodoreâs wife, what does it matter? He doesnât love you.
Itis I who deserve to spend the rest of my days with him.
I donât require him to return my affection like you do.
All I long for is to be by his side.
â
Arianaâs countenance darkened upon hearing these words.
Her response was laced with icy coldness, âHow do you know what I said to Theodore in private?â
A sense of pride enveloped Helen as she replied haughtily, âNaturally, it was Theodore himself who told those details to me.
Perhaps you were unaware.
He can be quite bothersome at times, venting his frustrations on me.
I know all the conversations you two have had.
â