Ariana pondered for a moment, about to speak, but Sarah beat her to it.
âToday is Arianaâs birthday, and someone should have prepared a feast.
Itâs not our turn to celebrate her birthday.
â
Ariana found herself grappling with the daunting task of explaining her lack of recent communication with Theodore to Sarah.
The sight of Sarah and Aziel getting along so well cast a shadow over her intentions to say her story today.
©
The scene of the two made her think that she couldnât voice her concerns without jeopardizing the pleasant atmosphere or revealing her innermost thoughts too much.
âActually, I wonât be able to stay for dinner tonight.
I have other pressing matters to attend to,â Ariana said, pretending to be taken aback as she glanced at her watch.
âCan you believe it? Itâs nearly five oâclock already! I must dash.
Else, traffic will catch up with me!â ©
With her bag hastily slung over her shoulder, Ariana hurriedly left, escorted by Sarah to the door.
Just as they were about to bid farewell, Sarahâs playful demeanor dissolved into seriousness as she asked, âWhatâs happened between you and Theodore?â
Ariana, in the midst of changing her shoes, raised her head in surprise upon hearing the question.
Sarah let out a sigh and guided her to sit on the porch chair.
âWhen I was teasing you earlier, I couldnât help but notice a flicker of unease in your eyes.
Have you two had a fight? Have you divulged the news of your pregnancy to him?â
âYou certainly have a keen eye for matters of the heart,â Ariana replied softly, feeling a twinge of embarrassment.
âItâs not a monumental issue per se.
Theodore and I still have unresolved matters between us, which have been weighing heavily onme.
â ©
âI understand,â Sarah empathized, removing a lollipop from her pocket and offering it to Ariana.
âIndulging in some sweetness might bring you a modicum of solace.
â
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âThank you.
â Ariana accepted the lollipop, placing it in her mouth before speaking slowly.
âI havenât revealed my pregnancy to him yet.
Iâm grappling with how to broach the subject.
â
âWhile I may not comprehend your reasons for withholding such news from Theodore, Iâve always stood by your side as a friend,â Sarah reassured, wearing a warm smile as she dr@ped an arm around Arianaâs shoulder.
âBut as someone several years your senior, I feel compelled to advise you to confront this head-on.
Evading problems only begets more complications.
Regardless of the outcome, at least you wonât be plagued by regret.
I once hesitated and turned away from Aziel due to our age disparity and the scars of past relationships.
However, his unwavering persistence touched me deeply.
And now, I find myself in a relationship that embodies my long-held dreams!â
Sarahâs joy was palpable as she continued, âItâs the first time Iâve experienced a sense of contentment and stability.
He has brought me immense happiness.
Often, the power to choose resides within our own hands, Ariana.
I hope you can grant yourself a chance.
I can see how much you care for Theodore.
In that case, donât shy away from tackling the problems head-on.
â ©
Ariana found Sarahâs words to be remarkably insightful.
Upon leaving Sarahâs residence, Ariana headed downtown.
Throughout her journey, she couldnât help but keep looking at her phone, hoping for a message from Theodore.
However, only a notification from the restaurant she was called by yesterday greeted her eyes every time.
The message contained the detailed address and appointment time: six oâclock in the evening.
But alas, it was already half past six! ©
She had made it explicitly clear last night that she wouldnât go there.
Now that the scheduled time had passed, Theodore, being the proud man he was, might have already left.
Or maybe he hadnât shown up at all!
A wave of sadness washed over Ariana, yet Sarahâs words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the futility of avoidance.
Should she go to the restaurant?
As the clock struck seven in the evening, Eleymond buzzed with vibrant energy.
The entrance to Blue Night Manor welcomed a continuous stream of luxury cars.
Ariana stood hesitantly at the gate of the manor.
It had been an hour past their agreed meeting time.
Even if Theodore had shown up, he surely would have left by now.