Theodore held her tightly, his embrace so firm it was as though he sought to meld her into his very being.
He was trembling uncontrollably, a fear he had never before experienced threatening to overcome him.
What if he had been a moment too late? Would he have lost her forever?
The thought was too unbearable to contemplate.
His ragged breaths grazed Arianaâs neck, communicating the depth of his panic.
She returned his embrace, seeking to comfort him with her words despite her hoarse voice.
âTheodore, Iâm fine.
Youâre here.
You made it in time.
You saved me again.
â
Her soft voice seemed to soothe Theodoreâs shaking soul.
Gradually, he relaxed his grip on Ariana.
Looking up at him, she marshaled the last vestiges of her strength and asked, âDid you see Sarah?â
âSheâs okay.
I had someone escort her away,â Theodore replied, his breath still uneven, and his gaze on Ariana tender as if handling a delicate treasure.
Hearing that Sarah was safe, Ariana managed a comforting smile for Theodore before her strength gave out and she fainted.
âT contacted a private doctor on the way here.
Heâs waiting for us on the first floor,â
âs
Horace announced immediately, stepping forward.
Theodore nodded, preparing to lift Ariana into his arms.
As he did, a sharp pain shot through his right hand.
His body shook in response, but he stubbornly held on to Ariana, refusing to let her go.
In the midst of his emotional turmoil, Theodore hadnât noticed any physical discomfort.
Only now did he realize that his forceful pull to save Ariana had resulted in a dislocated right hand.
Horace, noticing Theodoreâs struggle, quickly stepped forward, offering, âBoss, let me help?â
âNo, Iâve got this,â Theodore insisted without a momentâs hesitation.
Cradling
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Ariana in his arms, he carefully made his way out of the ruins.
Outside, the doctor, who had been waiting anxiously, had already conducted a preliminary examination on Sarah.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she whirled around to see Theodore holding Ariana.
Rushing forward anxiously, she demanded, âWhatâs happened to her?â
Horace explained, âSheâs probably fainted from pushing herself to her limits for too long.
â
Sarah let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
Theodore carefully set Ariana down for the doctor to examine and administer basic first aid.
When he saw the bandages on her neck and hands, he found himself instinctively reaching out to touch her cheek.
Only by feeling her steady breathing could he quell his own panic.