Catching a flicker of unease cross Theodoreâs usually composed face, Ariana asked nonchalantly, âIs something wrong?â
With a quick shake of his head, Theodore minimized his chat with Horace.
âNothing, just work-related stuff.
â
âAlright.
â Lost in her own thoughts, Ariana merely nodded.
Their usual easy conversation faded into silence as they travelled home.
Back at the apartment, Ariana intended to sneak in a quick reply to Mitchel, hoping Theodore wouldnât notice.
Yet, he was unusually attentive, hovering like a shadow.
He was there with a glass of water when she was thirsty, and sat next to her, laptop in tow, while she watched TV.
Feeling increasingly uneasy, she decided to break the awkwardness.
Shutting off the TV, she announced, âIâm heading for a shower.
â
âOkay.
â
To her surprise, Theodore followed her into the bathroom.
Taken aback, she stuttered out, â
Grinning, Theodore stepped in.
âIâLL run your bath.
â
Although it felt odd, Ariana didnât object.
As she settled into the warm bath, Theodoreâs bizarre behavior started to make sense.
His constant proximity, as if he was worried sheâd disappear, was he feeling insecure due to the Anderson Groupâs financial turmoil?
âou, you areââ
But that didnât seem to fit the Theodore she knew.
Unable to decipher his actions, her mind wandered to the pregnancy test.
She sighed heavily.
Without her phone, the only chance to message Mitchel would be once Theodore dozed off.
Emerging from the bathroom, she spotted him with her phone.
Alarm bells rang in her head, fearing heâd seen Mitchelâs text.
She made a beeline for the phone, but just as she was about to snatch it, she saw a phone call in progress from Sarah.
Caught off guard, Ariana pulled back her hand, forcing an awkward smile onto her face.
âSarah rang while you were in the shower, so I picked up for you.
â
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After a beat, Theodoreâs gaze locked onto her.
âProblem with that?â
Ariana sensed the undercurrent of suspicion in his voice, so she quickly reassured him, âNo, not at all.
I was just concerned she had something pressing to discuss.
â
While still slightly on edge, Ariana was relieved when Theodore didnât press further.
He simply nodded and handed her the phone.
Turning away to take the call, she was unaware of the intensity in his gaze, a predator watching its prey with unblinking focus.
âAbout time you picked up,â Sarahâs voice came from the other end.
âWeâre having the ribbon-cutting for the studio in three days.
You have to be there.
â
The sudden announcement took Ariana by surprise.
âThat was fast, youâve already set a date?â