Exasperation compelled Ariana to return the money, accompanied by a stern message promptly.
âIâll have no choice but to block and remove you if this persists!â It was underscored by an irate emoji of a kitten engaged in a petulant display.
The sight of the cartoon felineâs animated exasperation tugged at the corners of Holdenâs mouth, eliciting an involuntary quirk.
At this moment, her vexation appeared endearingly childlike and charming.
Perhaps pushed by an uncharacteristically good mood, Holden couldnât resist prolonging the conversation.
One exchange led to another, ultimately segueing into a discussion about their children.
âIs the mantle of a single parent an arduous one to bear?â he inquired, recognizing the gaps in his understanding of her life.
Interpreting his question through the lens of his own caregiving responsibilities, Ariana mirrored the question, âAnd what about you?
Does the role of a single father prove taxing?â
Without hesitation, Holden responded with genuine candor, âNothing tiring about it.
Embracing fatherhood brings me immense joy, and I aspire to be the best father I can be.
â
Even before Ariana could formulate a reply, he added, âThough I suppose I donât precisely fit the definition of âsingle,â as my daughterâs mother is very much present in her life.
â
Following a contemplative pause, Ariana finally unburdened herself, her words flowing like a riverâs gentle current, âItâs heartening to hear that.
Unlike my circumstances, I lost my sonâs father before his birth.
To this day, I havenât found the strength to reveal this painful truth to my son.
â
âIâm sorry.
â Holdenâs reply dripped with empathy.
âI regret broaching this topic.
Ariana faintly smiled as she responded, âItâs alright.
By the way, what led to your daughter falling ill?â
Holden hesitated for a moment.
Then, finally, he gave just a vague answer, âJust a minor issue.
â
Although he felt that Ariana seemed to be a good person so far, he didnât want others to look at Adele strangely.
Ariana didnât delve further into the matter.
She just gave a light advice, âAs the seasons change, be extra vigilant to keep your little girl warm.
â
Absent-minded, Holden typed a âSureâ in response.
He was preoccupied by his thoughts at the moment.
Holden and Ariana chatted for a short while again before Ariana ended the chat.
She had to get back to revising the project proposal.
Alone in the quiet Living room, elbows on knees and fingers intertwined, Holden was deep in thought.
Shawn soon arrived with a tall glass of water and cold capsules.
He looked at Holden thoughtfully for a moment and then said, âSir, your nasal voice indicates that your cold is persisting.
Please pay more attention to your health.
â
Holden nodded, and took a long sip of the refreshing liquid.
After a brief thought, he opened his desk drawer and retrieved a business card which he handed to Shawn.
âDo a background check on this organization,â Holden instructed.
âIâUL do that right away, sir.
â Shawn took the card with a bow and then quickly read it.
It was the business card of a childrenâs charity foundation.
Two days later, Ariana received a notice from the variety show, requiring her presence for the beginning of the filming scheduled for the following week.
She only had a few days to prepare.
She immediately began assembling documents and checking personnel.
She was doing several things at once.