Melon responded earnestly.
âSounds like a plan.
Daddy will be looking forward to it.
â
After a few more exchanges, Holden ended the call.
Melon gleefully leapt into Arianaâs arms, his eyes alight.
âMommy, Daddy really does love me.
â
Ariana looked down at him, her eyes a blend of amusement and sadness.
She tenderly tousled her sonâs hair and encouraged him to go play.
Then, she quietly opened a messaging app and sent a two-word message to the other person.
âThank you.
â
A prompt reply arrived.
âYouâre welcome.
Melon is so adorable.
â
âs
After a brief exchange, the conversation ended.
Ariana pocketed her phone, but her thoughts inevitably returned to Theodore.
No matter how hard she tried, his face haunted her.
She sighed, realizing that Theodoreâs influence seemed inescapable.
By evening, Ariana and Melon received another package containing collectible figurines.
The sender was, once again, Holden.
Puzzled, Ariana frowned.
Was he hooked on sending gifts?
She turned to Shawn and messaged him.
âWhy is Mr.
Fredrick sending a gift again?â
âhat?â Shawn appeared equally baffled.
âIâm not sure.
Mr.
Fredrick didnât mention anything about this to me.
âWe canât keep accepting these gifts.
â Ariana sent another message and remembered the incident from last time.
Since Shawn probably wasnât aware of all the details, she added, âPlease tell me Mr.
Fredrickâs social media account.
Iâll talk to him directly.
â
Shawnâs response didnât come.
Casting a glance at the clock, Ariana speculated that Shawn was probably deep in consultation with Holden about her matter.
Not letting it occupy her mind, she carried on with her tasks.
After half an hour, Arianaâs phone finally blinked with a message from Shawn.
âMr.
Fredrick is meditating on it.
â