Melon responded earnestly.
“Sounds like a plan. Daddy will be looking forward to it.”
After a few more exchanges, Holden ended the call.
Melon gleefully leapt into Ariana’s arms, his eyes alight.
“Mommy, Daddy really does love me.”
Ariana looked down at him, her eyes a blend of amusement and sadness.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe tenderly tousled her son’s hair and encouraged him to go play.
Then, she quietly opened a messaging app and sent a two-word message to the other person.
“Thank you.”
A prompt reply arrived.
Angela’s Library
“You’re welcome. Melon is so adorable.”
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 Theodore’s 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.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Why is Mr. Fredrick sending a gift again?”
“hat?” Shawn appeared equally baffled.
“I’m not sure. Mr. Fredrick didn’t mention anything about this to me.
“We can’t keep accepting these gifts.” Ariana sent another message and remembered the incident from
last time. Since Shawn probably wasn’t aware of all the details, she added, “Please tell me Mr.
Fredrick’s social media account. I’ll talk to him directly.”
Shawn’s response didn’t 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, Ariana’s phone finally blinked with a message from Shawn.
“Mr. Fredrick is meditating on it.”