Holden’s fingers almost touched Ariana’s face, the warmth of her skin almost palpable. But suddenly, he pulled back as if jolted awake.
Regaining his senses, confusion and frustration welled within Holden.
A deep breath was his attempt to re-anchor himself to the moment.
It dawned on him just how profound her unconscious influence over him was. He felt irresistibly drawn to her, a sensation he couldn’t reconcile with.
This unfamiliar lack of control was unnerving. Holden recalled similar entrancements he’d felt around her before.
He distanced himself, choosing a seat on the sofa by the bed, deliberately avoiding Ariana’s tranquil face. Yet, even out of sight, she was not out of mind. Her presence was pervasive, dominating his thoughts.
No past experience came to mind that could explain this magnetism. He was certain Ariana hadn’t bewitched him; the turmoil was entirely his own doing.
But why? What about her elicited such a reaction from him? Doubts and questions swirled within.
The accident had stripped him of his memories. His grandfather’s recounting of his past always felt like tales of another person’s life.
He had come to terms with that detachment, chalking it up to the aftermath of memory loss.
However, his body’s innate reactions to Ariana raised unsettling questions. Was there a forgotten bond between them? A connection his mind couldn’t remember but his very being still felt?
His turbulent reflections were disrupted when the family doctor entered the room. After a quick examination, the doctor said, “It’s just a fainting spell due to stress. She should come around soon.”
Holden exhaled softly, relieved by the doctor’s words. He gave a curt nod of acknowledgment.
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Spotting an opportune moment, Shawn interjected, “Sir, we’ve found the person responsible for locking the door.”
With a gesture, the bodyguards brought forth the plump maid, who looked visibly apprehensive.
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She hadn’t anticipated her actions reaching Holden’s attention.
Flustered, she hastily tried to defend herself.
“I only told her the light was broken, but she insisted on going in. I promise I don’t know who locked the door!”
Shawn, having already seen the evidence on security footage, remained stoic, waiting for Holden’s verdict.
The maid’s eyes darted around nervously, regretful of her oversight.
She had mistakenly assumed Holden, often absent from the estate, wouldn’t get involved.
Previous psychologists had been short-term visitors, and she had believed Ariana would follow suit, hence her harmless trick to deter Ariana.
She hadn’t imagined the severe consequences of her prank. She regretfully looked at Ariana’s still form on the bed.