But now, he could assert with confidence that the previous occupants of that apartment were indeed Theodore and Ariana.
Zayden’s ploys were too shallow for him!
Holden glanced at his phone, powered off the screen, and then pushed open the door.
Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, from this moment forward, he was both Theodore and Holden. While not entirely convinced of his identity as Theodore, there was one thing he was steadfastly sure of-when it came to Ariana, he was resolute in not letting her go.
In the hospital room, Ariana slowly surfaced from her unconsciousness, grappling to peel open her eyelids as if wading through thick fog, her brain throbbing with confusion.
After a brief moment of mental reorientation, memories flooded back: the empty church, the anxious embrace of… Holden.
Yes, Holden. The one whose resemblance to Theodore was striking.
As that face flickered in Ariana’s mind, the IV needle still tethered to her hand hardly concerned her. She shoved the blanket aside, intent on finding Holden.
Just then, the door creaked open, and there stood the very person she wanted to see.
For a brief moment, they locked eyes in silence.
Ariana scrutinized the man standing before her, studying every contour of his face with intensity. It was familiar and comforting.
As she looked at Holden, her eyes welled up.
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Holden composed himself, taking a seat beside her, genuine concern lacing his softly spoken words. “How are you feeling now?
As he spoke, he noticed the IV needle askew on Ariana’s hand, tiny droplets of blood forming.
‘s
Gently, he took her hand, using a cotton swab to dab away the blood, and then carefully readjusted the skewed needle.
Every movement of his felt like an echo from the past to Ariana, as if time hadn’t altered a thing.
Her eyes reddened, and she gazed at him, a tear trickling down uncontrollably, landing on her hand and Holden’s fingertip.
Holden’s motions paused momentarily, his gaze lifting slowly to meet Ariana’s. He reached out, tenderly brushing away her tears. “Don’t cry,” he said, his voice unexpectedly strained, emotions tangling his words.
Ariana stared at him, unable to shift her gaze, her voice trembling as she asked, “Theodore, is it really you?”
Tentatively extending her hand to touch his face, fear laced her tone.