Stop destroying other people’s relationships.”
Despite the harshness of these words, Ariana couldn’t suppress a chuckle. She replied, “You’re Sadie, aren’t you? Drop the act.”
The ensuing reply was an intensified storm of curses, brimming with even harsher insults and profanities.
Ariana lost interest in engaging further. She blocked the sender, set her phone aside, and went to freshen up, trying to leave the matter behind.
She attempted to project nonchalance, but the sting of the photos lingered in her mind.
Brushing her teeth, her expression somber, Ariana felt a weight in her chest. A surge of frustration bubbled within her, yet no outlet for release seemed available. Holden’s memory loss, his ignorance of their past, and his involvement with someone else seemed excusable, yet painful.
Ariana had faith in Holden’s words that he hadn’t touched Sadie, but the visual proof still wrenched her heart.
Engulfed in these thoughts, tears began to form and slowly trailed down her cheeks.
Just then, the doorbell chimed. Hastily wiping her tears, Ariana answered, expecting perhaps a delivery. To her surprise, Rodney and Judy stood at her doorstep.
With a mix of shock and hospitality, Ariana welcomed them. “Mr. Chadwick, what brings you here? Please, come inside.”
After stepping inside, Rodney cast a critical eye on Ariana’s head injury and let out a disapproving sigh. “You’re so young, yet the hospital seems to be your second residence now. You’ve barely recovered from a shoulder wound, and now, there’s a head injury. You might be a grown woman, but you’re proving to be more of a handful than Melon.”
Ariana felt a twinge of embarrassment under Rodney’s chiding gaze, yet she recognized his genuine concern.
It had been a long while since she had experienced such parental care. With a sheepish smile, she helped Judy carry the groceries into the kitchen.
“Mommy, who’s here?” At that moment, Melon, accompanied by Adele, came down the stairs. His eyes sparkled with joy upon spotting Rodney in the living room. “Mr. Chadwick! Did you come to visit me?”
Rodney beckoned Melon over, and Melon dashed eagerly into his embrace.
Rodney hoisted Melon into his arms and affectionately patted his head.
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He lifted Melon slightly and said with a smile, “Let’s see if my little treasure has gotten a bit chubby.”
“Mommy says being chubby is okay as long as I’m healthy,” Melon replied, gazing up at Rodney.
“Your mommy is absolutely right. Are you enjoying kindergarten?”
Rodney asked.
Melon’s eyes lit up with excitement as he eagerly shared his kindergarten experiences. It was then that Rodney noticed Adele standing quietly in the corner, clutching a stuffed toy, her expression one of solitude and vulnerability.
Recognizing her from the hospital, Rodney beckoned the little girl to come closer.
Adele hesitated at first but then slowly approached. Rodney reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of candy, offering it to her with a gentle smile.
Adele examined the candy, tilting her head. After a moment’s contemplation, she accepted it. Then, looking up at Rodney, she mimicked Melon’s earlier address, saying, “Mr. Chadwick.”