Devin nodded and said, “That’s right. Darian didn’t know. He was only aware that Aimee came with some money. Using Aimee’s resources, Darian kicked off his business. Aimee ended up with a considerable sum and shares in the Anderson Group. But then, Darian’s appalling actions drove Aimee to madness, and he even locked her up.”
Ariana knew what had happened after that. Aimee had given birth to Marley while she had been detained and tragically taken her own Life in front of Theodore.
As their conversation moved on, Ariana brought up Holden’s memory loss.
Devin sighed deeply and said, “It’s true. Holden remembers nothing. The car crash was serious, and he had to undergo surgery immediately. The amnesia was a side effect of that operation.”
Devin then looked at Ariana earnestly and said, “Aldus chose not to tell Holden about his past to spare him further agony. So, I’m asking you, Miss Edwards, not to tell Holden about Aimee’s imprisonment by Darian or the things about Marley.”
Ariana nodded and replied, “I’m with you on that. If his memories are gone, there’s no need for him to carry the burdens of what’s happened before.” Even if it meant he would forget about her.
After a moment of quiet, Devin broke the silence, saying, “About the car crash, Aldus was really upset when he saw you leave Holden there.”
“I didn’t leave them behind. I was trying to…” Ariana began, eager to clarify, but Devin cut her off with a reassuring smile. “Miss Edwards, you don’t have to justify yourself. I trust your intentions. Given that all communication tools were destroyed in the accident, it’s understandable you had to find help on your own. You were also injured, which I assume led to unforeseen complications.”
Ariana could only nod in silence at Devin’s understanding.
Devin continued, “Holden questioned why I hadn’t brought you up in conversation with him. I couldn’t reveal it was due to Aimee and Marley, as we wished to shield him from revisiting past connections. My only excuse was that Aldus had his reasons for keeping you a secret.”
He paused for a moment before adding, “Nonetheless, Holden holds a great deal of trust in you. He’s reached the same conclusion as me, believing you must have encountered some difficulty while trying to get help.”
With a smile, Ariana bowed her head to sip her coffee, acknowledging Devin’s words.
“Holden clearly holds you in high regard. He had even introduced you to Aldus before any of this unfolded. I, too, wish you and Holden could reunite,” Devin remarked, his tone shifting. “However, five years have elapsed, and much has changed.”
Ariana remained quiet, cradling her coffee. She understood Devin’s implication.
In the present, Holden had Sadie and Adele by his side.
Ariana hadn’t made up her mind, but at that moment, her pride wouldn’t allow her to back down. She met Devin’s gaze and said, “What if I choose to be selfish this time? I’ve never filed for Theodore’s death certificate. By law, he’s still my husband.”
Devin exhaled deeply, his response measured. “But now he lives as Holden, not as Theodore. Theodore, and all that he was, perished with his supposed death. Theodore no longer exists in this world, and with his passing, all ties to him, marriage included, are nullified.”
Ariana sank into silence again.
After a moment, she offered a bitter smile and softly said, “It seems that, from the start, my marriage with Theodore was fake. He was never truly mine, and all that I perceived as reality was mere illusion.”
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Devin regarded her with compassion, yet firmly stated, “I’ll refrain from meddling in your personal matters from this point forward. Your decisions are yours alone to make. Should you seek knowledge and it’s within my grasp, I’ll share what I can. Regardless of what the future holds, my sincere wish is for both of you to find joy.”
Ariana sensed the genuineness in Devin’s words and looked at him. She was about to say something more, but after a brief pause, she only said, “Thank you.”
Devin acknowledged her with a nod, maintaining silence for an extended period. Eventually, he hesitantly inquired, “Would it be alright for me to visit Melon?”
Devin appeared somewhat embarrassed by his request, conscious of the harsh words he had previously spoken.
Ariana responded with grace, “Of course, I don’t drag children into adult disputes. Melon can only benefit from having another person in his life who cares for him.” With a slight pause, she added earnestly, “But please, don’t disclose to Melon that Holden is his father. I prefer to clarify things with Holden before deciding whether to share that fact with Melon.”