hapter 5 Ariella hadn't expected him to wake so suddenly . Before she could think of what to say , his voice broke the silence , heavy with self - reproach . " I'm sorry . I shouldn't have spoken to you like that yesterday . I know you were just caught up in it when the flowerpot fell . I was so worried about Marisa that I lashed out without thinking . I didn't mean the things I said . I never wanted to be unfair to you . Please don't hold it against me . She knew his outburst had come only from his deep concern for Marisa . Turning her gaze aside , Ariella offered a faint , dismissive smile . " You don't need to explain . I understand . " Her calm response seemed to ease Kenton at last . " Who were you talking to on the phone earlier ? And where are you going ? " he asked . " It wasn't me . A close friend of mine is coming to visit , " Ariella lied smoothly , her expression unchanged . Kenton nodded without suspicion . " She'll be staying about a month , right ? That's good - you'll have company . I have to leave in five days for an overseas trip , an important project . Knowing she's here with you will give me some peace of mind . " As he spoke , Ariella noticed his eyes flicker away from hers . She knew he was lying , too . In truth , Kenton wasn't leaving in five days for a business project - he was going to arrange a lavish wedding for Marisa . Watching how they , once so honest and open with each other , had fallen into deception , Ariella felt a strange mix of sorrow and bitter amusement . Her chuckle slipped out , sounding more like a sob , catching Kenton's attention . " What's wrong ? Don't you want me to go abroad ? This project is critical for the company - I 06 : 121 Chapter 5 288 Vouchers have to handle it myself . But don't worry . I'll be back in less than ten days . After that , I'll clear my schedule and spend all my time with you , okay ? " Ariella longed to tell him the truth - that she didn't need his company , that he should focus on what really mattered to him , whether for ten days , ten years , or forever . However , before she could speak , a nurse arrived with the news that Marisa had regained . consciousness . Kenton didn't hesitate : he offered a quick excuse and rushed off to see her . Left behind . Ariella pressed a hand against her chest , where the dull ache spread , and whispered to herself for comfort . Soon , she told herself , it would all be over - no more pretending . Back at home , she quietly began packing her things . To make sure Kenton couldn't find her , she entrusted her most important belongings to a friend , asking her to have everything sent abroad on a private flight . She went through all her social media accounts , erasing every trace of herself before beginning the process of deactivation . During that time , Kenton came home twice , but he didn't notice anything unusual Each time , he headed straight to the kitchen to prepare a light meal for Marisa before leaving again . Watching him move about the kitchen , Ariella couldn't help remembering how he once hired . famous chefs to teach him how to cook - just because she'd been a picky eater as a child . For years , he had painstakingly adjusted recipes until they suited her taste . No matter how busy or tired he was , he had always made sure she had three meals a day prepared by his hands . But ever since Marisa appeared , those meals had grown fewer and fewer In fact , it had been nearly half a year since Ariella last tasted anything he had cooked . And now , she no longer needed his care .. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!