Novel Square
Chapter 996
After a pause to regain her composure, she continued, “I apologize for losing my cool when | heard a voice similar to his. | must seem quite foolish.”
“It's okay,” the man responded gently. “We all have things that are hard to let go of. | do too.” The conversation took a turn, becoming more casual.
Ariana found herself surprisingly at ease talking to him. Perhaps the resemblance of their voices eased her into an effortless flow of dialogue.
On the other end, Holden savored every word Ariana spoke. Regardless of the topic, her voice seemed to wash away his fatigue.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
As Ariana carried on her conversation while also checking her app for any responses to her request, she noticed that no one had replied yet, likely due to the short notice.
Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she quickly said, “By the way, could | ask you for a favor?” “What kind of favor?” Holden inquired. ANGELA'‘sLIBRARY
Ariana took a deep breath before explaining, “You see, | haven't mustered the courage to tell my son about his father’s death. He’s been longing for a call from his dad. Could you pretend to be him and call my son tomorrow? I'll make sure to pay you for it once it’s done.”
Hearing the word “pay,” Holden chuckled softly.
The sound of his chuckle made Ariana’s heart quiver.
It was eerily reminiscent of how Theodore used to Laugh.
She pinched her hand tightly, reminding herself to stay composed.
The man on the other end was just an online friend; there was no way he could be Theodore. Then she heard him ask, “Regarding the payment you mentioned, how much do you plan to offer?” Given that he didn’t seem to be in financial need, Ariana lightened the mood with a joke.
“| won't be so predictable as to transfer money the moment we agree.”
Catching the nuance in her words, he cleared his throat and redirected the conversation.
“Alright, what should | be aware of?
Fill me in.”
Taking a moment to think, Ariana briefed him on her son’s birthday, his likes and dislikes, and the questions Melon might pose. After listening carefully, the man spoke up, “I understand what you've shared. However, you've left out the most crucial detail.”
Puzzled, Ariana wondered what she could have missed.