Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0126 "Ariana."

I was about to leave when a male voice called out to me. Even if I didn't turn around to look at him, I could tell who he was based on

the voice.

I gazed at the exit, which was right in front of me. Then, I let out a deep breath before plastering a smile on my face and turning. around to face the man. "Neal."

I didn't expect to meet Neal at the detention center. After all, he had gone through so much trouble for my sake. I owed him a lot.

Lasked Neal the same question that Zachary had asked me earlier. Are you doing well?"

Neal pursed his bottom lip in response. Though he seemed strong and unbreakable in his uniform, his red-rimmed eyes had completely. given him away.

He was standing on the other end of the corridor. Slowly, he began approaching me.

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry."

Once Heal stood before me, our voices rang out at the same time. He scoffed before breaking out into a smile, revealing his pearly. whites. He took off his cap before asking, "Are you free right now? Let's grab a bite together." I was a little hesitant about the offer, but Neal then added, "I

Π

remember you owing me a meal "

I didn't say anything in response. Yet, Neal continued, "If you think it's inconvenient for us to be alone, then I'll invite my squadmates as well"

I hated owing other people favors the most, especially...en said favors consisted of promises I had made. But it seemed that I'd have to break that promise today.

slowly dimmed. He nodded before putting on his cap once

"Got it."

same age. It was as though he was only a year or two

though he was bidding me farewell with the utmost respect. At that moment, I could feel a rift growing and expanding between Neal and me. I just stood where I was and watched him walk away from me. Even after his silhouette completely

a university student, I remembered Neal having confessed to me. But it was

I'll keep protecting you as

because of his training. He stopped a few steps in front of me before turning around to look

24

face. He kept walking

going to get married once I've graduated. I won't be

enjoyed sharing the things that made me happy with him. But at the same time, our es never intersected with each other during that time frame. After Neal escorted me home one last time, I could see his thin. frame crouching against the tree outside my residence through the window. He happened to be punching the ground out

was crying. Once again, I saw hurt flashing across the eyes of the young man who had once secretly cried

Cindy's case was a good example. No matter what, love could never conquer all obstacles in life.

him nothing but misfortune. "I'll treat you to a meal... but now's not the time," I murmured under

member from the Criminal Investigation Division ran over to me. I didn't know

Jones, Captain Steele wants me to ask you

and Neal wanted me to

the officer all the way to Brittany's room. That

skinny, and had an angelic face. But the biggest difference between her and Claudia was that Claudia could easily mask herself as an innocent and harmless

other hand, Brittany had a pair of sharp-looking eyes that made her look bitter despite her dainty

I could tell that Brittany had not grown

regret having done

tilted her head at a 45-degree angle to look at the cement ceiling above her head. A look of longing could be seen on

it. It's just a shame, you know? I'm so close

with him."

""Who is he?"

she'd throw a banquet one month later. She said she'd make him fall in love