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.

on his cap once again. Then, he took

"Got it."

as though he was only a year or two

Only then did he turn his back on me. It was as 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 disappeared from my line of

I was a university student, I remembered Neal having confessed to me. But it was so long ago, not to mention the way he had mentioned it

protecting you as

few steps in front of me before turning around to look at me,

24

kept walking backward the

get married once I've graduated.

didn't overthink whatever Neal had said to me. I 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

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

a good example. No matter what, love could never conquer all obstacles in life. This was

closer to Neal, I'd end up bringing him nothing but misfortune. "I'll treat you to a meal... but now's not the

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

Steele wants me to ask you if

both Silas and Neal wanted me to see Brittany, I might as well do it. So, I nodded in

way to Brittany's room. That was when ! saw her

looked quite similar to Claudia-petite, skinny, and had an angelic face. But the biggest difference between her

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

not grown up in a rich

you regret having

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

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

with him."

""Who is he?"

one month later.