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 again. Then, he

"Got it."

It was as though he

bidding me farewell with the utmost respect. At that moment, I could feel a rift growing and expanding between Neal and

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

keep protecting you as long

was all tanned because of his training. He stopped a few steps in front of

24

kept walking backward the

to get married once I've graduated. I

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

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

and farewells often came with a lot of uncontrollable factors. Zachary and Cindy's case was a good example. No matter what, love could never

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

over to me. I didn't know him,

Jones, Captain Steele wants me to ask you

nothing but a scapegoat. But since. both Silas and Neal wanted me to see

all the way to Brittany's room. That was

quite similar to Claudia-petite, 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

the other hand, Brittany had a pair of sharp-looking

on her face, I could tell that Brittany had not grown up in

having

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

don't regret it. It's just a shame, you know? I'm so close

with him."

""Who is he?"

banquet one month later. She