Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Nicholas suddenly became serious, and an inexplicable tension crept into my heart as well.

"We're not married, so why do you need to consult me or seek my approval and support if you want to adopt a child?"

He looked at me intently, emotions swirling in his eyes. It felt like he had already figured everything out but wanted me to say it myself.

I was taken aback. "You're Tabitha's father, after all. If I do adopt that child, Tabitha will inevitably interact with him. I just wanted to let you know-it's not necessarily about seeking your approval..."

"Is that really the case?" He took my hand, his grip tightening around my wrist, pulling me closer. "I'm indeed Tabitha's father, but I have no connection to that little boy. Whether you adopt him or not is entirely your choice."

From such a close distance, his faint breath brushed against me, and his deep, dark eyes bore into me. "Ariana, look me in the eyes. Is it really like you said so indifferent, so casual?"

He wondered if admitting I still loved him was really so difficult. He didn't understand what I was afraid of.

Instinctively, I shook my head, trying to pull away. Yet, it felt as though some invisible force bound me. Even if I could break free from his grasp, I couldn't escape the net-like hold of his gaze. "You're overthinking," I said, averting my eyes, my tone turning cold.

soon as Nicholas was no longer within my line of sight, an

For some reason, I had never envisioned raising him alone. If someday I wasn't able to watch my children grow up, at least there would be someone else to help care for them. Nicholas was

of us turned silent. Nicholas didn't press me further, and I didn't take the initiative to speak again. When we got out of the car, he walked ahead, deliberately keeping some distance from me. Neal saw us appear one after the other, but he wasn't surprised. He didn't show much emotion

I offered as a way to comfort

the neatly folded uniform placed on the chair opposite his desk,

me. If it

and I

you don't need to blame yourself."

his fists,

picked up a box from the floor and carefully placed the uniform inside.

the box and told him, "I'm planning to visit his

standing at attention and saluting him crisply. "Mr. Hawk,