Trouble in Paradise

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.

But as soon as Nicholas was no longer within my line of sight, an inexplicable emptiness settled in my heart.

Adopting a child... 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 indeed the source of my confidence in making this decision.

Both 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 either-clearly, he was still struggling to cope with the loss of his teammate.

"My condolences," I offered as a way to comfort him.

Noticing the neatly folded uniform placed on the chair opposite his desk, my heart clenched, and my throat tightened.

"It's all because of me. If it weren't for-"

Neal shook his head, patting my shoulder. "I gave the order for the mission, and I was the one who issued the command to hold position without backup. It's not

anyone else's fault. Ariana, you don't need to blame yourself."

Behind me, Nicholas clenched his fists, but no one seemed to notice.

Neal picked up a box from the floor and carefully placed the uniform inside. His own eyes turned red as he quietly said, "He didn't leave much behind."

"Let me take it." I accepted the box and told him, "I'm planning to visit his home and check on his son."

At that, Neal turned to properly address Nicholas, standing at attention and saluting him crisply. "Mr. Hawk, you mentioned how you intended to make some

arrangements for Cory. On behalf of Jerry, I sincerely thank your noveldrama

"There's no need," Nicholas replied, raising his hand slightly to stop him. His gaze then shifted to me.

Then, I said, "Neal, I plan to visit him. If he's willing to come with me, I'll raise him. I'll handle all the necessary procedures."

Neal's previously somber expression brightened. He had considered raising the child himself, but deep down, he knew.

How was he any different from his father? Who could guarantee he would always emerge unscathed from mission after mission? If something happened to him, would Cory have to endure the same pain all over again?

"Really? That's wonderful!"