Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

Chapter 0604

I was filled with excitement. Ever since that argument with Nicholas, he had already begun coordinating with his medical team.

Due to the sudden changes, the team had to completely revise the questions they had prepared. Since it concerned Tabitha, we didn't mind giving them a bit more time.

Now, we finally had everything ready.

Despite my excitement, I couldn't help but feel womed. "What kind of questions? Should we review them in advance? I'm not sure if Tabitha will understand."

"I've already seen them. They're mostly picture-based, with very simple text. We've shown them to a few kids of the same age, and they all understood. Tabitha's smarter than most kids her age, so don't worry."

I nodded without saying anything. During our time abroad, I had visited countless hospitals. They all said Tabitha was too young, and we could only rely on home interventions for now. But now...

Although I wasn't entirely confident, seeing Nicholas so composed and sure of himself gave me an unusual sense of calm.

Nicholas thought I was anxious, so he hugged me before leaving. "This time, I'll be with you. You won't face this alone again."

I froze slightly, catching a glimpse of Tabitha out of the corner of my eye. She was looking up

at us.

I gently wrapped my arms around his waist and stood on tiptoe to kiss him on the chin. "Go ahead. And come back home early."

Nicholas took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "No matter what happens, I will protect you both for the rest of my life."

With Tabitha right there, I couldn't bring myself to snap at him. Instead, I suppressed my temper and channeled all my emotions into a jab at his chest.

"Hurry up. Stop acting like you're heading into battle."

Honestly, if he didn't have company business, he would've been with Tabitha at Coral Villa the entire time. Even when he had to go out, he made sure to be back before 4:00 p.m. I really didn't know what kind of show he was putting on.

When I glanced up at him, I caught him looking down at me with a soft smile. His expression was something I recognized, but it was also something I couldn't respond to.

Even though Claudia's name had nearly faded from our lives, I couldn't bring myself to open up completely.

Nicholas had said that once Claudia's health was stable, the police would take her away for detention. She had ruined her own life, and now she was just a fleeting part of my past.

I was startled by the sudden wetness in my palm. I instinctively pulled my hand back, but

Nicholas gripped it tightly.

His gaze was soft, warm as still water. He looked at me with an intensity that mirrored the tendemess he used to have.

But then his lips brushed against my hand in a way that was both teasing and bold, completely unraveling that nostalgia.

That's enough..." I couldn't take it anymore and wamed him.

Nicholas was slightly taken aback before a mischievous glint surfaced in his dark eyes. Under his teasing gaze, my face grew hotter and redder until beads of sweat appeared on my forehead. Only then did he finally let go.

I sighed in relief, thinking he was finally leaving. But he knelt beside Tabitha, speaking to her seriously.

"Daddy loves Mommy, so that's why I kiss her like this. Daddy loves Tabitha too, so I'll kiss you the same way."

With that, he gently kissed Tabitha's hand before standing and walking away.

I watched him leave, silently cursing him under my breath. This guy-this week alone, he'd repeated this same routine so many times. Love was always on his lips now.

Placing my hand over my chest, I tried to calm my racing heart. I told myself it was all just an act.