Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 538

"Where's Tabitha? I'm here to take her home," I looked around and asked.

Nicholas replied, "I've put her to sleep. Could she stay with me for a few more days?"

"This early?"

Nicholas nodded as he looked at me. His voice was heavy like something was weighing him down.

"She usually doesn't fall asleep so early. Let me check on her," I said, a bit concerned.

However, Nicholas grabbed my pant leg to keep me from going.

"She really is asleep. I only read her two pages of a story, and she drifted off. Wendy is in the same room with her. If there are any issues, she'll let us know."

Looking down at Nicholas holding onto my leg, I kept my expression calm. Yet, something felt off. Perhaps he was reluctant to let Tabitha leave.

There were countless times I had seen Nicholas playing with Claudia in the courtyard. I used to think he would make a wonderful father someday—someone who knew just how to care for a child.

After a moment, I suggested, "How about we set up a schedule? She can stay with you on certain days, then with me the rest of the time."

Nicholas looked up at me with a hopeful expression. "Couldn't you both stay here?"

I responded calmly, "How would a divorced couple live together?"

His hand dropped in defeat. "I just want to be with you."

"I don't," I replied plainly.

After a pause, he added, "I would have made it myself, but those recipes were a bit complicated. I'll learn them and make it for you next time."

Eating food Nicholas hadn't personally prepared was a relief. As he served me some food, he said, "Have you thought about how long-term separation might affect Tabitha's condition?"

The meat in my mouth suddenly tasted bland. I was still chewing, trying to find the right words as he continued, "You can't hide this from me. I could tell the moment I saw her. No one understands the signs of autism better than I do."

I looked at him, barely tasting the food. I admired that he could say all this calmly and had made peace with the past.

"While you were in a coma, I took Tabitha to the hospital for an assessment. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but as her father, I have a right to know everything about her.

"Tabitha is smart, and much stronger than I expected. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to charities for autistic children, and I've got a medical team on board for her.

"Ariana, I'll spare no effort when it comes to resources. But as her parents, we must shield her from any further emotional wounds."