Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 657

The journey was silent, and the car eventually stopped in front of a drab, gray apartment building.

Nicholas had been here before and was already familiar with the place. So, I followed him as he ascended the building floor by floor.

The child, who was around six years old, was well-behaved and sensible. Upon hearing the familiar voice of someone who had recently visited, he opened the door with all his might, his small hands reddened from the cold doorknob.

He nervously glanced at me standing behind Nicholas. Though he seemed scared, he still managed a polite greeting.

"Hello, miss."

I crouched down and took a deep breath. "Cory, are you hungry? I'll take you out for dinner, okay?"

Cory shook his head. He didn't approach my outstretched arms. Instead, he took two steps back. "My dad hasn't returned yet?"

"Your dad is out," I replied gently. "He asked us to take care of you. Come home with me for dinner, okay?"

"Thank you, but Ms. Leah asked me to have dinner at her house tonight. We already made plans."

I looked up at Nicholas silently. He explained, "The neighbor across the hall—I gave her some money to look after the child for a few days."

Nicholas' voice was so light, devoid of any emotion, but it brought a pang of sorrow to my heart in an instant. Jerry must have been a wonderful person to raise such a kind and well-mannered child.

Nicholas pulled me up and then walked over and scooped Cory into his arms. "Come with me. We'll tell Ms. Leah and it'll be fine. What do you feel like eating?"

I walked over and took Cory's little hand. "Yes, Cory. What do you want to eat? You can have anything you like tonight!"

"I want Dad's tomato and scrambled eggs!"

His words left me speechless as if something had lodged in my throat.

Nicholas held Cory in one arm and wrapped the other around my shoulders, pulling me close before letting go.