Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 658

When we arrived at the Coral Villa, Cory stood in awe, wide-eyed at everything in front of him. Although everything seemed new and exciting to him, he kept in mind what Nicholas had told him in the car.

"I have a daughter at home. She's very well-behaved but very timid. You can't be loud, and you shouldn't get too close to her, or you might scare her."

Cory nodded seriously, saying, "Dad told me that a man must protect women! I'll protect her from a distance!"

"Good boy. I'm sure she wants to be friends with you too, but she's shy. Can you give her some time?"

"I understand. I'll be good and won't scare her."

…

"Tabitha, look who's back—it's Daddy and Mommy—"

Before Wendy could finish her sentence, she froze when she saw that Nicholas was holding a little boy in his arms.

Her smile stiffened, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense. She subtly shielded Tabitha's face, her expression wary as she glanced at the distance between the two children, as if afraid something might go wrong.

Tabitha also noticed the little boy in Nicholas' arms. I thought she might react with jealousy or displeasure at seeing her father holding another child, but she merely glanced at him indifferently before turning her head and resting it on Wendy's shoulder.

She barely reacted to me or Nicholas either.

My heart ached. I forced a smile and went over to pick up Tabitha. Turning to Cory, I said, "Cory, this is our daughter that Mr. Nick mentioned earlier."

"Tabitha, he's your elder brother. See? Your elder brother…" I bounced Tabitha lightly in my arms, but she remained listless and unresponsive.

Upon seeing this, I quickly asked Wendy to take Tabitha away. Afterward, I explained Cory's situation to Wendy, who was so moved that she shed tears. She made a feast of dishes for Cory.

The two children didn't exchange a single word from the moment they met until the end of dinner. Though I had anticipated this, witnessing it still made me feel sad.

If we were to adopt Cory, they would need time to adapt to each other. I knew it couldn't be rushed, but I didn't expect that as soon as Tabitha was taken from the table, the usually composed Cory would start crying uncontrollably.

Silent tears streamed down his face until he couldn't hold back his sobs. Only then did I notice his eyes were already red from crying.

Chewing on a mouthful of food, he asked in a choked voice, "Is my dad never coming back?"