Trouble in Paradise

"Tabitha, come here! Let Mommy hold you!"

I crouched at the door with my arms wide open. Although I knew Tabitha wouldn't run over to me like other kids, I couldn't help but hope-what if she did, just this once?

Pete stood up as soon as he saw me. He adjusted his clothes and scooped up the dazed Tabitha, bringing her to me,

After taking my bag, he handed her over. He playfully poked her cheeks as he asked, "How did it go today? Did you find a good daycare? Need me to make some more calls?"

I nodded, kissing Tabitha's sweet, soft face a few times before talking about the daycares I had shortlisted.

I added, "But we'll still need to take Tabitha with us to finalize it. The teachers want to assess her, and we'll need to see if she likes the environment too."

Pete looked puzzled. "Weren't you supposed to bring Tabitha with you today? Why did you go alone?"

He wanted things settled quickly. He couldn't stay in the country for long. After all, Pete's business was mainly abroad. He was worried about me staying here. He wasn't comfortable with it.

Pete had already consulted experts about Tabitha's situation. As long as she received enough attention, it wouldn't matter what country she was in. There wouldn't be much difference.

But since I wanted to give it a try, he went along with it. It was for both Tabitha's sake and my peace of mind.

"Well..." I felt a bit awkward and walked toward the dining room with Tabitha in my arms. "I thought it'd be better to narrow down the options first. She is still so young. It's hard for her to travel around."

I used a random excuse to brush it off, but my mind kept circling back to everything that had happened earlier at Coral Villa.

Some people, once they reappeared, they seemed to take over one's thoughts completely.

"Ari... Ari..." Pete nudged my shoulder. "I've been talking to you, didn't you hear me?"

"Oh... what did you say? Sorry. I might be a little tired. I was zoned out for a bit."

"Why don't you let Wendy feed Tabitha? I think you're hungry. You don't seem very spirited."

He was right. I hadn't eaten anything since morning, but I still wasn't very hungry.

I picked at a few bites before putting my fork down. Pete sat across from me, reaching out to take my hand. But just then, my phone rang.

"I need to take this call," I said, using the call to slip away. I held up my phone to show Pete that it was Douglas calling.

I walked over to the window and answered the phone. Douglas's voice came through the line, sounding

hesitant.

"Ms. Jones... Um..."

I frowned. "What's with the stammering? Spit it out."

"Ms. Gardner from Nicholas's office asked me to get in touch with you. She said there was something urgent and asked if you could call her back. I've sent you her number via text. That's all. Goodnight, Ms. Jones." Douglas spoke quickly as if a ghost was chasing him. He hung up as soon as he finished speaking.

Pete approached from behind. "Is everything okay?"

I looked at him and shook my head. "Yeah. It's nothing.

"Are you sure? I feel like you're acting a bit strange today. If something's up, don't hide it from me." Pete added, "I'm here for you. I'll help you."

He suddenly leaned closer. "Ari, haveThis content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

you thought more about us? You said you would accept me once Tabitha accepts me, but I think that's a bit tricky. How about you accept me first, and together, we can work together on getting Tabitha to accept me?"

I looked at Pete with a complicated expression. After everything that happened with Nicholas today, I was even more certain I couldn't choose a man for the sake of love anymore. It was too exhausting, too painful.

The only person that could make me compromise now was Tabitha.

I was still hesitating about how to respond when Pete suddenly leaned in, sniffing lightly. "Ari, who did you meet today?" 2